THE CHURCH’S FLIGHT INTO THE WILDERNESS: AN ADDRESS ON THE TIMES (Sermon by Samuel Sherwood in 1776)

The following is a excerpt from the pages of Political Sermons of the American Founding Era, 1730-1805. These sermons have been preserved since the founding of our Great Nation Under the Living God.  Pray. Fast. Seek Yahuah our Father the Living Eternal God and King of the Universe, in the Name of Yahshua/Jesus that the Holy Spirit be your only Guiding Light and reveal truths to you. Amen.

In the Love, Light, and Truth of Yahshua,

Sister Aviela Levia

Romans 1_16

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THE CHURCH'S FLIGHT INTO THE WILDERNESS:

AN ADDRESS ON THE TIMES

Samuel Sherwood

NEW YORK

1776

Samuel Sherwood (1730–1783). Perhaps the most frequently cited sermon of the

revolutionary era on the millennialist theme in politics, The Church’s Flight into the

Wilderness of 1776 is the second of the two Sherwood sermons that survive. The first,

Scriptural Instructions to Civil Rulers (1774), is reprinted earlier in this volume. Both

are regarded as being of the first importance—a tribute to Sherwood’s intellect and to

the ardor of his patriotism.

Preached on the text of Revelation 12:14–17, Sherwood’s discourse relates the

American cause to the Apocalypse and does not shrink from concluding that “we have

incontestible evidence, that God Almighty, with all the powers of heaven, are on our

side. Great numbers of angels, no doubt, are encamping round our coast, for our

defence and protection. Michael stands ready, with all the artillery of heaven, to

encounter the [British] dragon, and to vanquish this black host.” This powerful

sermon was preached in January 1776 to an audience that included John Hancock.

Publication came some months later. The Introduction is dated April 1, around the

time the British were besieging Boston, German mercenaries were entering the

conflict, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense appeared, and American resolve for

independence was crystallizing in the face of Britain’s unyielding policy.

The “Appendix by Another Hand” that follows Sherwood’s message is by an author

unknown. It concludes the sermon with a speculative note on Revelation 13, whose

prophecy of the last days was much in the minds of Americans about to plunge into

the turmoil of the Revolution.

Introduction

The author declares his abhorrence of a bigotted attachment to the low singularities of

a party, and professes to act on the benevolent and catholic principles of the gospel;

therefore hopes his readers will not conceive any obnoxious idea from the word

church, as he uses it in this discourse, nor indulge or give way to jealousy and

prejudice so far, as once to suspect, that he means by this term, to point out any one

denomination of Christians, exclusive of all others—as distinguished by their location

and other peculiarities. The church, in his sense of it, includes all the worthy

professors of christianity, who conduct themselves on their probation here, as those that expect to be judged hereafter, by the great evangelical law of liberty. He fully

believes the Apostle, when he says, “where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty”;

and doubts not, but this spirit has been plentifully poured out, not only in the New-

England colonies, but likewise on his Episcopalian brethren in the Southern

provinces, for whom he has the highest esteem and affection, and would not for his

right hand, speak or write any thing that might give umbrage or just cause of offence

to such worthy patriots, so ardently engaged in the common cause, and using such

vigorous, spirited exertions for the defence and preservation of American liberty. He

is fully convinced of the absolute importance of uniting in the most cordial friendship,

as christian brethren and fellow-countrymen, in this glorious contest and struggle, and

fully sensible, that to give the ark a wrong touch in this critical moment, might be of

unspeakably dangerous consequence. But, however, apprehends no hazard or danger

of being misguided by the scriptures of truth, which consideration, amidst all his

diffidence, has prevailed with him to comply with the importunity of some of his

friends, in consenting to this publication. His earnest wish and daily prayer is, that all

differences and disputes may terminate in the firmest union and harmony of those

colonies, and that liberty inviolate, may be secured to every individual of every

denomination, so long as sun and moon shall endure.

