IN this 16. Chapter is prosecuted the execution of these last plagues from vers. 2, In the 1. vers. there is the last step of preparation for it, by commissionating these Angels who were instruments presently to fall about it. The voice seemeth to be Christs, called a great voice out of the Temple: partly, to shew Authority in Him that calleth; partly, to shew His earnestnesse in the thing He calleth unto. Whether this be immediately from Christ, or mediately by His Ministers in His Church, (which is most like) it is all one, seing it is Christs Word and hath his warrand. The commission is limited to poure them out one the earth, that is, such a part of the world as is contradistinguished from the Church, which is called heaven; for, afterward some are poured on the Sea, some in the Air, &c. for, though the antichristian world be a compleat world in it self; yet, being compared with the Church, it is but the earth: Out of the Temple, because there of old God gave Oracles; it is in allusion to that. Before we speak particularly of these vials, we shall premit some generall considerations usefull for understanding of them, or some generall observations concerning them.
As all these vials speak wrath, and the last wrath, so do they all speak wrath principally against the beast as the object of it, with his kingdom and followers, as these who have his name, mark, character, &c. The first vial is poured on the earth of that kingdom, and of the second, 5 and 7 it is clears; His wrath is perfected against the whore by these, therefore that Song (Chap. 18 and 19) is as the result of these judgements; for, they are such judgements as are not common to others, but pecularly affect Him and His. Therefore in the fourth vial, it is said, the men (οἱ ἂνθρωποι) particularly relating to men mentioned before to wit, these that were marked with his mark, which will afterward be more clear; Yet let this have three caveats, 1. The Church wanteth not her exercises, even in the time of these vials, as was clear from Chap. 14:11 she hath her enemies and battels there, but they all end in and tend to her inlargement in the close. 2. Though they aim principally at Antichrist as the chief enemie, yet other enemies do not escape unpunished, but are made sharers in the judgement also, under them, especially in the 6 and 7 vials, which are more generall, as will appear, and take in moe enemies. 3. It is not to be understood, that they so carry on the beasts ruine, as that it is alway sensible; he still fighteth and may have his own seeming advantages to harden him, as if he might recover, which yet shall never be, but by this God hath the more glory in renewing his battels against him, as He had against Pharaoh by multiplying his judgements against him, unto which there is an allusion here.
It would be Observed, that the kingdom of the beast, when it is spoken of as the object of these judgements, is spoken of as a world having a Heaven, Earth, Sea, Rivers, Sun, &c. as parts of it, even as it was observed before in the destruction of the Heathen world in the sixth seal, Chap. 6 and of the Christian world, Chap. 8. Which observation is usefull, 1. To help us to find our what thing in Popery, or, in that dominion, is meaned by some analogie from Earth Sea, &c. in the naturall body and frame of the world, to such things made use of in that antichristian world: which, in that respect, are Earth, Sea, &c. to it. 2. It is usefull, to let us see what weight Religion and its change hath upon a people; it maketh it appear as another world, and therefore the speciall changes, in all these three periods, are to be sought in the change that is on the outward frame and face of Religion. 3. It is usefull for clearing one thing by another, as what was Sea in the Christian world, will help to shew what supplieth that room in the antichristian, &c.
Observe that in these vials, respect is sundry times had in the expression of the effects to the plagues of Egypt, Exod 6, 7, 8 yet so that as Romish Babylon, is spiritually called Egypt and Sodom, Chap. 11. So these effects, are not litterally, but spiritually to be understood, at least, in a great part.
Take this consideration also, that as Antichrist hath a double notion and consideration, Chap. 13 as Civil or Ecclesisticall; So these parts of him, Rivers, Sun, &c. and the effects on them, may have that twofold confederation, some of them on his temporall grandour bringing temporall plagues; some of them on his Ecclesiastick frame, by spirituall judgements overturning that: therefore is it that some of them are certainly spiritually, others literally, κατἁ τὸ ῥ ητόν, to be understood, some of them have respect to both as we will see.
Observe, that in the order of the puring forth of these vials, there is a speciall likenesse and reference to that same order and method which was followed in the trumpets, Chap. 8. The first vial is on the earth, as the first trumpet, and so it is with the rest: but as the worlds are different, so are the effects. This letteth us see, First, that as we are to look on Antichrists fall by the vials, so we are to look to his rise under the trumpets, seing the Spirit holdeth forth in these two, 1. a suitablenesse and equality in Gods justice, bringing him down as he rose, 2. a spreading and counterfeiting nature in his errors, making a whole body, as it were, a world, in opposition to Christs world before. Secondly, it helpeth, by comparing the trumpets and vials together, to win at some clearnesse in the effects threatned. And, 3. that the ruine is as certain as the rise of the beast; and as the three last woes in the trumpets were greatest, so are the three last vials.
Consider the time to which these vials relate: and although it be not easie or possible to determine the distance of time between them, or the precise beginning of every one of them; yet may something be laid as certain for the rise and close of this vision in generall, which in short we take to be that same of the seventh trumpets founding, Chap. 11 after the begun change of Reformation, especially when Reformation and Religion came to be established by civil Authority, which will be about Anno 1560 as was then more fully cleared: this is after the beasts kingdom is discovered and a change and decay in his grandour begun. The pouring out of the seventh vial, cleareth that the close is the consummating of Gods wrath, as their titles bear, Chap. 15 vers. 2 and so endeth with time.
Concerning the instruments, called Angels, Observe, That though one Angel only be named to every one, yet it will not exclude moe agents, but that God though He make use of men, Ministers or Magistrates (both having hand therein, Chap. 14 compared with 17) yet He hath it over-ruled by Angels, that it be not disapointed, and that it should not fail.
Observe, That though there be order in the rise of these judgements, and all are not poured out together; yet, as in the seals and trumpers, so here it will not follow, that the former judgement is ended, before another come, but that there is an order in rising: yet, the first and second plague, which are the effects of the first two vials, they go alongst to the end, and have but these new plagues superadded to them.
To come nearer, there are two things in all these vials observable, 1. The object plagued, or that whereon the vial is poured; which is (as it were) the cause. 2. The effect following, to wit, the affecting or plaguing that object, whether that be primary or secundary; for, one plague may have sundry effects following upon or going alongst with one another. Concerning which take these rules, 1. That he object denoteth some speciall part of the antichristian frame or fabrick of his kingdom, complexly taken. The judgement is primarily there; the effect again reflecteth on the persons who are supporters of that Kingdom, and affecteth them, as the Earth, Sea, Sun, Seat, &c. is still somewhat of that antichristian state, which, being affected, affecteth his worshippers, as the bringing down of a house, hazardeth these that are in it; or, somewhat wrong in a ship, these who fail in her.
That this thing plagued, or on which the vial is poured, cannot be any thing meerly active in this judgement, as for instance, by the Sun, under the fourth vial, cannot be meaned here the Scriptures, because they, as such, are not proper parts of the antichristian frame, but some other thing accounted Scripture as to them: Nor doth the affecting of the Scriptures, by any violent handling of them, grieve them who are excessive in that: but it must be something that can suffer by these vials, the suffering whereof may have such suitable effects on the subjects of that Kingdom, as the rejecting of their traditions may probably grieve the abettors of them.
In application either of the things plagued, or of their effects to particulars, speciall respect would be had to these three or four things, 1. to the analogie between such a thing (suppose the earth) in the naturall world, and what is called earth in this antichristian universe; that by the similitude of the one to the other, somewhat may be gathered. 2. What is applied, would suit well with the effect; for, one of them hath influence on the other, and a suitablenesse to the other, as such a cause may have upon such an effect. 3. That there be an agreeance and resemblance with these same things mentioned under the trumpets: the one (to wit, earth, here) being to this antichristian world in place of that which was earth there to the Christian world. 4. Special respect would be had to the story of events; (so far as they are already fulfilled) for some length certainly they are fulfilled, that the application may agree with the series of the event, which otherwise cannot be sure.
To come particularly then to the first vial, according to these rules the object of that plague is the earth. 2. The effect is, a grievous and noisome sore fell upon the men who had the beasts mark, and worshipped his image. By the earth is understood that which is most firm (it is the most firm part of the universe, Psal. 104 the earth he established, &c.) and most essentiall and necessary for entertaining of life. By the earth of the antichristian world then, we understand such Doctrines as they lay for surest, and upon which all the rest stand, and without which that building cannot stand and be a world, such as it is, more than this world without the earth. Such is the Popes Supremacy, absolute to dispose of all things as he pleaseth (and others mentioned, Chap. 13 as characteristicall to him) Hence did we expound the earth (Chap. 8) to be the fundamentall Doctrines of the Christian Religion. The pouring the viall on this, is the discovering the unfoundnesse of such grounds, the rejecting and abhorring them in practice, and mens betaking themselves to more solid and better principles to walk by, especially when done by publickly authorized preaching.
