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SOME FEW LINES
Towards a description of the
NEW HEAVEN.
Not to begin to be; and so not to be limited by the concernments of Time and Place; is the Prerogative
of GOD alone. But as it is the Priviledge of Creatures, that GOD has given them a beginning: so to deny
their actions; or them, the respect they bear to Place, and successive duration, is, under
a pretence of Promotion, to take away their very Being. Yet notwithstanding, some Things have had this to glory of;
that they have been time out of mind; and their Continuance refuses to be measured by the memory of Man. Whereas
New-England, and Boston of the Massachusets have this to make mention of; that they can tell
their Age; and account it their Honour to have their Birth, and Parentage kept in everlasting Remembrance. And in
very deed, the Families, and Churches which first ventured to follow Christ thorow the Atlantick Ocean, into
a strange Land, full of wild men, were so Religious; their End so Holy; their Selfdenyal in pursuing of it, so
Extraordinary; that I can't but hope that the Plantation has thereby gaind a very strong Crasis; and that it will not
be of one or two, or three Centuries only; but very long lasting. Some who peremptorily conclude
that Asia must afford situation for New-Jerusalem, are of the mind, when that divine City comes to be
built, the Commodities of It will be so inviting as will drain disconsolate America of all Its Christian
Inhabitants, as not able to brook so remote a distance from the beloved City. But if Asia should be
again thus highly favored, and the eldest daughter be still made the darling; yet 'tis known there will be a River,
the Streams whereof shall make glad the City of God. The Correspondence, and Commerce of the little cities,
and villages in the three Kingdoms, and Plantations, do make LONDON glad.
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Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
And so it will be with New-Jerusalem: the Nations of them which are saved, shall walk in the light of it: and the
Kings of the Earth do bring their glory and honour into it. New-Jerusalem will not straiten, and enfeeble; but
wonderfully dilate, and invigorate Christianity in the several Quarters of the World; in Asia, in
Africa, in Europe, and in America. And one that has been born, or but liv'd in America,
between thirty, and fourty years; it may be pardonable for him to ask, Why may not that be the
place of New-Jerusalem? Problematical Questions do circulate; and this was set up by Dr. Twisse above
threescore years ago; the newness of it in its return after so considerable a space of time, will, I hope, render it
gratefull, or at least, will procure leave for one, with a little alteration, to enquire, Why may not New-Spain
be the place of New-Jerusalem? Its being part of the New World, one would think, carries with it no
contradiction thereunto. Places are usually called new from the newness of their situation; and not from their being
built anew; as New-Spain, New-England, New-London. For certain, If Mr. Eliot's Opinion prove
true; viz. that the aboriginal Natives of America are of Jacob's Posterity, part of the long since
captivated Ten Tribes; and that their Brethren the Jews shall come unto them: the dispute will quickly be at
an end. Manasseh-Ben-Israel is said to have published a book entituled, The hope of Israel, endeavouring
to prove this Position. For my own part, what Mr. Downam, and Mr. Thorowgood have written on this head, seems to be of
far more weight with me than what Hornius, or any other that I have seen, have guess'd to the contrary. Mr. Eliot was
want to say The New-English Churches are a preface to the New Heavens: and if so, I hope the preface and Book
will be bound up together, and this Mexican Continent shall comprehend them both. Who can tell, but that
David may thus fetch a compass behind his Antichristian enemies and come upon them over against the Mulberry
trees, and utterly destroy them by the brightness of his coming? Who can tell, but that Christ may in this matter
expose the lewd fondness of the Unholy War, and happily umpire the Difference about the holiness of Places by causing
New-Jerusalem to come down from God out of Heaven, upon that Earth wherein Satan, for many Ages, has peaceably
possessed an entire, and far more large
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
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empire than any where else in the whole world besides? No body doubts but that our Saviour can enter into this
strong man's house, bind him, and spoil his goods: Let us wait till He revive us by saying, I am willing. If I
mistake not we have a warrant sufficient enough to encourage us unto a perseverance in hoping, and waiting
upon God for this Salvation.
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the Uttermost parts of the earth
for thy possession.
Of all the parts of the world, which do from this Charter, entitle themselves to the Government of Christ,
America's plea, in my opinion, is the strongest. For when once Christopher Columbus had added this
fourth to the other three parts of the foreknown World; they who sailed farther Westward, arriv'd but where
they had been before. The globe now failed of offering any thing New to the adventurous Travailer: Or
however, it could not afford another new World. And probably, the consideration of America's being the
Beginning of the East, and the End of the West; was that which moved Columbus to call some part of it by
the Name of Alpha and Omega. Now if the Last ADAM did give Order for the engraving of his own
Name upon this last Earth: 'twill draw with it great Consequences; even such as will, in time, bring the poor
Americans out of their Graves, and make them live.
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron, thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters vessel.
'Twas most awfull to see, or but to hear of Christ's Spanish-Iron Rod walking amongst the earthen pots;
whereby great Kingdoms, and Empires were quickly broken to shivers, with many millions of their subjects;
unto whom both defensive, & offensive Iron was unknown, which made the deadly impressions of
their Enemies weapons, and the inefficacy of their own, surprising to amazement. It is to be noted, that the
Pots wherein they boiled their fish, and flesh, &c. were made of earth; as also innumerable other vessels: most were
enjoind to use no other. By this means the Potters trade was in principal demand among them: which renders
this Metaphor very agreeable. In the computation of Time made by the Mexican Nation, their greatest Period
consisted of Fifty two Years; which they call'd a Wheel. Upon the last night of every Wheel they used to break
all their Vessels, and stuff; and put out their fire,
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Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
saying that the World should end at the finishing of one of these Wheels, and it might be at that time. Upon this
conceit they passed the night in great fear, and watched very carefully for the day. But when they saw the day
begin to break, they presently beat many Drumms, sounded Cornets, Flutes, and other Instruments of Joy,
saying, that God did yet prolong the time with another Age. And then began another Wheel, on the first day
whereof they went to the high priest and took new fire, and bought new Vessels. Joseph Acosta, lib. 6. cap. 2.
When the Spaniards came, they took these miserable Potters themselves, and dash'd them in pieces one against
another. Holy Hilary, in his Exposition of the second Psalm, is exceedingly concerned, lest there should be any
imputation of Ingratitude to our LORD, upon the account of his seising upon his Inheritance in such a manner,
as presently to break it in pieces with an iron Rod. But he quiets himself in this; that it is in order to
Restauration, and Reformation.
Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice
with trembling. Kiss the Son, &c.
They who will not take warning by Belshazzar, and Montezuma; and will not learn, in all their
Administrations, to glorifie the God in whose hand their breath is, and whose are all their ways; they must expect to
come to worse ends than they did. Great Montezuma, who laboured to be worshiped as a god. No plebeian might
look him in the face; if he did, he was punished with death. He did never set his foot on the ground; but was always
carried on the shoulders of Noblemen; and if he lighted, they laid rich Tapestry whereon he might go. When he
made any Voyage, he and the Noblemen went as it were in a Park compassed in for the nonce; and the rest of
the people went without the Park. He never put on a Garment twice; nor did eat, or drink in one Vessel, or Dish
above once; all must be new. He used to be attended by Noblemen barefoot. This Montezuma, of whose bloody
Pride, and Luxury he knew no bounds; was at last imprisoned in his own Palace by his unwelcom Guests; was hated
by his subjects; covertly and basely slain; so that tis yet controverted, whether Spaniards, or Indians
were the
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
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authors of his death. But howsoever, Montezuma died miserably, and paid his deserts to the just judgment of
our Lord of heaven, for his Pride, and Tyranny: His body falling into the Indians power, they would make him
no Obsequies of a King; no not of an ordinary person: but cast it away in great disdain, and rage. A servant of
his having pity of this king's misery, made a fire thereof, & put the ashes in a contemptible place. Acosta,
lib. 7. cap. 22, 26.
Some judicious and learned Divines have conjectured that America is prophesied of in the thirty seventh of
Ezekiel, under the denomination of a Valley. Certainly, no part of the habitable World, can shew more Bones;
or bones more dry, than these vast Regions do. Mr. Downam thinks that Mr. Eliot's taking his Text from
thence when he first preached to the Indians, has its weight. His Appendix to the Letters from New-England,
is well worth the reading. The Prophet is said to be carried out in the spirit: and for ought I
know, he might be carried beyond the limits of the then known World.
Dan. 11. 45. And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy Mountain; yet
he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
The complexion of this portion of Scripture is such, as constrains me to imagin, that the place designed by the
Holy Spirit, is no other than America. Every word almost, has an emphasis carrying
in it, to me, the perswasion of this sence. They who remove from one Land to another, there to dwell; that settlement
of theirs is call'd a Plantation. Especially, when a Land, before rude and unfurnish'd, is by the New-comers
replenished with usefull Arts, Vegetables, Animals. Thus when in the year 1492. Christopher Columbus had opened the
way, the Spaniards planted themselves in the spatious Regions of America; and, too much, planted
Antichristianisme in the room of Heathenisme. Tabernacles] So called from the movableness of their condition,
and shortness of their continuance. As Tents, they were lately set up; and, notwithstanding all their Praemunitions,
so far as they are Antichristian, they shall be taken down before it be long, by the immovable Counsel and
Providence of God.
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Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
Palace ] The Extent, Riches, and Pomp of the Mexican, and Peruvian Empires, are very great:
Insomuch that when the Church of Rome met with Losses in Europe, they pleased themselves with their Gains in the
New-World. They glory in the many Churches they have planted there; which are, they say, without all mixture
of Hereticks. If with Mr. Nicholas Fuller, Miscel. Sacr. Lib. 5. Cap. 18. we take this word to signifie Equile
Regium, Horse-Guards; It will still look upon America. The Reputation the Spaniards Horses gave
them, did much contribute towards their prodigious Conquests. And after above threescore dangerous battels,
Mexico was at last taken upon Hippolytus day; August, 13, 1521. Since which time, Horses,
that were never seen there before, are one of the four Fair Things of that Citie.
Between the Seas] the middle Provinces of the New World, governed by the Vice Roys of Mexico, and
Peru, are known to lye between two of the most wide, and famous Seas of the whole World. The American
Isthmus; respecting its own narrowness, and the bold approaches of the huge Ocean on either side, does command the
title of Nonsuch. America it self, and they who pass thether, are so much concernd with the Sea, that Peter
Martyr stiled his History, Decads of the Ocean. And in the general History of Spain, part of the King's Tide
is, The Islands, and firm Land of the Ocean Sea. Grimeston, p. 1234. in the glorious holy Mountain]
Ingenious Joseph Acosta lib. 3. cap. 19. speaking of New-Spain, hath these words, Which without doubt, is
the best Province the Sun doth circle. And Mr. Gage, in his faithfull Relations, cap. 12. p. 134. speaks of its
Excellency in this manner, "There is nothing in Mexico, and about it, wanting which may make a City happy.