 April 1, 1776

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the

wilderness, into her place; where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a

time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a

flood, after the woman; that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And

the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the

flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the

woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the

commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation xii. 14, 15, 16, 17

This prophetic book is entitled, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which he sent and

signified to his servant John, by his angel; and which he received when in a state of

banishment, in the isle called Patmos, for the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus

Christ. It pleased the all-wise and omniscient God, to give to this his faithful servant,

a very full and glorious vision of the things which then were, or of the state of the

church at that time; and of the things which should be hereafter, or the then future

state and condition of the church, the seasons of its flourishing and prosperity, and of

its declension; its trials and sufferings to the end of the world. Which vision he was

ordered to write, for the instruction, support, and consolation of God’s saints, in the

wars and conflicts they might have with their enemies, in every age and period of

time, till the old serpent, the great dragon should be entirely overcome, and his

kingdom compleatly destroyed. “And blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the

words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time,”

that is, of their accomplishment, “is at hand.” The diligent and serious study of this

sacred book ought not to be neglected and despised, nor the things it contains be

viewed as idle speculations, and vain empty amusements; but every man is bound in

duty, to attend to the things contained herein, as to matters of great importance, with

all the wisdom, sobriety and reverence he is capable of. It may with propriety be

stiled, “The sure word of prophecy.” The apostle John was so highly favoured, as to

behold a door opened in heaven; so near to which he was brought as to look in, and

see the glorious things transacted there, to confirm his faith as to the truth of these

wonderful predictions and prophecies to be accomplished on earth. Chap. iv. 1[:] and

the first voice which he heard, was as of a trumpet talking with him, which said,

“Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” Accordingly

God discovered to him all the most remarkable events that should befal his church,

and the nations and kingdoms of the world, even to the closing period when the angel

should stand up and swear, that time should be no more: Which things he was ordered

to pen down in dark, emblematical, and figurative language, the meaning of which,

tho’ it cannot be fully comprehended in the present dark state of the church; yet may

be so far understood as to afford much support and encouragement to God’s people in

times of their greatest distress and suffering, and tend to establish their belief of the

truth of this part of divine revelation, and of the ruling providence of God which is

constantly at work to fulfil and accomplish the events herein predicted and foretold.

With a view to assist us in forming just conceptions of the nature and design of these

prophecies and predictions, and to lead us to a right improvement of such providences

of God by which they are fulfilled, I shall make two or three observations, before I

proceed directly to explain the passages that have been read.

1. I would observe with all judicious commentators and expositors that have wrote on

the subject, that popery, or the reign and kingdom of the man of sin, the old serpent,

the dragon, its rise and progress, and its downfal and overthrow, is the greatest, the

most essential, and the most striking part of this revelation of St. John. There has been

a mortal enmity between the seed of the woman, and the seed of the serpent, ever

since the fall of man, and the promise of a saviour for his recovery. The old serpent,

who seduced man by his temptations, to fall, has ever been using his subtility and

malice to defeat the purposes of divine grace, and to destroy Christ’s kingdom on

earth; and has, in all ages of the world, been successful in stirring up agents and

instruments to accomplish this diabolical and hellish design. Among all his crafty and

subtle inventions, popery, which exalts the principal leaders and abettors of it, high in

the honours and emoluments of this world, seems most cunningly devised, and best

adapted to answer his purpose; and has proved the most formidable engine of terror

and cruelty to the true members of Christ’s church. And this has been the chief subject

of prophecy since the coming of Christ; and was foretold by some of the prophets

under the Jewish dispensation. And whatever difficulty and perplexity there may be in

many of these dark, mysterious passages, yet in this view, the application of most of

them is rendered easy and obvious. As popery has been the greatest enemy, and the

greatest corrupter of christianity, we may rationally conclude that more prophecies

relate to that, than to any other distant event.

By carefully reading and studying the prophecies given forth by Daniel, by St. Paul,

and more fully by St. John, it will appear to be clearly and evidently foretold, that

such a power as that of the pope of Rome should be exercised in the Christian church,

and should authorize and establish such doctrines and practices as are publicly taught

and embraced by the wicked, corrupt members of that mother of harlots and

abomination. The time also is signified when, and how long it should prevail; and that

at last, upon the expiration of this term, it should be destroyed forevermore.