The effects suit with this. 1. These plagued are such as are inslaved to the beast, and stood and sell with him in the largest extent of his tenents and Doctrines. 2. The plague it self is a boyl and sore, but such as is occasioned by the former discovery, alluding to the plague, (Exod. 9:8, 11) of boyls especially on the Magicians. Hereby is holden out a plague, 1. painfull; 2. shamefull and loath some before others: by which may be understood that inward envie and fretting, and outward contempt and shame that fell on all Antichrists devouted slaves, when God brought to light the vanity, blasphemy, and hypocrisie of their devised Religion, and tyranny, whereby the world had long been deluded. They now come to be accounted as unsavory salt, and false Teachers, who once swayed all. In sum, this faith, that when the seventh Angel shall found, and God shall begin his quarrel with the beast, He shall at the entry so discover and shake the prime foundations of that antichristian Kingdom, that it shall procure much inward fretting and vexing grief (compared to pricking in the reins, Psal. 73:21) to the prime supporters thereof, and shall make them loathsome and abominable to the world, as were the Magicians (opposers of Moses and of the peoples delivery from Egypt, and instrumentall in hardening Pharaoh and the Egyptians) by the plague of boyls, Exod. 9:11 so as they could not stand.
In the event, this is sure, 1. that the fundamentals of the popish Kingdom were stricken at, such as the Popes Supremacy and absolutenesse, the opinion of indulgences, merits, soul-masses, purgatory, &c. which two, Erasmus, (merrily) aid, were the two unpardonable faults of Luther, that he had medled with, the Popes crown and the Monks bellies, meaning that they would never digest it, to be touched in these, but it would gall them. 2. The contempt that followed upon that discovery, and the vexation, anxiety, terrour, trouble and grief that it put that Roman Clergie unto, the events and story of these times do sufficiently witnesse.
THe Angels proceed to execute Gods judgement on the beast, and the second poureth out his vial on the sea, vers. 3. The effects are two, 1. It became as the bloud of a dead man. The second is a consequent of this, every living soul died in it. There is in this certainly set forth a further degree of Antichrists ruine, as the second trumpet held forth a further step of his rising: in generall, this extendeth the plague on Antichrist further, and bringeth it to an higher degree; But more particularly, (as we conceive) is holden out Gods plague upon the complex body of that Kingdom, as it is antichristian, that is, both sea and land, especially their Ordinances, Government, superstitious forms of Worship, Councels, Decrees, &c. whereby much of their grandour stood: now these are set upon, and the abbacies, traditions, indulgences, &c. whereby they subsisted, are in a great part destroyed.
That by sea here must be understood something of this nature, will appear by comparing vers. 17 and 13 of Chap. 18 together: for, this sea must be suitable and serviceable to these who trade in it, and these again suitable to their trade, which is the souls of men amongst other things, vers. 13 ibid. and these certainly must be their Churchmen, therefore this sea they trade in, must be their Ecclesiastick or Church constitutions, forms and ordinances of sacraments, ceremonies, masses, traditions, &c. and especially what concerneth indulgences, pardons and purgatory, because in these their trade of souls is especially driven: this answereth somewhat to the second trumpet also, Chap. 8.
Gods plague upon these, maketh them like the bloud of a dead man, that is, (as Chap. 8 vers. 8) it became corrupt, and not only uselesse but deadly, so that whosoever would now follow that way and drink of these Doctrines, it would kill him. Which two effects hold out, 1. that, after Gods begun quarrelling with Antichrist, he mendeth his superstitious worship nothing, but maketh it worse, so did the Councell of Trent in many Articles both of faith and worship. 2. That after Gods revealing and discovering the grossenesse of particular errours by the former vial, he went on and discovered the rottennesse of the complex worship and Government of that Kingdom. 3. That by this discovery, especially their Churchmen were pinched. 4. That this brought the antichristian state lower and made many forsake these rotten waters that they could not live in them, or if they stayed, they were now more deadly than before this discovery: So by dying here may be understood their dying as to Antichrists state, that is, ceasing to be of his Kingdom as formerly, as Chap. 8:4 so they die to him, or, they are more hardened that stay and become more spiritually dead. Thus this judgement either maketh them leave him, or it maketh their condition more desperate: so that now, none continuing to live under the full profession of Popery, can get heaven, as in the former darknesse, in some respect, it was possible: this by the Councell of Trent and what followed upon it, we may conceive it to have its fulfilling; so that now men can no more live in Popery and own their tenents than fishes can do amongst bloud; but every living soul that quitteth not these Ordininances, shall perish, partly, because now they are worse in themselves, partly, because the light having made the discovery, a separation is called for.
The third vial followeth, from vers. 4 to vers. 8 containing three things, 1. the object plagued, it is the rivers and fountains. 2. The effect, they are tourned to bloud. 3. There is a double approbation of Gods justice, or congratulation added, whereby some things may be gathered, usefull for understanding this vial, which differeth not only in its object, but in its kind from the former. We may in this observe these three things, 1. That the object is men; not Ordinances or Government in the abstract, but such as shed bloud and can drink bloud. 2. What sort of men they are, to wit, guilty of the bloud of the Saints, executioners of that whore who is drunk with the bloud of Saints, Chap. 17 and in whose skirts it is found, Chap. 18:24. 3. What sort of plague this is, bloudshed, literally so taken: so to drink bloud, importeth they have shed bloud, and are met in their own measure. Their bloud is shed, and that in abundance: and the just proportionablnesse betwixt their sin and judgement here, importeth this, especially if we consider that (Chap. 13:9, 10) he that killeth with the sword, must be killed by the sword, which is the threatning, whereof this is the accomplishment. And in this vial and the former, there is an allusion to the plague of Egypt, when all was bloud, and the fishes died.
The object of this vial, is, fountains and rivers, to wit, such things as furnish moisture and life to the antichristian world, as fountains and rivers do in this. They must be something running to the former sea, and in opposition to the truth of the Gospel, Chap. 8 yet so as it must be applyed not of things, but of persons who have shed bloud, and whole bloud is shed. By this then, it would seem their orders and Clergie especially (and all others who are prime instruments and supporters of that antichristian world) with their Nurseries and Seminaries, whereby they have filled the world with corrupt Teachers, must be understood. These are called wells by Pet. 2 Epist. 2 (though without water, that is, refresh fall water) These run to and suit with the sea of Ordinances formerly mentioned. These have furnished life to that beast of a long time, men drinking at no other fountain or river, but the Writings of some corrupt Schoolman, whose principles and assertions are often more debated for than the Scriptures; and had it not been watered by these, that world had run dry long since. These mens Doctrines shall not only by this be vilipended, but the executers and followers of these principles (whereby many Saints have smarted) shall be repayed: for, persons eminently subservient to Antichrist, and malicious against the Saints, must be understood here, as their Ordinances were by the former.
The effect, is, these rivers became bloud: not corrupt only (as in the former vial) but they became bloudy, that is, had their own bloud given them to drink, and were really made liable to such crosses and executions as formerly they had made the Saints liable unto; so the words after expound it, and so the Church in the second seal is described by a red horse. But lest Antichrists followers should glory in suffering as in Martyrdoom, the congratulation is added, to shew that it was an effect of justice on them: which is commended in a double congratulation and approbation.
Vers, 5. The first approbation, is by the instrument of this plague, called the Angel of the waters, because this was committed to him to plague these rivers and fountains. There is here besides Gods title of eternity (or holinesse, as the last word of the three, in the Original, ὅσιος, hath it) a twofold commendation of Gods way in this, with the evidence of both, shewing that is done, and that distinctly upon grounds of knowledge (as men who speak of such things should do:) and there is one from the altar, subscribing to this judgement, which we take to be the same, Chap. 14:18 whereby we understand that perfect harmony that is between them in heaven and these on earth, heaven and earth, as it were, rejoycing together in the execution of this judgement, as it is Chap. 18.
The first congratulation, or approbation, goeth on two things 1. Something in God is commended. 2 There is an evidence and proof of that which is commended.