And "certainly, had those that have so much extolled with their pens the parts of Granada in Spain; Lombardy, and
Florence, in Italy, making them the earthly Paradise; had they been acquainted with "the New World, and with
Mexico, they would have recanted their untruths. O that the Lord were "truly worshipped where He hath poured
forth the Treasures of his Goodness for the children of men! O that in that Eden, the tempting and enticing
Serpent were not so much obeyed in the use of the fair seeming apple of Pleasures; and the LORD that hath
enriched it with such Varieties, so much neglected! The
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
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difficulty attending this construction, lyes in the word (holy) which may be intended by way of Anticipation.
What place more infamous for Unholiness than Canaan? and yet it is said Exod. 15. 13, 17. Thou in thy mercy
hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy Holy
habitation. Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thy inheritance, in the place, O Lord,
which thou hast made for thee to dwell in: in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
Neither is this altogether dissonant from excellent Calvin's Commentary. For that which remains of the Roman
grandeur, is shared between the Emperour of Germany, and the Pope: and they both contributed towards the
planting these Tabernacles. Pope Alexander the sixth (that horrible Monster) by his Bull or Donation dated
1493. Quarto Nonas Maij; and Charles the fifth, by his Expence, and Royal Authority. They also that do govern
in America, are not Kings, but Vice Roys, answerable to Calvin's Proconsuls. And 'tis not Mexico, and
Lima; but Madrid, and Rome, that are the original, and principal Seats of the Government. Take a Specimen of
Antichrists inevitable coming to his End, in the death of Roderick Borgia, afterward Pope Alexander the sixth;
taken almost word for word, out of Onuphrius in the Life of that Pope, and out of Guicciardin, lib. 5.
p. 235, 236. It is most certain, saith he, that in his father and in him; Caesar Borgia Duke Valentynois, were natural
customs to use Poison; not only to be revengd of their Enemies, or to be assured of Suspicions: but also upon a
wicked Covetousness, to dispoil Rich Men of their Goods: whether they were Cardinals, or Courtiers; altho they
had never don them wrong; as happened to the Cardinal St. Ange, who was very Rich. This manner of Rage
they would use also against their greatest Friends and Familiars, and such as had been their most faithfull
servants; such as were the Cardinals of Capua, and Modeno: a Recompence unworthy the merits of good men;
and not disagreeable to the disposition of such a Father, and son; whereof the one made all things lawfull by
vile Dispensation: and with the other, nothing was dishonest wherein was Opportunity to his purposes. Upon the 17th of
August, anno 1503. a Banquet of Wine was made in the Arbour of the Vatican [ad umbrosum Vaticani ruris fontem]
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Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
for the poisoning of Adrian Cardinal of Cornette, or of some of the Richest Senators, as Onuphrius has it.
Valentynois sent before, certain flagons with Wine infected with Poison; which he gave to a servant that knew
nothing of the matter, commanding that no person should touch them. The Pope coming by adventure, somwhat
before the Supper, and overcome with the Drought, and immoderate heat of the time, call'd for drink: and
because his own provision was not yet brought from the Palace, he that had the infected Wine in charge,
thinking it to be commended to his keeping for a wine most excellent, gave the Pope to drink of the same wine
which Valentynois had sent: who arriving whilest his father was drinking, drank also of the same wine; being
but just, that they both should taste of the same Cup, which they had brewed for the destruction of others.
Valentinois, by the vigour and strength of his Youth, and ready Help of strong Medicines, and Counterpoisons,
had his Life saved; remaining notwithstanding oppressed with a long and grievous Sickness. But his father the
Pope being aged, and unable long to endure the strength of the poison, died the next day, Aug. 18th in the
Vatican at Rome, in the 71th year of his Age, and the eighth day of the twelfth Year of his Popedom. The Corps
was borne into the Church of St. Peter, black, swolne, and most deformed. All the Town of Rome ran with great
gladness to St. Peters, about the dead body of the Pope, their eyes not being satisfied to see dead & destroyd a
Serpent, who with his immoderat Ambition, & poisoned Infidelity, together with all the horrible Examples of
Cruelty, Luxury, and monstrous Covetousness; selling without distinction, both holy things and profane things,
had infected the whole World. Thus far Guicciardin in that place. In the Death of this Planter God hath given
Earnest, assuring us that He will in the fittest Season, utterly root up the whole papal Plantation, so as
none shall be able to Help them.
The cognation that there is between this Prophesie, and that of the Revelation, is so great, as occasioned
Mede to answer, I conceive Daniel to be Apocalypsis contracta: p. 964. It will not therefore be
incongruous to pass immediatly thether, without any other Transition.
Rev. 6. 8. And I looked, and behold, a pale horse; and his name that sat on him was Death, and hell followed
with him:
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
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and power was given to them over the Fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with
death, and with the beasts of the earth.
The Four Quarters of the World seem to be represented by Four Animals; Asia by the Lion; Africa, by
the Calf; Europe, by the Man, and America, by the Eagle. Accordingly, the
four first Seals seem to be Local; each of them chiefly, or firstly regarding what was to be done in some One Quarter
of the World. So that Asia was to be the principal stage of the First Seals; Africa, of the Second;
Europe, of the third, and America, of the Fourth. America is fitly represented
by an Eagle, which Royal Bird is very frequent there, and was once the Standard of the Mexican Empire;
the unparalleld Miseries whereof, and of the New World are here described. And there is no Verse in the whole Bible
doth so pathetically, and with so much Amplitude, and Variety foretell the Destruction of Men: So wide, and deep the
Measure needed to be, that was to contain the Blood, and Slaughter of America! If there may be any
accommodation in that, the Colour of this Horse is much like the Colour of the Indians. And altho it seem an oddity
in Beza's Translation set forth Anno 1556. to make the Rider feminine; yet it may serve to put one in mind that
this tragical Scene was first opened by the Magnanimous, and Modest Isabella Queen of Castile. From the death
of this gracious Queen, which fell out Anno 1504. the American Destructions are observed to bear Date.
Hell followed &c.] This is added by way of horrid Aggravation, being a most dismal Exemplification of that
Proverb, Where there is no Vision, the people perish. Dr. Fulk in his Praelections published 1573. speaks thus,
Sequitur autem mortem Infernus, ne Corporum tantum hœc lues esse censeatur: sed quam aeterna Animae mors,
& tormenta Inferni consequantur. Et corporis quidem mortem Infernus semper sequitur, nisi in ijs solum quibus
morte Christi retusus est aculeus mortis. Mr. Arthur Dent, Anno. 1603. "For assuredly, Hell doth always follow
the death of the body, excepting those only whom Christ hath delivered from Hell and Damnation, by the
power of his Death. All these perished without Faith, and without Sacraments, in the dolefull Epiphonema
which Bartholomew de las Casas often makes, where he gives an account
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Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
of Twenty Millions Slain, Destroyd, and sent to Hell by Spanish Cruelties. The Grave has nothing to do
here. Multitudes of the slaughtered Indians had no other Grave than the Bellies of Men, Spanish Dogs,
and wild Beasts. In several places of this very Province, about the Year 1618, there was such a
Plague among the Natives, that the living were not able to bury the dead; by which means the ground became strawed
with their Bones.
Fourth part] it is the Field, and not the Proportion of the slain, that is here designd: the
Jurisdiction of the Destroyers is delineated in those words, Upon the Fourth part of the Earth, i.e. Upon, or
over America. What ever Variation there may be in reckoning the other parts of the World; yet America
always obtains the Fourth place, as not only last, but very lately discovered to the rest. The Quaternion of
Evils here specified, are notoriously known to have Ranged over this Earth. Dr. Whitaker affirms that no Histories
make mention of so great Tyranny, as the Spaniards exercised over the Indians. De notis Ecclesiae, p.
505. And Amandus Polanus in his Commentary upon Daniel, doth very largely, and pathetically describe this
Desolating Abomination. Vide cap. 11. 31. p. 1067, 68, 69, 70. Neither need one
salve the last Instance by a Metaphor: the Indians, to shun the Spaniards, fled from their delightful
habitations by the Seaside, and betook themselves to the mountainous Deserts, where the Tigers met with them, and
devourd them. And the Spanish Dogs killd, and eat Multitudes of them: which might help to sharpen Mr. Mede's
Pen, and cause him to say, Christ our Lord sends his Mastives, the Spaniards, to hunt them out, and worry
them: which they did in so hideous a manner, as the like thereunto scarce ever was done, since the Sons of Noah
came out of the Ark. Epist. 43.
The following Seal did for many Years, seem to make against the forementioned Applications, as altogether out
of Time: But within these few Months, It seemd rather to offer Arguments for them. For the Prophesie doth not
say when the Martyrs were slain, but when they were seen. Now if the Fifth Seal be concluded with the
Year 311, or 325, the Antichristian Persecution, the longest, and most grievous of all, will be wholly
excluded. Whereas John was so posted, as that he might look backward all along to the beginning;
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
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and forward all along, to the end of Martyrdom. The eleventh verse also seems to intimate that, measuring from this
Moment, much more of the time of Persecution was past, than was now to come: Yet for a little season,
may be understood in Comparison with what was already past. Upon the whole, I humbly crave leave to offer,
whether the Year 1572, or 1573. may not be the Article of Time intended for this Prospect? Upon the
supposition that Four of the Seals are Local, twas most orderly and methodical to place them all together; tho
some passages of the Fifth might have an earlier commencement, than some of them. The Four Parts of the
World are as so many Colledges rounded, & endowed for the setting forth of the Glory of God. Christ had
bespoke Witnesses in every one of them; and therefore New-Colledge also is first mentioned, before the Fifth
Seal bring in the whole University of Martyrs. under the altar] It is to be noted, that in the Year 1554, the
Sacrament of the Altar began to kindle Fires upon the English Altars: and there Christ in his Members,
was by Authority, Tried, Condemned, and publickly crucified, to a degree scarce equalled in any other Nation. The
Excellency and Preciousness of so many Voluntary Whole-burnt-Offerings, made the Pillars of Smoke, and Fire
to ascend on high, and to be taken notice of all the World over. And Mr. Fox prepared such a golden Oyl to feed
those Flames; that they still do, and always will mount up, in perpetuam Res memoriam. The London Fashion
was not approv'd of at Paris; neither, indeed, could it be follow'd: besides that so long and tedious a Process
was a thing of too slow and dull a temper for that Climate. Bartholomaeus de las Casas writ in the Year 1542.
fearing lest he should incur guilt in concealing the Loss of an infinite number, both of Souls and Bodies.