2. This popish mysterious leaven of iniquity and absurdity, by which the Christian

religion has been so awfully adulterated and corrupted, has not been confined to the

boundaries of the Roman empire, nor strictly to the territory of the pope’s usurped

authority and jurisdiction; but has spread in a greater or less degree, among almost all

the nations of the earth; especially amongst the chief rulers, the princes and noblemen

thereof. When this great whore of Babylon, or papal Rome is described, Rev. xvii.

1[:] her bewitching, infatuating enchantments are said to be such, that the kings of the

earth have been enticed, and inflamed in their wicked lusts, to that degree as to have

committed fornication with her; and the inhabitants of the earth have been made

drunk with the wine of her fornication or whoredom. They have been so far corrupted

and debauched by this mother of harlots, as to sacrifice every dictate of religion and

reason, and even common sense, to those alluring arts with which she has been

tempting them. The prophet Isaiah had long before this, foretold, “That she should

turn to her hire, and commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world, upon the

face of the earth.” Isaiah xxiii. 17.

When the great red dragon, described, Revel. xii. having seven heads, and ten horns,

and seven crowns upon his heads, made his first public appearance, his tail drew a

third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth. The apostle, under

these symbolical characters and attributes of the great red dragon, undoubtedly meant

to point out Satan or the Devil with his agents and instruments, who are acting the

part of avowed enemies to the church of Christ; and his drawing the stars of heaven

with his tail, must mean his subjecting the princes and potentates of the earth, with

great numbers of the clergy, to his tyrannical influence and oppressive scheme of

government. The prophets often describe the persecuting enemies of the church, under

this emblem and figure. Psalm lxxiv. 13[:] “Thou breakest the heads of the dragons in

the waters, &c.” And when God comes to destroy these enemies, he is said “to cut

Rahab, and to wound the dragon,” Isaiah li. 9[;] see also Ezekiel xxix. 3[:] “Thus saith

the Lord God, behold, I am against thee Pharaoh, king of Egypt, the great dragon that

lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, my river is mine own, and I have

made it for myself.” When the frightful monster of a beast, in such terrible array, is

described, Rev. xiii. the dragon is said to give him his power, and his seat, and great

authority; and all the world wondered after the beast; and said, “Who is like unto the

beast? Who is able to make war with the beast?” Which expressions denote the great

extent of his power and dominion, as well as the blind infatuation of his deluded

subjects who made their boast of it. It is added, “And power was given him over all

kindreds, and tongues, and nations, and all that dwell upon the earth, shall worship

him, whose names are not written in the book of life, of the Lamb slain from the

foundation of the world.” Now, it can admit of no doubt, but that there are multitudes

of this character in other nations and kingdoms, besides papal Rome. This is further

evident from chap. xiv. 8. when the angel comes to proclaim the fall of Babylon, the

reason given why God thus proceeded in righteous vengeance and wrath, is this, viz.

“Because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”

Her’s was a kind of Circean cup, as one observes, with poisoned liquor, to intoxicate

and inflame mankind to spiritual fornication. The prophet Jeremiah hath assigned

much the same reason for her destruction, chap. li. 7[:] “Babylon hath been a golden

cup in the Lord’s hand, that made all the earth drunk; the nations hath drunken of her

wine, therefore the nations are mad.” When the sixth angel poured out his vial, Rev.

xvi. Three unclean spirits like frogs, are said to come out of the mouth of the dragon,

and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, which are

said to be spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the

earth, and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of the great day of God

Almighty. These unclean spirits here compared to frogs, a very low-lived, inferior

kind of animals, who are peeping and croaking in the dark holes and corners of the

earth, most probably represent popish, jesuitical missioners, or the tools and

emissaries in general, of anti-christian, tyrannical power, who are the spirits of devils,

and have free access to the kings of the earth, and are said to be gone forth through

the whole world, and are industriously using all their most artful stratagems, and

diabolical craft and subtility, to impose upon mankind, and to engage them in the

support and defence of the kingdom of Satan, in opposition to the mighty host

marshalled up by the Lord Almighty, for the overthrow and destruction thereof. These

scripture prophecies and predictions that have now been cited, to which more might

be added, were it necessary, make it abundantly evident and manifest that the antichristian, tyrannical scheme of popery, in one shape and form, and another, was to

have a very extensive spread and influence, not only thro’ the territories of papal

Rome, but thro’ all the nations and kingdoms of the world in general, and that the

kings and princes of the earth, as well as their subjects, were to be much intoxicated

and infatuated therewith; to the great distress and perplexity of the true church of

Christ, which, so far as I have been able to observe, has not been suitably noticed and

attended to by expositors and divines that have wrote on the subject; the want of

which has occasioned much perplexity and obscurity in their comments on some

passages, which, in the right view of them, are full of significance and importance.