The second congratulation, or approbation, is, vers. 7 and it is the subscription of the Saints glorified in heaven to this Song, setting their seal to the former approbation, Even so, Lord God Almighty &c. observing, and, as it were, preaching Gods justice and truth that appeareth now in these plagues. This looketh like the same, who (Chap. 14:18) put up their suit to God for this judgement, now when it is come he acknowledgeth it, so that as both the Church-militant and triumphant longed and prayed for Babylons ruine: now when it cometh they are not idle spectatores, but blesseth him for it. They prayed then, they praise now: who do the former, shall have occasion of the latter, and should improve the occasion of praise as well as of prayer. If by the first be to be understood Christians active in the judgement, and by the second, some suffering yet under Antichrist, it will be one thing, all sorts shall thus blesse God (even these that are but onlookers) though as yet they do not share of the delivery in that measure. In sum it is, Lord, all that is said of thy judgement on thy enemies, and of thy goodnesse to thy people from the beginning of the world, and particularly, all chat is come, or to come on Antichrist, is just and true, and there is no wrong done; thou hast keeped thy threatnings to him and thy promises to thy people.
If any ask, why this approbation, or these congratulations are marked at this vial especially; Beside what was said in opening the meaning of the words, we conceive these reasons may be given, 1. To shew that the work is observable, and should be observed as that which hath much of Gods glory shining in it: and so it telleth how observant Gods people are and ought to be in observing His judgements 2. It is to shew the greatnesse and gloriousnesse of the work of executing judgement on Antichrist, as having much of Gods faithfulnesse and justice shining in it, and of His love to His Church. 3. It is, that thereby the stupidity and slownesse of men may be checked. Men are slow to put out their hand against the whore: Therefore He would let them know how glorious a work it is, that they may be stirred to be active in it when they are called to it, and in the mean time may pray for it. 4. Because this was the speciall thing foretold in the 13 and prayed for in the 14. Chapters: and they that prayed for it formerly observe, and praise for it when it is fulfilled. Watchfulnesse in difficulties will send us to prayer, and so should outgates send us to praise.
Although we dare not be particular in the application of things, yet considering some remarkable over throws of many Papists (whereby their own bloud was given them to drink) In Holland, France, Germany, England, &c. in the prosecuting or their designs that were a little after the Councel of Trent, and to he year, 1588 which formerly, when all things sucœeded with them, they used not to meet with; and considering the Laws and Acts that were made against seminary Priests and saying of Masse, &c. that it should be death, we conceive there is warrand to say, that in part this vial is fulfilled, and that there is, in that respect, ground for the praise that is mentioned here.
ANntichrists begun ruine goeth on as his rise did, and by the same degrees. The fourth Angel (vers. 8) poureth out his vial, and a further degree of darknesse cometh on that kingdom, and anxiety upon his followers. The object of this plague, is the Sun of Antichrists world, to that men were scorched with fire, that is the proper work of this Angel: his power is by that plague of affecting the Sun to scorch men, that is, the men mentioned, vers. 2 that have the beasts mark: for they are writ in the plural, and as relative to these formerly mentioned. Then (vers. 9) follow three effects of this plague, 1. pain, 2. blasphemie, 3. impenitencie.
This plague is declared, 1. in the object of it. the Sun, 2. in the nature of it in generall, He had power given him to scorch men with fire. 3. This is more particularly cleared in the effects, vers, 9.
The Sun of the beasts kingdom, or world, we understand with a twofold respect, 1. to his temporall state. 2. to his Ecclesiastick. 1. By Sun in the world, is understood somewhat eminent, glorious and shining, so Chap. 6 as the heaven is above the earth. Now, as the Sun is chief among the lights in that firmament, so here must be understood some eminent chief light in that world, as great ones, Kings and Princes, are glorious lights. It would seem the Emperour, as chief among them who uphold most that whore, as her first born (so is he called) The King of Spain and others may be meaned, it being the Sun that giveth light and also comfort and life to things here, as these temporall Monarchs do to the Pope, especially the Emperour and King of Spain; or, it may hold out the Lords withdrawing temporall powers from the beasts friendship, as it is Chap. 17 and seing they glory much in that, the making of such to hate her, cannot but darken that kingdom and gall them much: and indeed as the Word propagateth and defendeth Christs Kingdom, so almost doth externall force of inquisitions, and such like, uphold the Popish tyrannie; and seing these go before the fifth vial, wherein Babylon is to be pulled down by some Kings, this is not unlikely.
Looking again unto this beast as a whorish Church, by Sun we understand the complex doctrine, rules and canons of the Church of Rome, or, what is to them in place of the Scriptures, which we expounded to be that Sun in the fourth trumpet, Chap. 8 though this be not the Sun simply, yet to them it is so, and it is a Sun profitable to that kingdom, or heaven wherein it shineth, that we are to seek for here. This is done by Gods making the light of His Word to shine more clearly and convincingly to discover the prophesies about Antichrist, whereby his glory is stained, that darknesse and ignorance which they formerly called light, is abolished now in a great measure; and this cannot but burn and scorch these men, as very fire, when light cometh to an height, while-as the very prophesying of two witnesses, Chap. 11 so tormented them: for, the outbreaking of Gods light darkeneth their sun, as the rising of their errors darkened his Sun, Chap. 8 but not in the same manner. The effects will suit well with this also. Both, 1. the pain that men were scorched, that is, by this Word convinced and shamed, and by the Gospels thriving (which they could not impede,) so fretted, as Isa. 26:11. The fire of enemies is their envie, which as fire consumeth them. This is a further addition unto and degree of the first plague, vers. 2. both these applications may agree with the scope and type, &c.
The second effect, is, They blasphemed God who had power over these plagues. Where is, 1. Gods soveraignty in ordering all judgements, saying to one, go and he goeth, to another, do this and he doth it, Matth. 8. It is marked here to aggrege their sin, which is the second thing, that they should have slighted God and not humbled themselves before Him who smote them, Isa. 9 which was their duty, but grew in blaspheming God, that maketh their sin the greater. By this blasphemy we would understand a more violent giddy following of their blasphemous errors, and idolatrous wayes, which they flee most unto in their straits, to wrong God more publickly: as their blasphemy was marked in their head, the beast, Chap. 13 thus light doth them no good, as the third effect cleareth; They repented not to give God glory: Where is holden out, 1. the use of a rod, repentance in taking with our sin and abandoning of it; 2. the way to remove a rod, repentance and not running on in sin; 3. a great use of repentance, or end of it, is, to give God glory when He smiteth. 1. This taketh with the justice of the stroak, Josh. 7. My son (saith he to Achan) give God glory. 2. It yeeldeth to Him as the greater, and will not contest. 3. It glorifieth Him in accepting the chastilement and in bringing forth fruits before others, as acknowledging its being overcome. Antichrists followers, even by Gods judgements on him, will not be brought to repentance, so mad are they on their idols and so drunk with his delusions.
This fourth vial is at most but in the pouring forth, and the fifth certainly is to come, (yet is more plainly described than any of the former) and so we are to walk the more warily in the opening of it, seing events cannot afford such help.
In the fifth plague, which is in the 10 and 11 Verses, There is the object and the events. Here the object seemeth to be more clearly set down than formerly. It is the throne or feat of the beast: partly, to shew us it is something of the beasts Kingdom, that is plagued before, though it be not so plainly said the sun of the beast, as it is here the sear of the beast. 2. partly, because at this fifth vials pouring out, things will be so clear, that they will not be vailed with types; for, it bringeth a more sensible step of his ruine, as the fifth trumpet did of his rise. This fifth vial foretelleth the ruine of Rome, which will make Antichrist seek some other chair, or nest, to sit in. The object, is, the feat of the beast. The effects are lour, not unsuitable to what went before; seing there is a further plague on the beasts Kingdom, there is also a further degree of pain and bitternesse amongst his followers.