Polanus saith, his Book was printed in Spanish, at Sevil, apud Sebastianum Trugillium, Anno 1552. He
did with such irresistible Importunity represent the Outrages committed in the New World, as prevaild with the
Emperour to send over Commissioners on purpose to See whether it was so, or no; and upon their Report, took
a better Order, both for their temporal, and spiritual Estate: notwithstanding a strong Interest made against said
Casas in the Court of Spain. Tis possible, these extraordinary Efforts; both in Speaking, Writing, and Printing may
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Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
be signified by a more express attribution of a Voice to the Fourth Animal. In the Year 1572. Paris it self, and
the Prisons in Lions, and over the Kingdom, were made the King's Slaughter-Houses. They of the Reformd
Religion were commanded thither, under a pretence of keeping them out of Harms way: And there within the
Courts of the Prisons, the Butchers Ax and Knife, and Streams of Blood too, as much as might be, were kept out
of sight of the common people; for fear lest Humanity should have got the upper hand, and Roman-Catholicks
should have rescud their Neighbours of the Reformation, from that monstrous Excess of Barbarity. At Lions,
the publick Executioner, and the Garrison Souldiers innobled themselves by refusing to kill these Sheep thus
brought into the Butchers Pen; tho commanded by the Governour. As Saul's Guard of old, so their Unfading
Honour shall never be in danger of being out of Mind, by being out of Sight, so long as any Compositors
and Pressmen shall be left alive. In this Massacre, the Place and Means of the Trepan, were so Eminent; the
Nobility, Number, Worth of the Martyrs slain, so very Extraordinary, that the Cry thereof went up to Heaven,
and the Noise of it made the whole Earth to Ring again. Polanus, to the date of his Epistle before his Exposition
on Daniel, subjoins this Chronogram, composd in Remembrance of the Admiral, and of his Honourable
Company of Martyrs; the numeral Letters whereof make 1572. in which Year, August, 24. being the Lord's
Day, this Bloody Massacre was begun:
BARTHOLOMAEUS FLET, QVIA GALLICAS OCCUBAT ATLAS.
The next Year, a Fair Account of this Foul Tragœdy, came forth in Print, bearing this Title.
DE FURORIBUS Gallicis, horrenda & indigna Amirallij Castillionei, Nobilium atq; illustrium virorum caede,
scelerata ac inaudita piorum strage passim edita per complures Galliae civitates, sine ullo discrimine generis,
sexus, aetatis & conditionis hominum: Vera & simplex Narratio. ERNESTO VARAMUNDO FRISIO
AUCTORE. Vis consili expers mole ruit sua. LONDINI, Ex officina Henrici Bynneman. 1573.
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
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This History brings to mind Three American Martyrs, whose Love to our Lord Jesus Christ appeard to be of
Proof, whenas many Waters could not quench It, neither could the Floods drown It. In the Year 1555. Nicholas
Durandus Villagagnon, a Knight of Jerusalem, one who had been imployd in great Business, a Learned, and
able Man. He out of an eager desire to get Riches, and Honour; did by the mediation of Gasper Colligny the
Admiral forementioned, obtain a Licence of the King to set forth a Fleet, and carry the French Ensigns into the
New World. Upon the 13th of November, he arrived at the capacious Harbour, which by the Portugals is called
Januarius, being in about 23. degrees of Southern Latitude. The Fortress erected there, he called Colligni; and
that he might the more curry favour with the Admiral, he confirmd the hopes he had given that it was a
convenient place for propagating the pure Religion; and petitioned that with his good leave he might send for
some Divines from Geneva. And to that purpose, the next Year he writ to Calvin, who communicated it to the
Elders; and after Consultation upon the matter, two were chosen out of them; viz. Petrus Richerius, of fifty; and
Gulielmus Quadrigarius, of thirty years of Age; who at the Request of Villagagnon, and Colligny, undertook the
Voyage. To these many adjoined themselves; and among them was Joannes Lerius. Philippus Corquillerius had
the Conduct of the whole Company committed to him: He betook himself to Geneva for the sake of Religion,
and was known to Colligny, by whose Letters he was solicited to engage in this Affair, tending so much to the
glory of God. At their Arrival in America, they were received with expressions of great Joy; and quickly after,
their Church was formed according to the Constitution, and Usage of Geneva; Villagagnon going before them
therein, and promising to submit thereunto. About the 20th of March, the Lord's Supper was administred,
Villagagnon himself being present. Afterward Controversies prevailed among them by means of John Cointac a
student of Sorbonne, who out of a fond concept of his own Learning, was ambitious of a Superintendency over
the other Ministers. He was of ill manners, and such a friend to Antichristian Non-Residency, as not to be
asham'd to hold a Benefice in
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Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
France at the same time that he was such a stickler at Brasil. He moved that Sacerdotal Garments might
be provided, the Vessels consecrated, Bread unleavened, and the Wine mingled with Water, and the like. Richers
in his Sermon, inveighed against these humane Inventions and those that sought to introduce them; at which
Villagagnon was very angry, and silencd him: and, as is believed, being advis'd by a Letter from the Cardinal of
Lorain, evil intreated the Geneva Ministers, and wearied them out, and their Company; who with much ado,
through innumerable dangers, and almost starvd, at last got to France. They were about 18, or 20. Leagues at
Sea, when they sprung a Leak; and the most part of their Bread as damnified with the salt water: and they could
hardly free the Ship by pumping. Whereupon, lest they should want provisions for so long a Voyage, the
Captain gave way to the desire of five of the Passengers, to return ashoar in the Boat: which their Company
regretted, for fear Villagagnon should do them a displeasure. But they reckoned themselves safe, having not
given him cause of Offence; but Obligation. And so with much grief on both sides they took Leave;
commending each other to the Keeping of God. Now being unprovided of Mast, Sail, and all manner of
Tackling for the Boat; and of Skill to manage it: twas with infinite difficulty and hazard, that they recovered the
Land, and afterward, the Island and Fortress of Colligny. They speedily presented themselves to Villagagnon,
and acquainted him with the Danger occasioning their Return: and prayd his Favour; forasmuch as they chose to
dwell with their Countrymen; and not with Portugals, or Indians: and had left their Wives and Children
to serve him in this remote Land; which they were ready to do to the uttermost of their power, untill they might have
opportunity of returning to France. The Governour spake them fair; praised God for their Deliverance: and said,
that tho they left him upon discontent, and were now fallen into his power; yet he would leave Vengeance to
God, and by no means deny them Entertainment. However, he refused to let them make the beast of their boat,
to buy Necessaries for recovery of their impaired health. And within a while, was filld with Jealousies, lest all
they had said was feigned; and that Corquillerius called du Pont, Richer and Company, with the help of those
gone to
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
15
the River of Plate, upon notice given, would in one night surprise the Fort, and destroy him and his. Whether
these Fears were real or pretended; he came to a resolution to take them off as Traitors: But not finding how to
make that Charge probable, he pitchd upon Religion, and drew up Articles for them to answer, as thinking such
Sacrifices would be very pleasing to the Court. The French of the Continent perswaded them not to give an
account of their Faith to this Apostat Tyrant: but that they should rather hide themselves among the Portugals,
or Indians. But they were of Opinion that God calld them to bear witness for Him, and accordingly, John
Bordel, who exceeded the rest in Learning and Grace, as well as in Age, drew up in writing a Confession of
Faith, containing an Answer to the Articles. This they all read often, and distinctly weighed each Article; and
then all signd it. It begins thus: According to the Doctrine of St. Peter the Apostle, in his first Epistle;
all Christians ought always to be ready to give an account of the Hope that is in them, &c.
The Conclusion of their Confession is in these words, This is the Answer which we have made to the Articles
sent by you, according to the measure and portion of Faith which God hath given us. Let Him be pleased to
cause that it may not dye in us; but may produce fruits worthy of his Children. He giving us Perseverance in the
same, we will ascribe Praise and Thanks unto Him to all Eternity. Amen.
JEAN du BORDEL.
MATTHIEU VERMEIL.
PIERRE BOURDON.
ANDRE la FON.
When their Orthodox Confession was sent to Villagagnon, he declared them Hereticks upon the Articles
relating to the sacrament of the Altar, and Vows; and said twas unlawfull for them to live any longer, lest the
Company should be infected with their Poison. Yet his resolution to put them to death, he kept as privat as he
could, till Friday, the 9th of February, 1558. on which day he orderd them to be brought from the Continent.
Their friends with tears disswaded them from going to their slaughter. But they considering that God might
have brought them into those parts,
16
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
and preserved them in millions of dangers for this end; could not find in their hearts to desert the Cause of their
dear Lord Jesus: So John Bordel, Matthew Vermeil, and Andrew la Fon went into the boat: But Peter Bourdon
was left behind very sick. Being come to the Island, Villagagnon commanded that they should be brought
before him, who holding their Confession of Faith in his hand, asked if they made and signed it. They answered
that they made it and signd it, every one owning his Hand; and seeing it was according to the Confession of the
holy Apostles and Martyrs of the primitive Church, they were resolved, by the Grace of God, to maintain it.
Their words were scarce out, before Villagagnon discoverd a furious countenance, threatening to put them to
death, if they continued in their damnable Opinion. And presently commanded his Executioner to put Irons on
their Legs; and to every Chain to hang fifty, or sixty pound weight: and orderd them to be shut up in a nasty
dark Prison, and set a Guard of armed men upon them. They comforted one another in Prayer & singing of
Psalms. All the Company of the Island was very much troubled at this action, and secretly comforted the
Prisoners, and gave them provisions which they stood in need of. The next day in the morning, he went well
armd, with a page, into a little Hall, wither he sent for John Bordel in his Irons; of whom he demanded an
explanation of the article of the Sacrament, He confessed that the Bread and Wine were Signs of the Body and
Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, confirming it by the saying of St. Augustin. Villag. in a great passion, gave him
a blow on the face with his fist; whereupon much blood flowed from his nose and mouth. To the blow he added
words agreeable; You have lyed, Villain, St. Austin never said so: Before I eat, I will reward the fruits of your
Obstinacy. As some tears fell with the blood, Vil. upbraided him, calling him a puny fresh-water souldier, that
would cry for a fillip! Then he asked him if he would maintain, what he had writ and signd. Bordel answered,
Yes, untill by Authority of the holy Scriptures I am otherwise taught. V. seeing the stedfastness of the man,
commanded his Executioner to bind him, and carry him to a Rock which the water coverd twice a day, three
foot. He and his page being armd, attended the poor Sufferer to the place appointed. Bordel passing by the
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
17
prison where his companions were, cryed out to them, with a loud Voice, Be of good Courage, you will quickly
be delivered from this miserable life. As he went along, he sung Psalms, to the astonishment of bloody V. and
his Executioner. Being upon the Rock, twas with much adoe that he got leave to commend himself to God in
prayer, before he went out of the world. The Executioner being too slow for furious V. he threatend him with a
cat of nine tails, if he did not make haste: therefore he immediately threw him into the Sea, where he rendred to
God his Spirit, calling upon the Name of our Lord Jesus till he was drownd.