For instance, that passage in the xiii. chap[ter] of this mysterious book, where the

image of the beast is spoken of, “I confess,” says a great expositor, “I know not what

the image of the beast is, distinct from the beast itself.” The reason of which was, no

doubt, his limiting and confining these prophecies to so narrow a circle, as papal

Rome. Every man of common sense, knows that the image of a thing is something

different from the thing itself. Therefore, to make sense of the language here used, we

must suppose that the apostle intended to describe another persecuting tyrannical

power, in some nation or kingdom of the world, which was a lively figure and

resemblance of that exercised at Rome, the head-quarters of tyranny and persecution.*

Whether that persecuting power be intended, that has in years past, been so cruelly

and barbarously exercised in France, and other popish countries, against the humble

followers of Christ, to the massacre and destruction of so many thousands of

protestants;† or whether there be a reference to the corrupt system of tyranny and

oppression, that has of late been fabricated and adopted by the ministry and

parliament of Great-Britain, which appears so favourable to popery and the Roman

catholic interest, aiming at the extension and establishment of it, and so awfully

threatens the civil and religious liberties of all sound protestants; I cannot positively

determine. But since the prophecies represent this wicked scheme of anti-christian

tyranny, as having such an extensive and universal spread over the earth, like

Nebuchadnezzar’s tree which reached unto heaven, and the light thereof to all the

ends of the earth, it need not appear strange or shocking to us, to find that our own

nation has been, in some degree, infected and corrupted therewith, and that some of

our princes and chief rulers have had a criminal converse and familiarity with the old

mother of harlots; and been sipping of the golden cup of her fornication, so as to be

intoxicated, if not wholly drunk with her poisonous liquors. “Before what is called the

reformation, the man of sin reigned triumphant in our mother-country, without much

check or controul; which reformation was not set on foot on the purest principles of

genuine christianity, nor carried to perfection by King Henry the Eighth, who is so

celebrated as the author of it. In the reign of Queen Mary, the doctrine and ceremonies

of the catholic religion were re-established, and the pope’s authority and jurisdiction

acknowledged in full; and a very cruel, severe persecution rigorously carried on

against the innocent, conscientious professors of the protestant religion; and a most

tragical scene of bloodshed and slaughter exhibited, as ever England beheld.

If we pass from this dark and bloody period of English history, and come down to the

reign of the Stuart family, we shall find three or four of our kings successively,

seduced and infatuated by the enticing and bewitching inchantments of the old whore

of Babylon, to that degree, as to drink deep of the intoxicating wine of her fornication,

to the entire destruction of two of them; and to the great distress of the nation in

general. How far the present ministry have walked in this enchanting road, and how

fond they are of the kind embraces of this old filthy harlot, the world will judge from

their open attempts to propagate and establish popery, that exotic plant, in these

northern regions; which is not a native of our benign soil, nor of our heavenly Father’s

planting; and their gathering up of armies professedly Roman catholics to dragoon us

into slavery and bondage, or massacre and butcher us and our families, and lay our

pleasant country in desolation and ruin.

3. Since these prophecies and predictions, relating to the trials and sufferings, the wars

and conflicts of the church with her anti-christian enemies and adversaries, may be

justly taken in such a large, extensive sense and latitude; we may rationally conclude

that many of them have reference to the state of Christ’s church, in this American

quarter of the globe; and will sooner or later, have their fulfilment and

accomplishment among us. The providences of God in first planting his church in

this, then howling wilderness, and in delivering and preserving of it to this day, are in

a manner unequalled, and marvelous; and are reckoned among the most glorious

events that are to be found in history, in these latter ages of the world. And there are

doubtless yet more glorious events in the womb of providence, which the present

commotion thro’ the nation and land may (however unlikely in the view of some) be

the means of bringing to pass. There is no part of this terraqueous globe better fitted

and furnished in all essential articles and advantages, to make a great and flourishing

empire; no part of the earth, where learning, religion, and liberty have flourished more

for the time. And as to the rapid increase of its inhabitants, and swift population, it

cannot be paralleled in all history. There is no part of the world where its inhabitants,

through such a large extent of territory, are under such bonds and obligations, from

self-interest, to keep in the strictest union and harmony together. They have every

motive and inducement to this, that can well be conceived of. And this union, by the

blessing of heaven, is become as general, perfect and complete, as could well be

expected in such a corrupt disordered world as this in which we live.