The seat here, or throne, (as it is in the Originall θρόνος.) is the same which was (Chap. 13 vers. 2) spoken of the seat or throne of the Dragon, to wit, Rome. Rome was called the Dragons seat, or throne, because although his dominion and authority did extend far, yet there he especially kept his court, and from thence issued his commands. It is the most eminent part of his kingdom, where his Majesty, as it were, doth more manifest it self. And as Rome was the Dragons throne, so will it be found to be Antichrists also: and therefore the object of this plague. 1. Because the beast (Chap. 13) getteth the same throne which the Dragon had, and is to emit his buls, mandats and orders from it, over all his dominions. 2. Because it agreeth well with the scope and gradation of these vials, which bring ever the judgement nearer Antichrist till it make him flee, as the vial following cleareth. 3. This is clear from the explicatory prophesie of this same vial, Chap. 17 and 18 where under the name of Babylon, the destruction of this seat is let down, as there will be clear, 4. It agreeth well also with the order of the trumpets: betwixt which and the vials there is a likenesse in method, as is said. By the fifth trumpet, Antichrist cometh to his throne to get some publick footing; by the fifth vial he is put from it: and supposing the Popish Kingdom to be the Antichristian Kingdom, and the Pope to be Antichrist, there is no question but Rome is the throne, it being from the pretended infallibility and sanctity of that Sea that they derive their state, be is now put from it. The first four vials, as it were, took in the outwark, this fifth stormeth his castle and overturneth it, which is more largely described. Chap. 18.
There are four effects, 1. His kingdom was full of darknesse, when the splendor of his throne is destroyed, a which they thought impossible. Now, there is confusion (by the influence of that stroak) on all his dominion: men think lesse of it, and it is now, as it were, fully darkened and contemptible in a greater degree than by any former vial: even as the fifth trumpet compleated the Churches darknesse, which was but partiall before it, yet is not this kingdom fully destroyed, though darkened, but there is a Pope, and he hath followers still and instruments and agents to do for him now when he is weak. The second effect, is, their pain, evidenced to be greater than before, in that they, like distracted mad men, gnaw their tongues for pain, it troubleth them so to be disappointed in the opinion they had of Romes standing. 2. The declining of their own grandour. And, 3, the enimity they had at the light they oppose, tormenteth them to see it thrive. These are more fully in the lamentation, Chap. 18. The third effect, they blaspheme against the God of heaven, at supra: possibly breaking out now in open rage, as if he made not good his supposed promises to the Apostolick Sea, Christs Vicar and Mother Church. And therefore in this fury they run to any instrument for help, as under the sixth trumpet, like that blasphemous saying, flectere sinequeo superos, Acheronta movebo. Yet, 4, they amended nothing of their ill deeds that brought on that wrath. Repentance is difficile, especially to these in this delusion.
THis vial in its events being wholly to come, it is no marvell there be difficulty in the understanding of it, seing what is not past is not easies; yet we have these two helps to understand it, 1. Concerning the time, this relateth to the state of the Church, succeeding Romes destruction: for as the first four vials begin and carry on his judgement, by discovering his hypocriticall way and spreading the light of the Gospel, and by Armies and temporall judgements taking vengeance on his Protectors, and dividing some (at least) of the western Kings that once had given their power to him, from him to be turned to hate him, Chap. 17 so the fifth vial lighteth on his seat, and he is made to quit his inexpugnable throne, and to flee elsewhere for shelter.
This sixth vial holdeth forth God still pursuing him; and as that beast useth new endeavours to strengthen himself by leagues with new friends, so God stirreth up new enemies against him, the Jews are called, and God taketh vengeance on all his supporters, when he hath suffered them for a time to countenance that banished Antichrist, he and they are both taken and cast into the pit, so that as the fifth vial putteth him from Rome, that it is not thereafter his seat, though there be a Pope: This sixth putteth an end to Popes, that there is none after that, as Chap. 19 appeareth: and then the seventh vial bringeth an end to all Christs enemies universally, and especially upon any adherents or favourers that this beast shall have after that; for, it appeareth, that even when there shall be no visible Pope, yet some shall continue so drunk with his wine as to be doting after him and lamenting his destruction, even to the end, who then shall be remembered when great Babylon shall get her last sentence.
A second help for clearing this, is, by comparing it with the 19. Chapter, which is the more clear and full explication of this: for, 1. that followeth the 18. Chapter which directly cleareth the fifth vial, and so in order the exposition of this sixth followeth, Chap. 19. 2.
Here a gathering and battell is spoken of; but the event is not set down till Chap. 19 when the contrary party against this gathering is expressed, and that it is the same gathering, appeareth, that it is here the day of God, there, the Supper of the great king, denoting one singular and eminent overthrow of Gods enemies. 3. also, that the enemies destroyed there, are the same mentioned here, to wit, Kings and their Armies, the beast and false Prophet (who are mentioned under the same names in both places, to shew the reference of the one to the other) and therefore comparing the events with the 19. Chapter, it appeareth that the first four Verses contain a desirable event having an accession to the Church in it, answerable to which is the praise in the beginning of Chap. 19 the other expresseth a speciall designe of the beast, which God disappointeth, Chap. 19 last part. Who these Kings of the East are, by which such an accession is made, and ground of joy given to the Church, will appear afterward.
In the words we have, 1. the object of this plague, the great river Euphrates. 2. The effects are more summarily and generally set down in two, 1. the effect; And 2. the end or use of it, vers: 12. Then more particularly, from vers. 13 to 17. In a word, there are three notable events holden forth here, 1. the Jews conversion under that expression, The preparing of the way of the Kings of the East, 2. the diminishing of the Turks greatnesse, by drying up Euphrates. 3. the last expedition of the beast for support of his totering Kingdom in the rest of the words, with its event, Chap. 19. This last expedition is either occasioned by the Jews conversion, who, taking him to be Antichrist, joyne with his opposers, whereby he is put to see for new friends. Or, these words may more fully explicate what by anticipation was set down before, namely, how this river of Euphrates was dried, to wit, Antichrist being put from Rome by the Western Kings, who now hate him, he hath recourse to the Turk, and possibly by alluring him from what prejudice he may suffer from the Jews rising and greatnesse, he getteth him engaged to concur with him, and many others also, on whom God taketh vengeance when they are gathered together; that what concerneth the Jews be not impeded.
The object, is, the great river Euphrates: which is great; and because of that, it is often called (κατʼ έξοχὴν) in Scripture the river simply. Of this Euphrates we heard, chap. 9. It runneth through Mesopotamia by or through Babylon, it divided Solomons Kingdom from Syria, and was a great strength to Babylon; and when the Jews were carried captive, they were carried beyond the river, that is, Euphrates therefore it stands now in the way of their returning: this here is an impedement of their entry to the Church and of their accesse to help down with Babylon; and as once Jordan was dried to make way for them, so that impediment is to be removed (as if it were by the drying of a river) out of their way. To take Euphrates litterally here, will not suit much with the Analogie used in the rest of the vials, nor with the scope here (that river standeth little in the way of the Jews conversion, and the drying of it will be little usefull to the Church) it must then be figuratively understood. By waters ordinarily in Scripture are understood much people, and by Eupharates in particular, these people that dwelt about it, as Isa. 8:7 the King of Assyria and his Army are called the waters of the river, that is, of Euphrates, because they dwelt about it. By the same reason then, Euphrates here must be understood the people for the time inhabiting there: and because not only in verity of the thing, the Turks now possesse that part of the world, but also (Chap 9:14, &c. of this Book) these same people were marked as bound about that river, and the loosing of them, noted as it were the overflowing of that peoples Dominion like a flood from these parts. So there is no people that can be so reasonably understood here as the Turks, who were also understood there, Chap. 9:14. And this sixth vial, mentioning that river, hath a speciall relation to the sixth trumpet, where it was mentioned before for so the agreement betwixt the trumpets and the vails requireth. Beside, Euphrates was both the border of the Roman Empire, and also of Davids Kingdom, though of, and within neither, but rather an impediment, to both; so it would seem that no people within the Empire of Church are meaned, though such enemies as border with both may be understood.
The effect, is, the waters there of were dried up, that is, as their Dominion increased by their overflowing under the sixth trumpet, so now they decay and diminish, and their Empire is abridged, by what mean, the Lord knoweth But these who before seemed a great river that none could passe, now people may crosse it, they are brought low; for if overflowing singnifie victory, as Isai. 8:7 then drying up must signifie diminishing, as is said.
The second part of the event setteth forth the end of this, to wit, that the way of the Kings of the East might be prepared: where we are to enquire, 1. what these Kings are? 2. what this is, to prepare their way? 3. how the diminishing of the Turkish power doth it?