Matthew Vermeil was brought next, being greatly astonished at the death of his companion, he pleaded with V.
for his life with such Expostulations, Have we robbed you, or evilly entreated the least of your servants? Have
we plotted your death, or done any thing to your dishonour? No Villain! said he; you and your companions dye
for no such things as these; But because you are a most dangerous Pest to be separated from the Church, lest
you spoil the rest of my company. The Martyr answered, Eight moneths are not passed since you have made an
ample confession of the Points for which you make us dye this day. Afterward he petitioned him again for his
life, offering to become his servant. V. said he had nothing for him to do: but he would think of it, if he would
recant his Error. Vermeil seeling no hope given him, but what was destructive to his Salvation, became thereby
resolv'd in his mind, and Cryed out with a loud Voice, I had rather dye, to live eternally with the LORD: than to
live a little while, and dye for ever with Satan. After he had made this Prayer upon the Rock, and commended
his Soul to the Care of God, he freely delivered himself into the hands of the Executioner; and Crying out with a
loud Voice, Lord Jesus! have mercy on me! He gave up the ghost. Andrew la Fon had not strength enough to
climb up into this Rock of Martyrdom: but by Promises & Threatenings, was drawn to some degree of
Recantation: Or else was favoured by Villagagnon for the sake of his Trade of a Tailor, which was very
necessary. And so his life was spared.
But the bloody Sacrifice of Vil. is not yet ended: One Victim remains; viz. Peter Bourdon, who was left very
sick on the Continent. Villagagnon went himself thither, took
18
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
one ashoar with him. His first salutation to the poor sick man was that he must get up, and go into the boat;
Bourdon would have excused himself, from his inability to do him any service by reason of sickness.
Villagagnon told him, this was to cure him. The poor man not being able to stand, much less go; he caused him
to be carried aboard. Villagagnon asked whether he would stand to the Confession he had signd. He answered,
he would consider of it. As soon as they came ashoar, the Executioner bound him without any more adoe,
advertising him to have a care of his Conscience. Bourdon supposing that to be the place where his companions
obtained the Victory over death; he recommended his soul to God, and Cryed with a loud Voice, Lord God. I
am of the same Paste with my Companions, who maintained the Combat for thy Name, with glory and honour: I
pray Thee, shew me Favour, that I may not succumb amidst the Allurements of Satan, the World, and the Flesh.
I pray Thee, pardon all my Transgressions & Offences that I have committed against thy Majesty: and this in
the Name of thy wel-beloved Son, our Lord. Having prayed thus, he turned himself towards Villagagnon, and
asked him for what he was to dye. For signing an heretical and scandalous Confession, said Villagagnon. When
he asked upon what point, he was declared an heretick; Villagagnon told him it was no time to dispute, but to
look to his Conscience: and bid the Executioner make haste: Bourdon seeing that Divine and humane Laws
were as it were buried, being very resolute, he submitted himself to the Executioner; and calling for the Help
and Favour of God, he dyed in the Lord. This Tragœdy was ended about ten in the morning. After which,
Villagagnon exhorted the people to avoid the Sect of the Lutherans; with which he himself was once infected,
to his great grief. He threatened death to the obstinat; saying, that everyone ought to observe what their fathers
religiously taught them. This day he commanded plenty of Provisions to be given to the Artificers and
Labourers, in token of Rejoicing. He had written to some Courtiers, that if they would not blame him for
carrying Preaching into Brasil, what great matters he would do against the Ministers; promising to silence
them. After this great Cruelty, his Affairs went every day to wreck: Returning to France, he fell into
Disgrace there; at last a secret
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
19
fire consumed him by degrees, and he dyed miserably, without repenting of his Apostasie. French Martyrol.
Lib. 7. Fol. 400, to 404. and 414, to 418. Also Fox, his Table of French Martyrs, Vol. 2. p. 129. In this
history, we are rather to admire the Grace of God helping three of this Company to go so far; than that the fourth went
no further: Especially considering how destitute they were of Books, and of Friends that durst speak a word on
their behalf; and above all, of their godly, learned Ministers, who might counsel them, and comfort them in their
Agonies: whereas they had to do with a hasty furious Tyrant, more like a Leopard, than a Lord.
But to return to Revel. 6. 9. There seems to be a Distribution of Martyrs into two Classes. The first were
slain because they were Christians; the latter ware slain because they were Not Papists. For the WORD of
God] i.e. For the sake of Christ: They were for JESUS, and not for Jupiter. Testimony is, as it
were, a Term of Art pointing to the Sack-cloth Witnesses mentioned Chap. 11.
dwell upon the Earth] This Phrase seems to be a stated Periphrasis for Antichristians; who impudently
pretend to the Monopoly of all that is Ecclesiastical: whereas it is here said, that they themselves are
Extra Ecclesiam. And white Robes were given unto every one of them] The very material garments in which they
commonly suffered, were of that Colour. And these words seem to be meant of the Justice done to the Memory of these
slain Martyrs, by the True and Universal Histories that were written of Them about this time, whereby they
were vindicated from the Reproaches of their beastly Pursuers; and had their Proper Character given them.
Their filthy garments and Crowns painted with Devils, were taken off from them; and Fair Mitres were set upon
their Heads, and they were clothed with change of Raiment. So much as might be, a particular Account was
given of each ones Birth, Education, Employment, and Causes of Suffering. Illyricus, his Catalogus Testium
Veritatis was printed at Basil 1556. About the same time John Crispin, Beza's intimat friend, writ the French
Martyrology at Geneva; which has been very much enlarged, a compleat and excellent Composure: And tis
remarkable, that the words of Rev. 6. 9, 10. are set before us in the Title-page. John Fox began his universal
20
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
History of Martyrs, at Basil, during his exile there; and perfected it at London, after his return. At first, he
writ in Latine, and sent the Copy to Basil to be printed, where the Work is in great Estimation; as also in divers
other foreign Nations. Legatur Martyrologium Joh. Foxi, saith judicious Pareus in his learned Commentary
upon Rev. 16. 6. Col. 8. 31. His more compleat English Edition was finished about the Year 1570. Thus Christ
commanded the Keepers of his Great Ward Robe, to clothe his Martyrs with rich and costly white Robes of
Latine, English, and French Contexture. Mr. Fox affirms, that by the Iniquity of Time, this Work could not be
contrived in any Kings Reign since the Conquest, before the Halcyon days of Queen Elisabeth. One Reason
why this important Work could best be performed then, may be gathered from the Triumph which this Learned
Unwearied Author gives the Art of Printing, invented about the Year 1450. Of which, take this specimen: "By
this Printing, as the Gift of Tongues, and as by the singular Organ of the Holy Ghost, the Doctrine of the
Gospel soundeth to all Nations and Countries under Heaven; and what God revealeth to one man, is dispersed
to many; and what is known in one Nation, is opened to all.["] Vol. 1. P. 803. The Usefulness of Martyrologies,
He expresseth thus, Et tamen voluit hoc modo tua declarare Majestas, nobisque innotescere hominibus, quam
honoresicum sit, pro tui nominis gloria fortiter dimicantes, occumbere, quorum Tu vitam a cinere ac rogu sic
vindicas, sic causam tueris, sic dignitatem illustras, ut eandem, cum gloriae faenore, abs Te recipiam clariorem,
quam si nunquam alioqui perdidissent. The best word the Lord Cardinal, and Bishops could afford Mr. George
Wisehart, was, False Heretick, Runnagate, Traitor, and Thief. But when this Cause is brought before Mr. Fox by
an Appeal, He by a very just and impartial Sentence assures us, that he was a most charitable Gentleman, a very
good Scholar, a vertuous Traveller, an orthodox, holy man of God, and blessed Martyr of Jesus. Vol. 2. p. 521.
Very notable is the Restauration of the Memory of Martin Bucer, & Paulus Phagius, by Matthew Parker,
Edmund Grindal, Gualter Haddon and others, the Commissioners of Queen Elisabeth. Cardinal Poole's
commissioners had been such Unrighteous and Cruel Exactors, as to make the Bones of those Worthies to pay
for their Orthodoxy, and fruitfull
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
21
Diligence in the Famous University of Cambridge. It was expressly mentioned in their commission, ad eorum
qui in haeresi decesserint, memoriam damnandum. And part of their sentence was, Eorum Memoriam
condemnandum esse, & condemnamus. See the History at large. Vol. 3. P. 639. Of the Ninth Edition. In this
manner, by these printed Martyrologies, adorned with lively Cutts; the blessed Martyrs are, all under one, both
gloriously Apparelled; and also placed in the open View of the whole World of Christians whom John
personates.
And it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season] Now what the Lord will do with this
wicked World, or what Rest He will give to his Church after these long Sorrows; he is our Father in Heaven,
His Will be done in Earth as seemeth best to his divine Majesty. In the mean time, let us for our parts, WAIT
upon his Graces Leisure; and glorifie his holy Name; and edifie one another with all Humility. John Fox his
Protestation, Vol. 1.
I was now about to have passed on to the Sixth Vial; but am interrupted by some of my Friends, who suppose
that not one of the Vials is yet poured out. To which Objection, I have nothing more satisfactory to my self, to
say, than what I writ in answer to Mr. Benjamin Eliot, April, 7. 1685. Some object, that Revel. 11. 19. &
Rev. 15. 5. intend the same Thing: and the Witnesses are not yet risen, and therefore there is no Vial as yet
poured out. Vide Med. lib. 3. cap. 6. P. 735. Answ. See Med. Synchron. 5. Sect. 3. P. 534. The
word Temple, in both places, signifies the Reformed Church fashioned according to the Commandment of Christ,
and his Apostles; and separated from that sorry earthy heaven conformable to the inventive fancys of men. But these
two Scriptures have respect to very different Times, and Conditions of this Church. The Opening
mentioned Rev. 15. 5. Precedes that mentioned Rev. 11. 19. Some hundreds of Years. The Temple Rev.