By these kings in the East, we understand the Jews, who, being converted unto the faith of Christ, are not only Kings, as all other Christians are, Chap. 1:7 but it seemeth that especially they, when the Scripture speaketh of their conversion, are called Kings. If we will compare vers. 21, 22, and 23 of Isa. 24 we will find these things clear. 1. That when Israel is to be chastened, and thereafter restored, they are called Kings, Vers. 21 for, it is they that are after many dayes visited, and that is the Jews; for no other people are capable of the comfort intended in the promise, (as Calvin in locum asserteth) for it supposeth them once to have been Gods people. And, 2. for a long time to have been forgotten; and what is added of Gods reigning in Sion before his ancients, confirmeth this also. 2. It is clear that that visitation seemeth to relate to their last callings; for it is after many dayes, while the whole face of their land is overrun. 2. The erecting again of Christs Kingdom amongst them in so glorious a reigne, looketh to that time when it shall be most glorious, and so at their conversion, though in some part it may be fulfilled already under the Gospel (as all do grant) yet its higher degree of the Jews re-ingrafting followeth: and why may not that ancient priviledged people get names, importing a singular respect to them, especially considering that God may at their conversion furnish them generally with such spirituall and royall induements, that the feeble amongst them may be as David, and give also unto them a large outward Dominion? Zech. 12.
They are called Kings of the East, 1. because in respect of the part of the world we live in, who before, them injoy the Gospel; they are East to us, and so they are distinguished from the native Western Kingdoms and Kings, made also now to hate the whore. 2. Because many of them living there (it is like since the first captivity, and last dispersion) when they may be made to joyn against Antichrist in the West, (which maketh him so afraid) their expedition will look as coming from the East, and so the Turks will be in their way, as Euphrates was in Cyrus way, impeding the intaking of Babylon, till it was dried; so this of mysticall Babylon. 3. Because possibly (if not probably) after the Turks destruction, God may give them great possessions and Dominions in the East, and make them much instrumentall for spreading of the, Gospel to other Kings in these parts: besides, ordinarily any rise of light to the Church and of Christs coming is spoken as from the East, so Chap. 7:2 and Mat. 24 it is like lightning, as it were, a new day or morning breaking up in the Church.
To cleare it, That their way may be prepared taketh in this generall, the removing of any thing which may hinder them in their way towards the Church, or in the former expeditions: For, 1. not only are they to be looked on here as coming to the true Church, now separated from Antichrist; but, 2. as concurring to have a main hand in his overthrow. Hence he is so afraied at their conversion, (for it seemeth, that now all true converts are to be imployed in ruining him) and he hath an Hebrew name Abaddon, to shew their, abhorrency of him as others do, and the place of his ruine, and the praise for the same, is in Hebrew Chap. 13 pointing at a speciall hand which they are to have in his last overthrow. And in reference to these two ends of the Jews conversion, to wit, of joyning to the Church, and of going against Antichrist, there is to them a twofold lett in their way (to forbear now their going to their own land) there is a great stumbling from the superstitious worship of Papists, who are called Christians, and a stumbling at the long, prevailing of the enemy of Christians, the Turk, wondering, that if Christ be God, how He suffereth such blasphemy and blasphemers.
The first, in a great part is removed by Gods judgement on the Pope, and Rome in the fifth vial. The second is to be removed now by this, that no stumbling or lett remain; for though they would do something, and possibly, now having the Pope discovered to them, their zeal is more hot against him than others, (because by his means they have been much hardened (yet the Turk becoming their enemy, and being engaged to that whores support, they are impeded while the Turkish Empire standeth. This vial removeth that impediment, his power is weakened, whether by themselves or by others, or by drawing of many to Christianity from him, we are not, to determine; but accesse is given to them both to pull Antichrist down, and probably to win to their own possession by his ruine. And this leadeth to the third thing proposed, to wit, how the ruine of the Turks, or their weakning, may be called the preparing of their way; Which is clear. 1. whether we look to the Jews conversion, it strengthens them that Christ is God, and giveth them hopes of coming home: on which they lay great weight. Or, 2. whether we look to their undertaking against Antichrist. Or, 3. their return to their own land: all which three, as we said, seem to be pointed at here. The standing of the Turk obstructeth all, these three and the overturning of him, will strengthen all, and give them liberty without fear in the professing of Christ.
For further clearing of this, That these two events, to wit, the Jews conversion, and the Turks downfall, are prophesied of here, we shall confirm both severally from these reasons.
That the Jews conversion must be understood her, appeareth: for, 1. It is certain their conversion in the last dayes is spoken of and to be expected, and it can suit with no time better than of this sixth vial, which is after the Popes overthrow in respect of this seat at Rome, and before the seventh vial, which bringeth the end. Neither is it like that so great and concerning, a businesse of the Church would be omitted in this prophesie; and it can be brought in no where so clearly, that of the Jews mentioned, Chap. 7 being nothing to this purpose, as was said there. 2. The Prophets, seem, to foretell their testoring in these same terms, See, Isa. 11:15 and 16 which Chapter speaketh of the dayes of the Gospel, and the Jews restoring, suiting with that time, as cannot be denied.
The expressions in sum are, that as God, when He brought them out of Egypt, dried up the sea and Jordan, so when He bringeth them from Assyria) which was beyond this Euphrates from Judea, He shall smite that river, and the removing of all impediments is set out under that expression. Neither is it for nought that drying of waters is a peculiar mercy shown to Israel in their first deliverances, and that allusion is made to that in their following restitution, to be a confirmation to their faith therein, as Isa. 44:27. Thus faith the Lord that drieth up the rivers, and faith to the deep, be drie, &c. when yet no particular river was to be dried up, but thereby to mind them of what He had done.
If we look further to the explication of this, Chap. 19 there is much joy in the Church, praising God that He reigneth, and that in an eminent way, that His Wife hath made her self ready, and the marriage is come, &c. And can these agree so well to any event, as to the conversion of the Jews, which (Rom. 11) shall be as a resurrection from the dead? Or, can the joy be so great, or the Marriage be made ready without them? especially considering if now they be not amongst Christs friends, when, in the words following, He is on His march against all His enemies; and could the Church of the Gentiles be merry if the Jews were amongst these enemies? But from Chap. 19 it is clear, that there is here a notable and singular accession to the Church; and what one can have these effects so as this?
It is not unworthy the observing, that there so many Hebrew expressions and phrases are used, and not so any where else: which seemeth to plead a speciall interest that the Hebrews have in the event of this vial. 1. The place is named in the Hebrew Tongue Armageddon: Why? Hebrews are there to put on that name, as their custom was to name places from events. 2. The praise is in Hebrew (Chap. 19) Alleluja, used frequently in the Psalms, and not mentioned in any other song in this Book though they be frequent, because there was no considerable Hebrew praisers before this: These brought in, are called the Lambs wife, as in a Covenant relation, even before she be made ready; which agreeth to none, but to that ancient married people, unto which Covenant God hath respect, even in their last calling.
If it be asked, What we understand by their restoration, or conversion, if meerly a calling to the faith of Christ, where ever they shall dwell dispersed up and down amongst other people, or, with it, a restoring of them to their former land and inheritance to serve God there, not in a typicall or ceremoniall way, but as an eminent, Gospel Nationall Church? Albeit we cannot take on us peremptorily to determine, we say, 1. that although the first be true, yet dare we not say that it is meerly and only to the faith of Christ, so as to exclude the other of possessing them in their own land, and that not only for the respect we have to the most able Commentators on this Scripture, and others of the Prophets, but for the reasons especially which may be alleaged for it, which we draw to three heads: the first are the Scriptures and promises, speaking to the restoring not only of Judah, but also of Israel to return to serve God in their own land in one, Ezek. 37:20, 21, &c. of Gods promising to blesse it to them after its long barrennesse and their being ejected out of it, Psal. 67:7. See, Jer. 3:18, Ezek. 34:13 and 36:24 and 37:14 and 39:28 which places, as to Israel and their return with Judah, cannot be said to be fulfilled, Isa. 11:12 from vers. 10. That place (Amos 9 vers. 11, 12, 14, 15) seemeth convincing to this purpose, as belonging to them in the dayes of the Gospel, and yet cannot be said to be fulfilled, especially in respect of what is in the last Verse. And certainly some words of Christs, Matth. 23, Luk. 21:24 limiting their outward desolation and the desolation of their houses and land to the time they should say, Hosanna to Him and acknowledge Him, and to the time of the fulnesse of the Gentiles, do also speak for this. Add to them Paul, speaking or their restitution, as to a Nationall state, and of all Israel to be grafted in, as they were broken off, which cannot be so well without an outward Nationall civil State, which confirmeth the former, Rom. 11.