15. 5. In the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. Tabernacle] intimating its ambulatory, and
movable condition; taken down in one place, and set up in another, according to the holy, wise, and soveraign Pleasure
and Providence of God: And this may be spoken in contradistinction to the Temple Rev. 11. 19. wherein God will settle
his Abode, Psal. 46. 4.
22
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
Testimony] The Sack-cloth Witnesses are the constituent parts of this Temple; which for the first Ages of it,
was more closely shut, and less visible: and began now to be more open, when the Commissioners of the Sack-cloth
Testimony stood forth, in order to the execution of their Charge. On the other hand, the Church Revel. 11.
19. Is called the Temple of GOD, intimating that God had a more visible, avowed, and immediat Hand in
building this Temple. As the New-Jerusalem is said to come down from God out of Heaven. It may also imply
the Excellency and Glory of this Church above the former. And therefore God will avowedly and plainly Own
this Church to be His, by his Wonder-working Providence in the face of the whole World. Whereas God did but
privatly, and partially favour the other. And that, many times, Not to save them from death (The Witnesses must
be slain) but to strengthen them, and inable them to dye Triumphing. As it fared with Christ their Head. In this
Divine Temple, the Ark of the Covenant is Seen: There's another difference. Mr. Mede conjectures it may be
meant of Christ's Personal Appearance. See lib. 5. cap. 11. P. 1114. However, then it will satisfactorily and
plainly appear to the Saints, that God in Christ, is a God Keeping Covenant; a God of Truth, Fullfilling every
good Word He hath spoken concerning his Chosen, and concerning his Enemies. Then, and not till then, will it
fully appear, that God is a faithfull Keeper of that Covenant recorded Jerem. 31. 31. and Heb. 8. 8.
The Israelites had indeed served Baal, and not Jehovah: Therefore it was fit that God should carry it
towards them as Baal did to his prophets, 1 Kings, 18. 26-29. But now, God will of his bounteous Grace
provide, that there shall be no more National, permanent Apostasie.
For the Confirmation of what has been said, take a few words of my ever honoured Master, the late Reverend,
Learned and Holy Mr. Thomas Parker, in a Manuscript of his upon Isai. 60. Nova Hierosolyma qua hic
describitur, est ipsa Philadelphiensis Ecclesia, quoad antitypum, inchoata a temporibus Wiclefi; ante cujus
pedes adorabunt omnes ipsius mimici, in compensationem Partientiae, quae sustinuerat Opprobrium
antegressum tempora Wiclefi; et qua sustinuerat Opprobr-ium & Persecutiones passim erumpentes in
primoridijs Regni Christi, post Wiclephum. Restuti. Haec etjam est
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
23
ipsa Nova Hierosolyma quae describitur Apoc. 21. Comprehendit autem statum imperfectiorem, inchoatum a
temporibus Wiclesi; et statum perfectiorem post finem annorum Antichristi; et etjam Perfectum tandem,
introducendum in Gloria Cœlesti. Et paulo post, Violentia in ea jam ex parte cessavit; saltem imperfectius, et
Vicibus alternis: sed tandem perfecte cessabit &c. Sol igitur illius numquam occumbet, quoniam hostes Lucem
ejus nunquam extinguent: licet ad tres dies & dimidium, Voti sui compotes futuri videantur.
Upon these grounds, the forementioned Objection ceaseth to be cogent with me. And I am so far from thinking
that no Vial is yet poured forth; that I am apt to conclude, that no less than Five ANGELS have already
poured out their Vials. So many guesses have been made about the Subject of the Fourth Vial; that if I do enter a claim
for the Sun of Persecution, I shall no more incur the danger of being extravagant, than some that have gone
before me. Certainly, that is the Sun that consolidates and cherishes the Antichristian State. As for the Fifth
Vial; Bullinger, Brightman, Forbes, Pareus, Mede, and Company Interpreters of the Revelation, have poured
that to purpose. As also Dr. Whitaker, The Author of the History of the Council of Trent, Chamier, Robert
Parker, Dr. Ames, Dr. Owen, cum multis Alijs. And seeing the Tower of Babel hath no other foundation than
the Uncertain Vanity of the Apostle Peter's having been at Rome: Uldaricus Velenus did the Babylonians a
singular displeasure in writing a Treatise to prove that He was never there. Bellarmin. de Pontif. lib. 2.
cap. 1. The truth is, except their Index expurgatorius be enlarged with many Clauses of Scripture, the
Probability lies on Velenus his side; Ten to One. And Bellarmin's arguing from Peter's Tomb, is unsound. For it was
customary at Rome, to make Funeral Solemnitys, and erect Monuments for persons dying abroad. Alcyone resolved to pay
that Respect to her husband Ceyx, who was lost at Sea. Ovid Metamor. lib. 11. & lib. 12. princip.
Si non Urna, tamen junget nos Littera; si non
Ossibus Ossa meis, at Nomen Nomine tangam.
How easy was it for the modern Romans to make use of this
Custom when it might serve their turn. Moreover if this Vial partly intends Impressions to be made upon the
City of
24
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
Rome it self; yet we need not wait longer for them. There was a jostling between Charles the Emperour, and
Clement the Bishop. The Emperours Army in their march towards Naples, wanting both Pay, and Provisions;
Charles Duke of Bourbon, was fain to calm them, by promising the Liberty of furnishing themselves at Rome.
Upon the fifth of May, 1527. They incamped in a meadow near the City. From thence He sent a Trumpet to the
Pope, to demand passage for his Army through the City, in his way to Naples. The next morning, May 6. at
break of day, He drew near the Suburbs, by way of the Mountain, and Santo Spirito; wherein he was favoured
by a very thick Mist; which rising before day, and increasing with degrees of Fogg and thickness, became such
a Covert to the whole Camp, that his Souldiers were not discerned till they were near the place where they
began a furious Assault. The Noble Duke marched in the head of his Troops, carrying a scaling Ladder in his
hand; and was unhappyly slain with an Harquebuse shot. Philibert of Chalon Prince of Orange causing his body
to be covered with a cloak, maintain the Charge very vigorously, and by dint of Sword forced his Entrance. The
defendents fled before him; their Fear being far above any other sense or passion in them; and the Suburbs were
entirely abandoned, and left a prey to the Conquerors. Clement was in the Palace of the Vatican, expecting the
issue; who hearing that the Enemies were entered, discovered his Passions of Fear and frailty; and with certain
Cardinals presently betook himself to the Castle of St. Angelo. He was in doubt whether it were best to abide
there; or to retire to some place of greater surety. In the mean time, Berard de Padoa, who was fled from the
Imperial Army, certified the Pope, that the Duke of Bourbon the General was dead, and that their Courage was
thereby so much abated, that they desired an Accord with him: in which matter they sent out men to parly with
the Principals. On the day following, while the Pope was in this perplexity, not knowing what course to take;
the Spaniards seeing neither Order, nor Counsel to defend the Quarter beyond Tiber, entered without any
Resistance; and the same evening, they entered by the bridge Xisto, into the City of Rome, where all was turned
into Flight, and Confusion. For want of great Artillery, the first Dispute was sharp; in which
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
25
there fell of the Imperialists One Thousand. Being exasperated by this Loss, and the death of their General; they
slew and put to the Sword Four Thousand. In their pillaging, small regard was had to Friends or Favourites;
much less was respected the Authority of Cardinals and Prelates, tho of their own Nation; Or the Dignity of
Rich Temples, Relicks, Dedications. It is hard to particularise the greatness of the Prey. But that which made the
Spoil infinite in Value, was the Quality and great number of Prisoners, Redeemed with most rich and huge
Ransoms. The Launceknights, being Germans and favourers of Luther; bore no good will to the Church of
Rome. These took prisoners certain Prelates, whom they apparelled with the Habits and marks of their
Dignities, and then set them upon Asses and lean Mules, with their faces reversed to the crowpe of the beasts;
and so led them through the City of Rome, upbraiding & terrifying of them with the Name of Luther. Many of
them they variously tormented; so that some first yielded a Ransom, and then their Lives. The Cardinal of
Sienna compounded with the Spaniards; and was afterward made prisoner by the Launceknights, who made
booty of his Palace, and then led him all naked with buffets and bastinados, into the borough. He was driven to
redeem his life out of their hands with a promise of five thousand Ducats. The Cardinals Minerva and Ponsaro
payed the Ransom they were rated at, after they had been in a vile Spectacle carried in Procession through the
Town of Rome. One called the Cardinal Sanctorum quatuor, or Cardinal of Pouch, was slain. To these Stroaks
were superadded that of the Plague, which invaded the City and Souldiers at the same time; and made its
Entrance also into the impregnable Castle of St. Angelo, to the great danger of the Pope's life: about whom died
certain special Men who did service to his person. The Pope was at last so far meekened by the complication of
many pressing Calamities attending a strait Siege, as to be brought to a Composition with the Imperialists. He
was to make present payment of threescore thousand Ducats to the Launceknights; and to the Spaniards, thirty
and five thousand: This being done, they were to set him at liberty with all the Cardinals. Within three moneths
after, other like great Sums were to be paid to the Spaniards and Launceknights, according to
26
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
their portions; which together with the Sums that had been paid, amounted to more than three hundred and fifty
thousand Ducats. That he might make these Payments, and deliver himself from the heavy yoke of his
Imprisonment, he created certain Cardinals for Money, of whom the most part, for their Learning or Vertue,
were Unworthy so great Honour. The Cardinals Cesis and Ursin were delivered to the Souldiers as Hostages,
who were led by the Cardinal Colonno to Grottaferara. And so all things having their orderly Expedition, the
Spaniards were to guard him to a place of Surety the tenth of December. But he fearing some variation or ill
Accident, stole away out of the Castle the night before, in the habit of a Merchant, and was guarded to Orvietto.
The Souldiers satisfied of all their Payments from the time of the Pope's delivery, with forty thousand Ducats
over and above, as imprest money for two days, they marched out of Rome the 17th day of February, a day
which had been most joyfull, and of special Respiration to the wretched people of Rome; if their Calamities,
which they supposed to be ended by the departure of the Launceknights, had not eftsoons recontinued in a new
course by the Abbot of Farfa, and others of the family of the Ursins; who entering the Town with the paysants
of their dominion, did for many days many great Insolencies. By reason of these Calamities, grievous for their
continuance, and lamentable for their wretched Succession; descending from one Enemy that was ill, to another
that was worse, the City of Rome was not only made naked of a great part of her Inhabitants, with the
desolation of many houses and Palaces: but also it stood rent and defaced in Images of ancient and worthy
presence, &c. Guicciardin, lib. 18. pag. 851-878. Thuanus speaks after this manner, Caesar, ut injuriam sibi a
Clemente illatam ulcisceretur, nominis pontificij auctoritatem per omnem Hispaniam abolet; exemplo ab
Hispanis posteritati relicto, posse ecclesiasticam disciplinam citra nominis pontificij auctoritatem, ad tempus
conservari. Eodem tempore Columnij a Caesare instigati, Romam occupant, & Clementem in Mausoleo
Hadriani obsident. Nec multo post totes viribus Romam itum, Duce Borbonio, et urbe in petu capta & direpta I }
CCCC postquam a Totila postremo vastata fuit, anno, abunde de Clementis ambigua fide Caesari satisfactum
est. Histor. lib. 1. p. 17. Cesars abolishing the Popes
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
27
Authority for a while, might lead the way to Henry the Magnificent his Unckle, to do it for good and all.
Guicciardin reports the Imperial Army to consist of Four and Twenty Thousand; viz. eight thousand Spaniards,
twelve thousand Launceknights, and four thousand Italians: an Army sufficient to do in Italy what they pleased.
The Cardinals that were in Italy made a motion, that as well they as the other Cardinals beyond the mounts,
might assemble together at Avignion, to take Counsel in so troublesom a time, what course to hold for the
stability of the church. But because they would not all at one time, range themselves under the power of so
mighty Princes, they declined it. The Pope's chief hope was in Francis the French King, who had been Caesars
Prisoner but a little before; and now the Dauphin, and Duke of Orleance were in his hand as Hostages. Which
rendred his motions slow and irregular, as of a person in Fetters. So that Monsieur Lawtrech commander of the
Leaguers Army advanced not so far as Rome. And Tiber by its Overflowing, incommoded a Party of their Men.
The Emperour also had a considerable Interest in Italy. Pompeijus Columna the Cardinal, who much Influenced
the People, was at his devotion; and the Duke of Ferrara strongly solicited Charles Duke of Bourbon to surprise
Rome, as the only Expedient for securing his Master's Interests. By such means it came to pass that the Imperial
Army had no less than Nine Moneths time to pillage Rome. Where the Pope contrary to his custom, his nature,
and {24} all expectation, did not only constantly remain; but being confident of defending the City, he did not
only forbid Men to go away; but also made an Ordinance that no Goods should be carried out; which
Merchants and Artificers would have secured by sending them down the River. Ea Nocte nihil unquam lugubrius aut
funestius Roma vidit, saith Onuphrius in the life of Clement, p. 382. col. 2. Now if one or two Kings did so far
waste Rome by the by, and as it were in Jest: When the Seventh Vial's Turn comes, the Ten Kings will do it
perfectly, and with a Vengeance. For Rome will be reserved till then, Ut sentiat se mori. If the Papists object
the death of the Duke of Bourbon: That Loss was well repaired by the Choice of the Prince of Orange in his stead;
by which means Rome's Night was made more dark, and came on the faster. And Johannes
28
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
Medices, one of the chief Commanders on Clement's side, fell also by a shot. Even Monsieur Lawtrech, the
Pope's deliverer, died in the Camp not very long after; and most of his Army was swept away by the Plague.
Not above three Years after, the River Tiber received a Commission to make some considerable addition to the
Ruine of Rome. Tiberis alveum egressus magis quam ad eam diem hominum memoria, vel vetustis monumentis
relatum esset, Urbem inundavit, incredibilis cum Romanorum damno, et œdium detrimento. Onuphr. p. 384.
col. 1.
Upon all, or some of these Considerations, it seems to me probable that Five of the Vials are already poured out.
Not but that they hold on their course still; and will do so, untill the Confluence of them all do with irresistible
Force ingulf Antichristianisme in utter Ruine. The truth is, all the Vials may in some sence be said to have been
poured out together at the beginning of this Period of Rome's gradual Decay. Yet there are critical Times, and
characteristical passages of divine Providence, wherein each Vial obtains the successive Regency appointed
them of Christ. And the Sixth Angel seems now to stand ready with his Vial, waiting only for the Word to be
given for the pouring of it out. The pouring out of this Vial will dry up the Antichristian Interests in the New
World: and thereby prepare the way for the Kings of the East. This is agreeable to the analogy of Interpretation
generally given by the Ancients; and more lately by Bullinger, Pareus, Cowper, and many others. Only as
Euphrates is one individual River, so tis suitable to limit it to this Continent; thereby to keep it as it were within
its banks. There is an harmony between the Third and Sixth Vials. In the pouring out of that, the Antichristian
Rivers were made bloody, by the Civil, and Military Sword: By the pouring out of this, the Great River is
wholly dryed up; so that Nothing of it is left remaining to make Babylon glad. Consequently, the
Armagedduntine Expedition will some way resemble that of 1588. Only it will be much greater, and more fatal
to the principal Undertakers. Mr. Brightman couples Revelation, 16. 16. with Daniel, 11. 45. So that if
the genuine sence of that place hath been given, we know here to look for the drying up of Euphrates. And to make
the Turkish Empire the subject of the Sixth Vial, seems heterogeneous: For Euphrates must
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
29
needs be parcel of the Waters upon which the Whore sits at the time when this great River comes to be dried up:
Which the Sun of Righteousness will do, by causing so much of her dominion to cease for ever. The Pope and
his followers, by warring against the Turk, do not dry up Euphrates: but do inlarge the Papal, by the diminution
of the Ottoman Empire. And although the passing away of the second Wo be matter of universal Joy; yet to
make it to be the drying up of Euphrates, seems hard: For the Sixth Vial doth not carry off an Old Plague; but
brings on a New one. Neither did I ever hear that the Reformed Churches fared so much the better for the taking
of Buda, as to make me think that Euphrates was then partly dried up. Moreover this is a new accommodation.
The first that I find of it, is in Mr. Fox, p. 373. Probably, if he had met with it before, he would have mentioned
it; that being his professed design, Praefat. p. 6. But he acknowledgeth Interpreters went another way, and
endeavours to refute them. Pareus speaks thus, Neque nova vel recens a nobis excogitata est haec interpretatio.
Eandem enim ANONYMUS meus ante 260. annos expressit his verbis, &c. col. 839. The inconsistency of this
Opinion with Mede's Hypotheses, makes not a little against it. He himself seems to be put upon bending the
fourth, to make it conform; aut salsem quod bestiae saluti innexum, ejusque interest. p. 656. Although so
great a Pilot's taking this path, was an extraordinary prejudice; yet many learned Expositours have still chosen to
go in that which was the beaten Road in Mr. Fox's time; and, as I suppose, was, and is the KING's high Way. Mend
but the Chronology of Alcasar's dream, and what he hath written upon the Sixth Vial, becomes a very good
Protestant Exposition; Etenim repente, et praeter opinionem, alius uxorem propriam esse Christianam
deprehendit, alius filiam, frates alius, alius cognatos & affines; ac demum omnes pariter animadverterunt
Christianam Fideris sese in mediam Romam, et in ipsas eorum domos insinuasse, atque adeo vix aliquam esse
super, quonion cœlestis ille penetrasset Ignis, quem Christus in terra accensurus advenit. p. 730. To his own
that golden Promise belongs, The Lord will dry up Euphrates to make a way for his scattered ones.
Some think it concerns the Return of the Jews miraculously; as once through the Red Sea. Rogers's
Naaman, p. 228.
30
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
Sed, Quorsum haec? What Concernment hath America in these Things! America is not any part of
the Apocalyptical Stage. The Promise of preaching the Gospel to the whole World, is to be understood of the
Roman Empire only, according to the extent of it in John's time: As it is said Augustus made a decree that all
the world should be taxed. The Roman Empire contained about a third part of the Old World: and this Triental
only was to be concernd with the Apocalypse. The Prophesies of the Revelation extend but to such Kingdoms
or Monarchies of the World, where the Church in all Ages still was: therefore not to the West-Indians, nor
Tartarians, nor Chineses, nor East-Indians.
But what shall we say, if the Stone which these Builders have refused, should be made the Head of the Corner?
Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood. Or if it be not made a Corner-stone:
that it should be quite thrown by, and not be at all laid in the Building: is more than can be proved from the
Scriptures. I suppose there is nec vola, nec vestigium of any such thing to be found there. Who art thou
that judgest another Mans Servant? to his own Master he standeth or falleth: Yea, he shall be holden up: for GOD is
able to make him stand; may be applicable here. There is a vast odds between historical and prophetical
Scriptures, as to the manner of their declaration. Augustus taxed as much of the World as he could; taxed all his
world. Why may not Jesus, in like manner; give Law to all His World, without asking Caesars leave? To tedder the
Scriptures, and tie them to the Herculean Pillars; takes off all the Lustre of the Spanish Motto, PLUS
ULTRA; and makes the Glory of it to dwindle away to very nothing. But the Word of God is not bound. To go about
to do it, is, I fear, to limit the Holy One of Israel; and injuriously to spoil the Church of that Doxology, In
God will I praise the Word: in the Lord will I praise the Word. I have seen an end of all perfection; but thy
Commandment is exceeding broad. It was so in David's time: but now, tho the Scripture Canon be compleat, it is
so far shrunk, as to extend but to about a Quarter of the Old World? For they who have no share in the
Revelation, tis hard to think how they will be able to make out a good Title to any portion of Scripture:
this being the last, and most comprehensive of all. And what a Rack of Romanizing, endless, incurable Torture,
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
31
must this needs fasten serious Christians upon. Whenas after diligence to acquaint themselves with the
Scriptures, and to obtain the Favour of God in the ways there marked out: still all is bootless, except they can
prove themselves to dwell within the bounds of the Roman Empire. Which, as to multitudes, is a doubt that all
the Learning in Europe, is not sufficient to resolve. And what shall become of Scotland, Ireland, Denmark,
Sweden, Poland, Bohemia, Moscovia, much of Germany, and a great deal more of Europe beside?
According to this Reckoning, these Nations must be Extra Ecclesiam, because they are Extra Imperium:
As also, by far the greatest part of Asia, and Africa, and all America. The first and most,
so far as I know, that hath given countenance to this Bill of Exclusion; is the Conjecture of the Learned and Pious
Mr. Mede. And therefore it may not be amiss to take a View of that Chapter entituled, DE GOGO & MAGOGO
in Apocalypsi Conjectura, Lib. 3. p. 713. Altho the Author be incomparably more than my Match; yet the Honour
of being a Retainer to my Noble Lord Say; Love to my Country; and the Advantage, as I apprehend, on my side, do prompt
me to the Undertaking. Dr. Twisse in a Letter to Mr. Joseph Mede, dated Ap. 6. 1635. mentions his having written to my
Lord Say touching his Counsels for advancing the Plantations of the West, and telling him, that his
Lordship little thought that they tended to promote the Kingdom of Gog and Magog. My Lord in his Answer
to the Doctor, gave a touch only thereupon; which was this, That surely, the Americans were not Gog and
Magog. The Dr. writ more Largely of this Subject in his next Letter. Upon this his Lordship wrote a large
Letter Opposing the Conceipt of Gog, and Magog; tho the Millennium of Christ's Kingdom were
granted; yet not a little against that also. Epist. 50. p. 993. Had this Letter of the L. Say been in print, probably,
there had been nothing left unanswered; or at least there had been a trodden Path: whereas now I must beat out my way
as well as I can.