A second sort of proof is, the reasons that plead for this; and in effect what reasons do plead for the Jews conversion, do in some degree plead for a temporall restitution, as, 1. Gods electing them to be His people, and making an everlasting Covenant with them, the promise of their dwelling for ever in that land, which peculiarly was given to that race (in a more speciall manner and by more singular rights and titles than any other in the world) are comprehended in that Covenant: and if any say, that that is not a saving promise or absolute; so neither was His promise of continuing them a visible Church, or His people, absolute, as the events of both alike do clear; yet is weight laid on His Covenant with their fathers, thus far as to make them again His people, and why not in this particular also? for it is not simply that He Covenanted with them in a Covenant of Grace (for, so He hath done with many others) but in a Covenant with speciall promises and grounds that maketh it a singular tye in these things, beyond what others have: See Rom. 11:28. Considering especially, that so Gods glory will the more shine in His faithfulnesse and goodnesse in the remembrance of His people and Covenant: that work will be the more observable to all Nations, and their incoming, which is a speciall evidence of Gods faithfulnesse, and a great promise made to the Church, will certainly bring forth the ends of it more observably thus, both as they relate to God and His honour, the Churches splendour and others edification, or their own consolation, Neither can that promise made to Israel (Deut. 30:2, 3, 4, &c. that when ever they should repent, the Lord would gather them from the Nations whether they were scattered, and return them to their own land) be thought void and null after Christs coming, especially considering the generall repentance and mourning, which is to accompany their conversion, Therefore it would seem by that promise they may expect their own land, it being a part of Gods engagement to the naturall seed of Abraham.
A third sort of proof, is, the concurrence of Gods Providence hitherto seeming to confirm this; for, beside that they are still, where they live, a distinct people by themselves unmixed with other races (which seemeth to hold forth Gods will, that they should be so, and it they were converted, so as to live among other Christians, they might ingrosse in that Nation they live amongst, and the name of that Nation evanish, but that keepeth what befalleth them remarkable) as also that although they be generally very rich, & so incapacity to go in some expedition, yet as it is reported, few or none of them are possessors of lands any where, to be a retardment unto them. Considering also, that God hath reserved that Land unpossessed by any Christian, but such men as he mindeth to destroy, and to void it of for them: and considering also that the conversion of the Jews and the destruction of these that possesse now their Land, are trysted together at one time, Can any think that for nought? or, now when the Turks shall be expelled in this generall battell at Armageddon, and that Land left void, and the Jews new converted, having hand in their overthrow, Will any offer to come between them and that possession? especially, considering that at such a time there will be (probably) a generall zeal more than ordinary for the Churches propagation, rather than for particular dominion: certainly their title to that Land, will appear more sacred than what any other people can claim to any Land or it, and who will impede it? and it is observable that who ever possess that land, it is still in Scripture accounted as belonging to the Jews, and will that right be to no purpose? 2. We say to that question, whatever may be doubted of their restoring to their Land, yet that they shall be brought to a visible Church-state. 1. Not only in particular persons here and there in Congregations; but that multitudes; yea, the whole body of them, shall be brought, in a common way with the Gentiles, to professe Christ, which cannot be denied, as Rom. 11 is clear, and that will be enough to satisfie us in this Text, though indeed this will stand also well with the former, and some way infer it.
The other thing to be cleared, was, that the Turks overthrow one way or other is meaned by the drying up of that river Euphrates: which, beside what is said, is confirmed, 1. from the end wherefore it is dryed up, to wit, the Jew; restoring: and however we take their restoring (as is said) nothing more hindereth it than the Turks standing, (the Pope being now down) especially if the restoring them to their own Land be understood: that cannot be without this preceeding furtherance and the removing of this impediment out of their way. 2. The fulnesse of the Gentiles goeth alongst with, if it do not preceed, the Jews calling; and can that fulnesse be and the Turks possesse so many Nations, where the Gentiles had Churches, and where there is so much joy in the Church, Chap. 19 and so much wrath generally on Christs enemies in the end thereof? It cannot be thought that either of these can be, and the Turks be free. 3. It followeth natively by comparing the order and method of the vials with the trumpets. This is clear in all, that what plague cometh on the Church by the trumpets, the contrary good cometh by the vials, and what advantage Antichrist got by the one, he losseth by the other. Now, it is certain, that as by the fith trumpet Antichrist rose, and these Turks (before bound at Euphrates) were loosed by the sixth, as a plague following Antichrist on the Christian world; So by the fifth vial, Antichrist is put from his seat: and therefore in order by the sixth the Church should be next freed of that enemie, which Antichrists rise to the throne brought on: especially considering that the expressions are so like other; in the sixth trumpet, they are loosed as if Euphrates were overflowing all banks; here again, by the sixth vial, that overspreading is restrained and dried, which must be a drying up suitable and apposit to that loosing, which was before in the sixth trumpet. Beside, there is no other application probable; for to apply this to Cyrus his taking of Babylon, as if he had been a King from the East, his coming from the North will not suffer it, Jer. 50:41, 42, 43. Or, to call these Eastèrns, heathen Nations, or Turks to be made use of to destroy Antichrist, cannot be: for these vials are poured out by some from the Temple, and Kings that formerly whored with the whore will have a main hand in her overthrow, Chap. 17. Or, to apply it to the weakening the Popes revenues, which as a River strengthened him, no question, he being formerly put from his throne, and these Kings turned to hate him, his coffers will be empty before this sixth vial come: Neither do these prepare so the Jews way, nor speaketh it formally such accession to the Church as the other, which is clear to be understood here from Chap. 19.
There are two chief Objections to be removed, The first is, that these vials bring wrath on the beast, as the effects of them, and he is the object they pour their plagues upon; but neither the in coming, of the Jews nor down-bringing of the Turks, toucheth him or affecteth him. Answ. 1. Though the beast be the chief object, yet not the only object, especially in these last two vials; all other enemies, Kings of the earth and Nations are also plagued, as is clear, comparing what followeth with Chap. 19. 2. In all these vials, two things are joyned together, the standing and spreading of Christs Kingdom and the decreasing of Antichrists: and these two proceed together; what bringeth Antichrist down, advanceth Christs Kingdom; and what advanceth his Kingdom, darkeneth Antichrists: and though directly it strike not on Antichrist, yet consequentially it doth; for, all Christs followers are Antichrists enemies. 3. It is not simply the Jewish Nation their conversion, and the Turks overthrow, that are spoken of here, but it is the Jews conversion and union with the Gentiles in pursuing Antichrist now discovered (and therefore first here called the false prophet) and the Turks now apparently as united with Antichrist (it being like, that he is among the chief of the Nations or Kings of the earth which he addresseth unto) and so both the Jews conversion and Turk ruine, will be of great concernment and a heavy stroke to the Pope.
Obj. 2. Can such a great accession stand with that, Chap. 15 that none would enter the Temple till these plagues were ended? Answ. 1. It cannot be meaned, that no growth should be of the Church from the beginning of the vials, till all were closed: for then there should never any be, for they close the last judgement, and yet every vial hath a new accession to the Church and some victory over Antichrist. 2. The meaning of that place then, is, 1. none were able to stand to interceed for these who were to be plagued, but necessarily and inevitably they were poured out, and no intercession was admitted. 2. None entered of these creatures devoted to Antichrist and his destruction, they continued hardened to the last, even after Rome is destroyed and the Popes abolished, yet some remainder there is to the very last vial.
All which should stir us up heartily to pray for these things that sometimes will be so good news to the Church, that in due time the Lord would perform it and hasten it. So far may we be warranted from this place.
FRom vers. 13 to vers. 17, followeth the third effect of this vial, to wit, the last great expedition of Antichrist for his support, now after Romes fall (or at least the shaking of that dominion hugely) and before his ruine. It may either be called a third effect following on, or occasioned by the former two; To wit, the first appearance of the Jewes enimity against him and the Turks decay; Or, these verses may more fully explicate the manner how Euphrates (that is, the Turks dominion) was dried up to prepare the Jews way, it was by the beasts engaging them for him, who then by the battell of Armageddon were ruined both together, and an excellent state of the Church, both of the fulnesse of the Gentiles and in-calling of the Jews, followed: whereupon these praises (Chap. 19) are by anticipation set down before the battell: however, the effects are the same.