Conjectura] Thus I have told you out my fancy of the Inhabitants of that World: which tho it be built upon
mere Conjectures; and Not upon firm ground; &c. Epist. 43. p. 981. Let but those who quote Mr. Mede, imitate
his Modesty; and as yet no great trouble occurs.
32
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
Apocalypsis codex est fatorum ecclesiae Gentium, non Judaeorum. Habent enim Judaei de suo &c. neque
nosstra ullatenus opus habent.
These Pronouns, Meum and Tuum, in a business of this nature, I cannot away with. This being one of the
first Writts of Partition brought for dividing the Scriptures, that I have taken notice of. The Scriptures are an
Estate holden in Joint Tenancy; and none have any preferible Right in them. From the Epistle Dedicatory; Unto his
Servants; we must with Mr. Dent conclude, that the whole Doctrine of the Revelation appertaineth to the
Universal Church of Christ throughout all the World, in all Times and Ages. p. 8. The Bodleian Library is not
the Propriety of this or the other particular College, or Hall; much less, of the happy Keeper of it: but of the
Renowned University of Oxford. By which means the whole World is benefited by their Illuminations. The Apocalypse is
a most illustrious Epithalamium suited to the stately Magnificence of the Bridegroom, and of the Bride.
Now the Jews upon their Return, will eminently sustain that Character. The New Jerusalem
is that which the Old and New Testament do ring of. This City of God is especially made up of Jews, and from
thence it hath its Name. Goodwin, Rev. p. 28. Therefore, seeing the Parchments belong to those who have
the Estate; this Book must needs belong to the Jews: because the glorious Things that are spoken of therein,
are eminently spoken of them. Our LORD, whose this Book is, and his Servant John, the writer of it, were
Jews; and there have been of that Nation converted in all Ages, who have kept Possessions for the rest: so that
I cannot discern any incongruity in affirming that this Book belongs to them also; and gives an Account of God's
Providence toward them; especially upon their Return. [Return Return, O Shulamite! Return Return!] But, let us
see what is laid in against their Claim.
Ambitu suo Gentes] The Church consists not of Gentiles only. The four Quarters of the World with all their
Furniture, make the Apocalyptical Stage: and in every one of these are the dispersed Jews to be found.
Eodem (ni fallor) faciunt &c.] If there be not Room enough in Rev. 10. 11. to entertain the Jews,
I cannot imagine any thing large enough to comprehend them.
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
33
Sed omnium maxime illud confirmat Parabolarum Symbolorumque propheticorum in hoc Libro indoles atque
ingenium; in quibus nempe passim observare licet, Judaeos, sive synagogam Israeliticam, Personam Verae
Christi Ecclesiae ex Gentibus surrogatae, sustinere: Gentes contra, typum Idolatrarum, ejusdemque Ecclesiae
hostium; &c. Atqui in ea Prophetia ubi Gens Israelitica alienam personam sustinet; ibi suam ipsius gestare nullo
modo verisimile est: quandoquidem illud fieri nequit, quin totius Parabolae ratio conturbaretur, &c.
It is indeed a singular Honour to that Nation, that sincere Christians; such as with inviolable Chastity keep
themselves to the Institutions of their LORD, should be called Jews, Rev. 2. 9. But to take an occasion from
thence, to exclude all Jacob's Posterity from this Privilege, is to argue perversely. Our Saviour doth not
deny Nathanael to be a Jew, by pronouncing him an Israelite indeed. The Revelation doth not so
much regard what Nation a man is of: but whether he be a follower of the LAMB, or no. For he is not a Jew
(in this spiritual sence) which is one outwardly (only) But he is a Jew which is one inwardly. Rom. 2. 9.
In this glorious State of the Church which John introduceth, the Jews must needs be very much concerned;
because Christs Receiving them again, is a notable means reserved of God, to revive, and bring on the Spring of the
Gentiles, and to cause them to flourish, as is herein described. Rom. 11. 15. And yet there is no difference
between the Jew, and the Greek: for the same LORD over all, is Rich unto all that call upon him.
Hinc adeo sit ut tantillum &c.] The Jews are not mentioned by the by only; but directly, and on purpose;
as in the beginning of the nineteenth chapter. And that which is last accomplished; is firstly and chiefly designed
by the Efficient. I will be their GOD, and they shall be my People: Is the most Great, and Glorious, and All
that can be said. Whatsoever else is spoken, must be only in explanation of this; or it will be perfectly blasphemous
Nonsence. Upon which consideration, me thinks tantillum, and Sponsa AGNI, do not stand well together in
the same chapter. However, we are beholden to this great and worthy Author, for his concurrent Testimony, that the
Jews are the People intended in the sixteenth, and nineteenth Chapters. Pari ratione] May it not with
more, or equal strength be argued, New-Jerusalem
34
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
is not the same with Jerusalem: but as Jerusalem was to the westward of Babylon; so
New-Jerusalem must be to the westward of Rome; to avoid disturbance in the Order of these Mysteries.
If we might be allowed to take Mr. Mede's words as they seem to sound at the first hearing; they would signifie no
less; "New-Jerusalem is not the whole Church; but the Metropolis thereof, and of the New World.["] Epist. 20. p. 944.
The thirty seventh of Ezekiel treateth of the Marriage of the LAMB. Therefore it seemeth probable that the
thirty eight Chapter treateth of the same Gog and Magog that John doth; the same Order being kept in
both places. If Ezekiel have some respect to former Enemies; that doth not hinder, but that this might be
the ultimat and principal Aim of the Prophesie. The Reverend, Learned and Holy Mr. John Cotton, had much of the
meaning of this mysterious Book shewed him by Christ, as a Blessing upon his much Prayer and Study, in order to his
Exposition of the same in his weekly Lecture at Boston in New-England. He hath written thus, "This Gog
cannot be Gyges, nor Antiochus Ephiphanes. This Gog in Ezekiel, is the same with this
Gog in the Text. For 1. Gog in Ezekiel is foretold (when he shall come) to be the "same whom the
Prophets of old spake of, Ezek. 38. 17. 2. Gog in Ezekiel, cometh after the
Resurrection and Reunion of Judah and Israel, Ezek. 37. Throughout. And upon his Destruction,
Ezekiel seeth a Vision of a glorious Church of the Jews, Chapt. 40. To the end of the Book. So doth
this Gog arise up to fight against the Holy, after the first Resurrection of the Churches of Jews and
Gentiles. And after his Destruction, John seeth the New-Jerusalem come down out of Heaven, Chapt. 21.
to the end of the Book.
"When the Saints and Witnesses of Jesus Christ have enjoyed the Liberty, Purity, and Authority "of Church
Government, for the space of a Thousand Years, after the Destruction of Antichrist; "Satan will again find
Liberty and Power to deceive the Nations, Princes and People, in great "multitudes, to war against the Church;
especially against Jerusalem. V. 7, 8, 9. Taken out of a "Manuscript of Mr. Cotton's own Hand-writing,
p. 34, 36. Mr. Greenhil upon Ezek. 38. 5, 6. p. 496. Observes, From all quarters of the World there be
Enemies ready to combine and all with Gog
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
35
&c. Those of the East, comprehended under Persia; those of the South, intended under Ethiopia; those of
the West, included in Lybia; and those of the North, contained under Gomer, and the house of
Togarmah, were all at the beck of Gog, to go against Jerusalem; the Servants, and Worship of
God therein.
Ex quo autem hominum genere Hostis hic novissimus.... Ex gentibus in opposito nobis Hemisphaeria, quas
Deus Opt. Max. occulto suo judicio, maximam partem, nunquam sit Evangelij sui lumine perfusurus.
Moses, Deut. 29. 29. speaking, for ought I know, of the unparalleld Providences awaiting the aboriginal
Natives of America, shuts up all with that solemn and silencing Axiom, The Secret things belong unto the
LORD our GOD. A man may know more by himself, than all others can: and yet he cannot lawfully account himself a
Castaway; much less may he denounce another man Reprobate; and least of all, a whole World of men: except
he shall suppose himself licenced to cast firebrands, arrows and death; and say, Am not I in sport? One of the
chief Spices wherewith Historians have embalmed the Memory of Isabella Queen of Castile, is, that she did
greatly love Learned men, who were of good Conversation; especially Prelats of an holy and religious Life,
preferring such. Accordingly, Twelve learned Clerks of good and holy life, according to those times, were sent
over with Christopher Columbus in his second Voyage. Grimestow Hist. of Spain, p. 845, 949. And we would
fain hope there might be some Gold among the counterfeit mettal; the time of Refining not being then far come
on. According to Mr. Mede's Simile in his excellent Discourse upon Isai. 2. 2, 3, 4. Disc. 29. p. 185.
Dr. Whitaker de notis Eccles. p. 505. speaks not without hope of the Americans, as if it might fare
better with them, than with their Teachers. Quod siqui forte illorum, Scripturas intelligunt, si Dominus illis
suum Spiritum dederit: possunt in meliori statu esse, quam sunt ipsi Monarchi, & Jesuitae, a quibus instructi sunt.
Haec qualiscunque Evangelij praedicatio, censeri debet prodromus praedicationis incorruptae, quae suo tempore
subsequetur. Alsted his continuation of Chamier, de notis Ecclesiae, p. 102. Mr. Mede mentions a Sentence
taken out of a Treatise published Anno 1120. Sicut sumus praecedit ignem, victoriam pugna; sic et gloriam
Christi,
36
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
tentatio Antichristi. Book, 3. p. 888. In Mr. Broughton's Explication of the Holy Apocalypse, chap. 11. p. 141.
are these words, "The West-Indians, seem to come of the East: as both speak some Hebrew. "Now
God driveth us to both Indians, not for Pepper, and Tabacco: but in time, to shew his Name. And the
Jesuites, in teaching the Holy Trinity, Person, and Justice of Christ, may save many. Mr. Daniel Rogers, Mr.
Mede's Tutor, a Man of vast Parts, writeth favourably of the New-English Plantations in America; and
ariseth a Note higher, in expressing his hopes of the Conversion of the Natives, Who can, or dare deny, but that
the calling of those Americans to the knowledge of the Truth, may seem a weighty Occasion to expect from God the gift
of Miracles? Naaman &c. p. 6, 169. Mr. Henry Scudder, a solid & fruitful Divine; in opening those words in the
Lords Prayer, Our Father which art in Heaven, p. 117, 118, hath this Use, "Whereas we read and hear of much
People both in Asia, and America, that worship and pray unto the very Devil, not with inward worship
only (for if these only, did so, it were happy with many that are called christians) but with outward worship also:
Tho we cannot speak to them, to reclaim them of this devilish Idolatrie; yet in compassion we should speak to
God for them, that He would please to send the Light of his glorious Truth and Gospel, to discover their Sin
unto them, and to recover them out of the snare of the Devil, who holdeth them captive at his will. I do urge this
the rather, because I am perswaded, that when [all] Israel shall be called namely, when
the two Sticks prophesied of by Ezekiel, shall be joined "into One Stick: when, as the Apostle saith,
All Israel shall be saved which State of theirs, v. 15. he calleth a receiving of Life from the dead: When
this shall come to pass, I doubt not but Many of those deceived souls, which yet never heard of the Gospel (except
by Papists, who make them whom they convert, thrice more the children of the Devil, than before) shall have part in
the same Resurrection: Let us therefore pray for them.
Having seen these three Worthies thus pleading and wrestling for the New World; as also Dr. Ames, and Mr.
Nicholas Estwick, as far as I can gather, a well wisher thereunto: Remembring too that they were all, of, Christ-
College in Cambridge; it gives me occasion to say,
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
37
Una eademque Domus, Vulnus Opemque tulit.
If the ancient name Vates, may still be allowed to Poets; it will be the more considerable that Mr. Abraham Cowley
hath said,
At tu praeteritas tandem obliviscere clades,
Nam tanti non parva Deus tibi, America, vindex,
Et dedit & majora dabit solatia damni.
Gaude forte tua; pars omnis amara vorata est
Jam dudum: dulcis superest: &c. &c.
ngenium, pietas, artes, ac bellico virtus
Huc profugae venient, & regna illustria condent.
Et domina his virtus erit, & fortuna ministra.
Plantar. Lib. 5. p. 252, 253. Likewise, Herbert's Poems entertainus very nobly with a good Presage for the New
World; p. 191.
Then shall Religion to America flee:
They have their Times of Gospel, even as we.
Not doubting but that these Authorities, being brought to the King's Scales, will be over Weight; I pass on.
Nostri vero Hemisphaerij orbem, quem Oceanus ambitu suo circumscribit] God hath founded the American
Tebel, upon the Seas, and established it upon the Floods. For Rivers, Lakes, and Seas, America refuseth to give
place. Quique solus Antiquis creditus est humani generis domicilium.]
The Antients believed there was no Earth here. The doctrine of Antipodes, was with them, Heresie. Virgilius
was condemned for it. So that by this argument, the Inhabitants of the New World tread water. But to argue
from an antiquated Opinion, after it is, by Experience, convicted of essential and total Error; is truly to personat
Water, as to its instability. One may equally fasten the same Imputations upon Asia, Africa, and Europe,
because Montezuma & his Subjects, did not believe there was any such Place, or People. In quo primus homo
conditus, &c.] I shall always think the worse of Holiness of Places, for Mr. Mede's sake; seeing it hath
put one of his Learning and Charity, upon throwing away the New World at a cast: For that seems to be the only basis
of this argumentation. And yet one would think, That the Fall of Mankind, Judas's Treason, and Mahomet's
Alcoran, do but ill favourdly contribute towards the sanctification of Asia. Eorum discipuli praedicarunt]
Thuanus was
38
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
of Opinion, that God raised the Spaniards to that Height of Power, that they might be fit Instruments for
carrying the Gospel into these remote Parts; and speaks thus of it, Non mediocre, meo quidem judicio, operae
pretium fuit, ubi nullas omnino terras esse credidit antiquitas, ibi inter tot gentes antea incognitum CHRISTI
nomen vel perperam audiri & celebrari. Histor. lib. 1. p. 10. F. But to leave other American Plantations,
it is certainly known, That the Disciples of CHRIST have, for these Seventy seven Years, constantly and publickly
preached the everlasting Gospel in New-England in America; and have kept his Sabbath. It should seem
Mr. Estwick had alleged the Conversion of some Americans; by Mr. Mede's Reply, March, 22. 163 6-7 Epist. 69.
p. 1034. But the New-Englanders have not yet converted one; the Spaniards have, but unto Antichrist, not to
Christ: and the Story of their Conversion is such as may make a man justly suspect there hath scarce yet been
ever a true Christian of that Race] It is a received Maxim, that into whatsoever place Jesus Christ sendeth the
Gospel of Grace; in that Place, He hath People to be saved. And who can certainly fix the Moment when Christ
shall begin this mysterious Work? At the date of this Letter, sixteen Years were run out, after Christ began to
settle his Abode here. And I presume the Negative testimony of a Person three Thousand miles off the Place
concerned, will not obtain much credit with equal Judges. Especially, remembring that the 43th Epistle begins
thus, Concerning our Plantations in the American World, I wish them as well as any body: tho I differ from
them far; both in other things, and the grounds they go upon. Neither can I believe, that the Captain of our
Salvation hath landed his Forces here, to disturb and vex Satan only;* but to fight with him in good Earnest, and
break his Head. It is remarkable what Mr. Nathanael Morton relates of one Squanto an Indian, in his
New England's Memorial, p. 25, 35, 40. "He proved a special Instrument sent of God for the good of the English,
and was their Interpreter; directed them in planting of their Corn; where to Fish; and was also their Pilot to
bring them to unknown places; and never left there untill his death. He was a Native of this place where
Plimouth is, and scares any left besides him. The great Sachem Massasoiet sought his life; which caused him
to stick close to the English. Being on
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
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a Voyage to buy Corn, by reason of cross Winds they put in at Mannamoik, where Squanto fell sick, and in a
few days dyed. A little before his death, he desired Governor Bradford (who was then there) to pray for him,
that he might go to English mans God in Heaven: and bequeathed many of his Things to the English Friends,
for a Remembrance of his Love: of whom they had a great Loss. "This fell out in the Year 1622. As Rahab, he
with the uttermost hazard of his life changed sides; left his countrymen, and espoused the Interest of Strangers:
And therefore I dare not deny, but that Rahab and he do now fare alike. This Year the Indians were exceedingly
affected with the Providence of God in sending a plenteous Rain upon the very same day that the English had
set apart, and sought it by humble and fervent Prayer. All the morning, and the greatest part of the day, it was
clear weather, no cloud, or sign of Rain to be seen. Yet towards Evening it began to be overcast, and shortly
after to rain. It came without either Wind, or Thunder, or any Violence; but by degrees, and in that Abundance,
as that the Earth was thorowly soaked therewith: which did apparently revive the languishing Corn and other
Fruits; to their own & the Indians Admiration. One of them was heard to say, Now I see that English-mans
God is a good God: for He hath heard you, and sent you Rain; and that without thundering Storms and Tempests;
which use to break down our Corn. Surely, your God is a Good God! The Drought lasted from the third week in
May, to the middle of July; without any Rains; and with great Heat, for the most part. N. E. Memorial, p. 37, 38.
Since the death of our Author, many of them have been converted; a satisfactory Account whereof was sent
over to England, and is in Print: by means whereof, many fervent Prayers were offered up to God on their
behalf. So that we may hope, the Children of so many Prayers shall not finally miscarry. The New Testament
was translated into their own Language, and came forth in Print, in September, 1661. And since that time, the
whole Bible hath been given them by the singular Industry of Mr. John Eliot, at the Cost of the Honorable
Corporation; and a Catechise, and several books of practical Divinity, to boot. There are also several Churches
of them wherein the Ordinances of Christ are administred, and his Sabbath sanctified. Which
40
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
Congregations may be compared to a piece of a Pomgranat within the Locks of the New-English Church. To the
many printed Testimonies of Mr. John Eliot; Father, and Son, Mr. Thomas Mahew, Mr. Henry Whitfield, and
others; one manuscript Evidence may be added. Major Daniel Gookin, a Person of known Integrity; who tho he
were an Assistant, yet disdained not to accept the Government of the Indians, and was very conversant with
them; both at Cambridge, and at their own homes, for many Years together. Anno 1674. He writ a Treatise
thereabout; which he entitutled, INDIANS CONVERTED. In the 64th page, is this Passage, "For my own part,
I have no doubt; but am fully satisfied, according to judgement of "Charity, that divers of them do fear God, and
are true Believers. Well then, as to the Massachusetts, Triumphant Whitaker's Hypothesis is happily made a
Thesis; Scripturas intelligunt, Dominus illis suum Spiritum dedit.
Cujus finibus Judaeorum illa per omnes Gentes dispersio concluditur] It is well known what Swarms of Jews
did dwell in Spain, especially, from the times of Adrian the Emperour. But in the Year 1492. Ferdinand and
Isabel, King and Queen of Castile, made an Edict, whereby all Jews, which inhabited in Castile, or Leon, were
enjoined to turn to the Christian Religion, and to be baptized within three Moneths; on pain of having their
Goods confiscat, and perpetual Banishment. By this means the miserable People were brought into Great
Perplexity. The most religious of them took counsel in the three moneths space of delay before they were to
leave the Country; and found means to send away their Money and chief Goods out of Spain; wherein they were
aided by many honest-minded Christians; who did help to hide them. Others, who valued their ease, Native-
Country, and Goods, above all other matters; were baptised, and made profession of the Christian Religion. And
in process of time, the noble Families of Spain allied themselves by Marriage, to that Race. Grimeston, Hist.
Spain, p. 946, 947. This was called the great Dispersion. One hundred and two and twenty Thousand Families
were driven out of Spain: and were forbidden to return, upon pain of forfeiting both Estate and Life.
Meminit hujus exilij Dav. Gans P. 1. pag. 60. b vocat Ejectionem magnam; qua innumeri Solum, plurimi etjam
Of the New Heaven upon the New Earth.
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Religionem mutarint. Scribit, Calamitatem illius temporis ne quidem exprimi posse. Plura habet Schebh.
Jehuda, p. 38, 39, 40. Hottinger, De Judaismo, p. 914. Eodem illo Anno, Hebraeos universos, quorum ingens &
infinitus prope numerus erat, Hispaniae finibus excedere jussit. Et ut Haereticos, Mauros, et Hebraeorum
reliquias e suo regno penitus evell |