This expedition in this Chapter (beside the event of it, Chap. 19) is set out in five things. 1. In its authors, the Dragon, Beast and false Prophet. 2. Its speciall agents, three spirits. 3. Their task, to gather the Kings of the earth. And, 4. the successe, they are brought together in Armageddon, vers. 16 and before this, after the preparation in parenthesis, there is cast in a word both of warning and of comfort. Behold, I come as a thief, Blessed is he &c. vers. 15.
Secondly, These inferiour agents are severall wayes described. 1. In their nature, they are spirits: not properly, for spirits, as such, cannot be seen, neither is it such that can treat with Kings and perswade them to war, as sent out of the mouth of the beast and false prophet. But spirits, 1. for their activity and nimblnesse in compassing their designs. 2. Because they call themselves spirituall men, in opposition to Laicks, such as the Popes Negotiators are, as Nuncios, Legats, Jesuits, &c. are exceeding meetly taken in here; for, their institution, oath and way of proceeding, answereth well to that of these frogs, as singularly commissionated to spread themselves through the world to engage all Kings against Christs followers, who may also have lying spirits waiting on them to make their embassage effectuall, as Ahab’s false prophets had, 1 King. 22 to which this may allude.
They are described by their qualities, they are unclean spirits, like frogs. 1. In their rise, not of God, but the devil (for they are called so, vers. 14) as all their orders are not of Christs planting, therefore compared to locusts, Chap. 9. 2. In their ends, devilish, opposit to the Lord Christ, as the devil is. 3. In their manner of proceeding, by all means devilish instruments, &c. as murders, treasons, lies, equivocations, &c. they care not what, if they may effectuate their designs for supporting the beast. 4. In their life, filthy and loathsome, like frogs that use marishes (which in Reformations are not cleansed, Ezek. 47:11.) So that brood continue in these places, which remaineth unhealed and haunteth such company. 3. In their number, they are three, that is, a considerable number. In the 11. Chap. when Christs cause was low, he had but two witnesses, Antichrist hath three, as it were, moe do back him to his last than Christ had, so tenacious and constant are men in evil rather than good. Three also, to suit with the nature of him that commissionateth them. So some act devilishly and subrilly, as from the Dragon representing him; Others by might and civil negotiations carrying the businesse, as servants to Princes. A third sort, counterfeiting Religion, either by pretending many miracles to have been done by their party or strengthened by the devil to do great wonders themselves for covering their hypocrisie, and strengthening their cause: and according to this threefold commission they act. 3. This design of the beasts by these agents, is more particularly holden forth in four things.
To whom they are sent, to the Kings of the earth and of the whole world, that is, to all Nations and Powers whether Christian or Heathen that would joyn against the true Church. Therefore if the Emperor were one of the Popes followers, the commission must be sent to him, and he not be a sender; but as the naming of the Dragon distinctly supponeth no distinct visible power, so neither doth it in the other; likewise by the Dragon cannot be meaned heathen persecuters, for they are sent unto by the beast also, and do not send, but it is the beast now appearing both like a Dragon and a false Prophet. 2. Their errand, is, to gather them to the battell of that great day of God Almighty, that is, to an eminent appearing of Gods, in taking vengeance on them: not that this is their intention to fight against God, as it is expounded, Chap. 19 or to meet his vengeance, but that in Gods providence this is made the result of all: and though they think its fighting for Christs Vicar, yet he expoundeth it otherwise, as it is, upon the matter, a fighting against God Almighty; for it was to oppose His Churches rising, and in that battell God was partie. 3. The instruments are more clearly designed spirits, not of God but of the devil, suiting well with such a commission. 4. The means how they prevail, it is by working miracles, such as the devil, by his naturall and experimentall knowledge of things, and speciall dexterity to do and cmpasse things, can out of naturall causes easily and really bring forth, which may be wonderfull to men who can act nothing like these: or, by his deceit, making men believe he doth things of themselves beyond the power of nature, which he doth not really perform, but deludeth men to believe that they are performed: such are the beasts miracles, Chap. 13:12. Or, by making men believe, that all their legends of counterfeit miracles are true, which they make a mark of the true Church, and thus perswade men to support their Babylon.
Before he set down the successe of this negotiation, which is, vers. 16 he casteth in (vers. 15) a word of warning and comfort, It should be in parenthesis, as if the Lord Christ said, such ill dayes and great temptations to draw folks in snates are coming, that many will go on in these designes as thinking all their own; The advertisement, is, Behold, I come as a thief: when they think least on it, and seeth least appearance of it, I am at hand to take vengeance on them, and to deliver the Church; So he speaketh, Matth. 24:43, 44, 2 Pet. 3:10. 2. There is insinuated a duty suitable to this advertisement, that is, to Watch and keep their garment clean, which was expounded, Chap. 3:3. Implying, 1. a strait and difficulty; 2. the only mean of being preserved in a strait time, that is, watching, seing by it only men are keeped free of spots in their profession and Christian walk. 3. There is set down here two excellent motives pressing this necessary duty of watching, 1. from their happinesse who doth so, they are blessed, 1. In themselves, being keeped from much sin and wrath which others fall under. 2. In reference to others, who being by that design of Antichrists ensnared, shall share of wrath. The second, is, because by watching, men keep their nakednesse covered, which by sinning is discovered to their shame: a spotted garment hideth not this shame, but manifesteth it. To be keeped from sin, is a great motive, and to keep from sin keepeth from shame; for, shame followeth ever upon sin. And there is a behold prefixed, yet Readers may not passe it, but observe the warning for their instruction in duty, and the encouragement of blessednesse for their upstirring and comfort. Gods people would never look for a constant peace in the greatest growth of Religion, even at the Jews in-coming, the Church hath one of her sorest battels. There is great odds betwixt a thriving Gospel and the real advantage that cometh by it, and outward peace and prosperity.
The last thing, is the successe these soul spirits had. They gathered these Kings who for many years despised the Gospel, and never had been gathered by it, in Gods judgement they are given up to yeeld to them. This hath these circumstances, 1. The successe, They are gathered: and who? It is these to whom they were sent, both Popish Kings & Heathen Kings: It is like, the Turks as nearest, are most easily engaged to set on Christians: In a word, such speciall enemies as God mindeth to be about with. 2. It is said, he gathered them, not the spirits, that is, either the beast who commissionated them, or rather God, who in His secret providence ordereth that designe of the beasts and the enimity of these Kings for such an end as might glorifie Him, and undo them. It is like an allusion is to the commission Satan getteth against Ahab in perswading him, wherein though the devil be instrumentall by false prophets in bringing Ahab to Ramoth, 1 King. 22 yet it is by Gods permissive providence to punish Ahab, that maketh him prevail. So it is here, the devil hath one design, the beast another, God a third, and He maketh use of both for furthering of His; He doth, it when they seem to get most way in theirs, and its but the effectuating of His; so Gods hand is soveraigne, even in Antichrists designs. 3. Concerning the place unto which they are gathered, two things are to be enquired, 1. What this Armageddon is? 2. Why it is expresly said in the Hebrew Tongue?
If it be asked, why the Lord delayeth so these vials, or carrieth them so on as the Pope getteth such help, and bringeth Gods Church low, even when he is near to mine? Answ. 1. This way trieth the faith and patience of Gods people most, as, here it their faith and patience (Chap. 13) importeth. So was Israel tried in their slow delivery out of Egypt. 2. This effecteth His end amongst enemies more, and giveth them occasion of kything, and in Gods judgement hardeneth them, by hopes sometimes to prevail, till His wrath come on them. So was Pharaoh, by Israels straits at the Red-sea, and the Magicians counterfeit miracles, hardened: thus Christs coming, is as a snare, Luk. 21:35. 3. It contributeth more for Gods glory, he getteth them thus together to the great battell; He hath by this means many victories, and much glory over one enemy, as He had over Pharaoh, otherwise they would never uphold a contest with God. The Lord in this doth (as one saith) as a man, who, being to leap far, goeth a little back to come up with the greater force.
For sinfull causes of it, we may name, 1. their ingratitude and unswerable walk who receive the Gospel, which will make God remove it, and therefore also not to propagate it. 2. Little pity on them that lieth under Antichrist, and little prayer for Gods hastening His judgements on him and sitting of instruments for it. 3. Little singlnesse in any undertaking for that end, few Kings mindeth it: self-interests sway all, and others carnally seek their own glory in being instrumentall in such a thing; or, under such a pretext, pursue their own more than Christs, therefore they are not blessed. 4. Want of a powerfull Ministrie, and lives answerable amongst Professors, which maketh this Truth to be loathed, seing so many are carnall, deceitfull, &c. who professe it. Thus many have a sinfull accession to Antichrists standing.
THis is the last vial: for understanding whereof, It will be necessary to enquire, whether it bringeth the last judgement only on the beast? Or, if it looketh to the last plagues on the world simply, including in it the last judgement? Which last, being of largest extent, and including the former, we conceive to be understood, not only because of the series of this prophesie, which being divided into three principall, typicall prophesies of sevens (whereof this of vials is the last) and other explicatory prophesies or visions, both which go alongst from John’s time to the end: and therefore this vial, being the last step and close of the typicall prophesies, according to that series, it must extend it self to the end, which afterward is more fully explained, Chap. 20, 21, &c. as the two former vials are, Chap. 17, 18, 19. Beside this, these reasons evince it, First, (Chap. 15:1, 2) they are the last plagues in which are fulfilled Gods wrath, and that simply in the world: for here, the Cities of the Nations are destroyed as well as Babylon, and these plagues are to be understood the last, with reference to such plagues as went before them under the seals and trumpets, which are first and second plagues, and these are extended even to the Heathen world: Therefore so must also the vials be, and not be astricted to the beasts kingdom only. Secondly, The seventh trumpet bringeth the last wo, which (Chap. 10:6, 7) finisheth the mysterie of God when time shall be no more; but it is cleared, (Chap. 11) that the last we and the last plagues are one: Therefore the day of judgement must be the period of these vials, seing it is the period of the third wo. 3. The expressions of this vial are such as bear it out, It is done; a great earthquake, mountains were not found, &c. which shew another manner of change than was under the seals, as the particulars will clear. Only take these two cautions, 1. Not to think it bringeth the last judgement immediately, as if it contained no preceeding events; but only that the plagues immediately preceeding that judgement, are set out in this vial, and that there are no succeeding judgements on the earth after it, but it terminateth and endeth in eternity and Gods finall immediate inflicting judgement on the world of the wicked. 2. That we look not on this, or the other vials, as fully or principally holding forth the condition of the Church in that time, but consequently; for they hold forth wrath on enemies: from which may be gathered, If it be ill with enemies, it is good and well with her, but that is more fully to be sought and gathered from the explicatory visions respectively contemporary with these, in which the flourishing state of the Church, and the successive inflicting of these plagues on her enemies, is more fully expressed.
In this vial we are to consider, 1. the object. 2. the effects. The object, is vers. 17. He poured it out into the airs: which object is of a larger extent than any of the former, and cometh nearer Satans Kingdom in the foundation and extent of it, who is (Eph. 2) prince of the power of the air: the earth, sea, sun, and seat of the beast, are destroyed before this is poured out into the air, as that which was only resting, and comprehendeth what yet standeth of Satans kingdom, for the air to be plagued, hath influence on all under it, especially these who breath in it, and leaveth nothing breathing, and so no living in Satans world, yet a power he hath in it so long as it standeth. That thus is to be extended, appeareth, 1. by the effects which are on the great City, i.e. what of it remained, and on all the Cities of the Nations, Islands, Mountains, and men that are smitten with it. 2. by comparing vers. 10. Chap. 20 with this event, it is on the devil and his kingdom, Gog and Magog universally: for, two of the three grand enemies, that engaged against Christ under the former vial, to wit, the beast and false prophet, are destroyed, Chap. 19 and casten into the lake. The third, to wit, the devil, hath some essay by other instruments after these are gone, Chap 20:10. He, by this last vial, is is cast into the lake, where the former two are before him. And his last instruments, Gog and Magog, are more immediately destroyed from heaven, as the effect of this vial afterward cleareth. This then taketh in what dominion yet Satan had in the world, and is to overturn it where ever it were, and amongst whomsoever.
The effects of this vial are three waves set out, 1. by word. 2. by signe. 3. by real effects and consequents, all speaking the greatnesse of this judgement.
The word, vers. 17. 1. generally, is a great voice to make it observable. 2. whence it cometh, from the throne, out of the Temple of heaven: In a word, from God, to shew the authority of the speaker, and the certainty of the thing spoken, which is the third thing the expression it self beareth. It is done; it is like alluding to Christs word on the Crosse, it is finished, when that work was at a close; so here there is an end of Gods; plagues on the earth; and what He had sworn (Chap. 10) concerning the finishing of the mysterie, was now perfected and what was before prophesied of the end, now they are fulfilled: which words suppone not an immediate, instantaneous fulfilling of these effects, but successive, so as by that vial in due time and order they are brought about and closed.
The effect is set out by signe, vers. 18. And there were voices; thunders and lightnings which as we heard (Chap. 11:19) do signifie great and dreadfull changes and judgements; and it may here include, with the last judgement, these commotions of Gog and Magog which do next preceed. 3. It is set out by the real effects and their consequents, as means by which these judgements are produced. They are of two sorts, First, a great earthquake, vers. 18 and a great hail, vers. 21. These are not to be limited only to the very same plagues; but hold out, 1. a concurrence of heaven and earth for inflicting that judgement, as it was in the deluge, the earth shaketh from beneath, and the heavens throw down stones from above. 2. It holdeth forth the dreadfulnesse and greatnesse of the judgement of this vial. 3. The immediatnesse of it, without any instruments interveening, He executeth it, on them Himself, as in earthquakes and hail; so (Chap. 20:9) it is said to be by fire from heaven, which is upon the matter, the same. This earthquake (vers. 18) is described in its degree, Then in its consequents or effects, 1. A great one, such as never was, far beyond that, Chap. 6. And indeed the last judgement will shake the world beyond anything that ever it felt before. Secondly, The effects of this earthquake are marked to be three or four, 1. The great city, to wit, Sodom, Chap. 11 where the witnesses were killed, or Babylon, was divided in three, that is, overturned: for, a city to be divided in three parts by an earthquake, making the grapes of the earth that great and wide, and to be overturned; is one. Beside, in plain words, it is spoken afterwards of the cities of the Nations, that they fell, which expounded the former. Thus what reliques of Popery or Papists in any part of the world, whether at Rome, if possibly somewhat recovered, or any where else (yet without their Pope) shall now wholly be overturned. The second effect is on the heathens, called cities of the Nations, and contradistinguished from this one great city, They fell; all these shall be ruined also. 3. Babylons judgement is enlarged and aggreged, that it resteth not in a temporall overturning, but God putteth in her hand the cup of the fiercenesse of his wrath, spoken and threatned to all her followers, Chap. 14:10. Whereby it appeareth, 1. That this judgement endeth in eternity: And, 2. that it respecteth former threatnings.
A fourth effect, is, vers. 20 shewing what influence this vial or earthquake shall have, not only on Cities, but on Islands at a distance, and mountains. In a word, on all the universe, which shall not only be moved as at other earthquakes, and vers. 12. Chap. 6 but here, they shall flee away and shall not be found, holding, out thereby the consummation that shall be at the end, further expounded, Chap. 20:11.
The second effect of the hail (vers. 21) is to the same purpose, to shew that then sinners shall have refuge neither from earth nor heaven: the hail is terrible, alluding to that plague, Exod. 9 but exceedingly beyond it; never such an hail heard of as this, every stone a talent weight; it is irresistible, there is no fence against it: and it may allude to Ezek. 38:2 where Gog and Magog are to be destroyed by hail: the expressions of the judgement may be borrowed, as the names of the enemies, from Gog and Magog. The greatnesse of it, is further set out by the effect on reprobate men who are the object of it: they now break out in open blasphemy against God, so that the least wrath mendeth them not, though it be great. That exceeding greatnesse of it, without mixture of mercy, is insufferable and insupportable, and yet they are continued in a being after such a plague. We must therefore look upon it as an eternall judgement; for, a temporall life could not sustain men under it, but in hell: although malice being now inveterate and at its height in reprobates and devils, so as they neither fear nor love the Lord but do constantly blaspheme as their continuall exercise under their plagues, yet are by the revenging justice and power of God sustained in a being for ever, for the declaration of the glory of His Justice: and now the sentence being past on them, we are to look upon this obdured, desperate, maliciousnesse rather as the just fruit of former sins, than as having influence to encrease their punishment after their finall doom. It must be a dreadfull thing to be in hell, especially after the last Judgement.