These united colonies have arisen to such a height as to become the object of public

attention thro’ all Europe, and of envy to the mother from whence they derived;

whose unprovoked attack upon them in such a furious hostile manner, threatening

their entire ruin, is an event that will make such a black and dark period in history,

and does so deeply affect, not only the liberty of the church here in the wilderness, but

the protestant cause in general, thro’ the christian world, and is big with such

consequences of glory or terror, that we may conjecture at least, without a spirit of

vanity and enthusiasm, that some of those prophecies of St. John may, not unaptly, be

applied to our case, and receive their fulfilment in such providences as are passing

over us.

I do not mean to undertake a nice, exact calculation of the periods pointed out in this

prophetic book; nor to range thro’ the history of the world for events to find their

accomplishment. I am of opinion, that the church of Christ in every age, may find

something in this book applicable to her case and circumstances; and all such

passages that are so, may lawfully be applied and improved by us accordingly. There

are many cases which happen, that bear a near likeness and resemblance to each other,

and which the same prophecy may well suit, in the most material parts of it. It has

pleased that God who exercises a universal providence over all things, so to dispose

and order events, that the calamities and afflictions of the church, in some measure,

run parallel one to another; and all the former efforts of that tyrannical persecuting

power, called the beast, may be the types and figures, as it were, of his last and

general effort against the faithful witnesses of Christ, and the true members of his

church.

These preliminary observations may assist us in explaining and improving these

prophecies of St. John; particularly the passages that have been read, to the

consideration of which I now proceed.

Verse 14. “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might

fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times,

and half a time, from the face of the serpent.”

The woman in this passage, is represented in verse 2. as in a pregnant state, travailing

in birth, and in violent pangs to be delivered, which is doubtless designed as an

emblem of the true church of Christ. She is elsewhere spoken of as the spouse of

Christ, who owns himself to be her head and husband. A woman, we know, is the

weaker sex, and looks to her husband for support and protection. So the church has

always been the weakest part of the world, in herself considered, and had her

dependence on Christ her head, for preservation and safety in times of peril and

danger. This woman, the church, being in such a near relation to Christ, the brightness

of the Father’s glory, and express image of his person, amidst all her own natural

weakness and infirmity, has never appeared contemptible; but the most glorious

society that ever existed in our world. She is the king’s daughter, all glorious within.

She is spoken of, verse 1. as being cloathed with the sun, and having the moon under

her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars; which is a magnificent

description of her comeliness, beauty and lustre. She is enlightened, invested and

adorned with the rays of Jesus Christ, the great sun of righteousness, which makes her

form illustriously bright and majestic. She is in such a state of dignity and triumph, as

to have the moon, with all sublunary enjoyments and terrors, under her feet. And on

her head, to compleat her glory, a crown of twelve stars, an emblem of her being

under the light and guidance of the twelve inspired apostles, who had been improved

as master-builders under Christ, in laying the foundation of this honourable society,

and were such useful and distinguishing ornaments to it. One would think that such a

society as this, would have nothing to fear from all the combined powers of earth and

hell; and indeed, they have not in reality, since stronger is he that is for them, than

those that are against them. However, they are not exempted from trials and sufferings

in this world. We find, when the great red dragon appeared with his seven heads and

ten horns, that frightful monster the devil instigated the tyrannical persecuting powers

of the earth, against this harmless and innocent woman, the amiable spouse of Christ.

He had impudence and boldness enough to make an unprovoked attack upon her,

which occasioned her to leave the imperial and wealthy abodes of earthly grandeur

and magnificence, the courts and palaces of emperors and princes, and retired to some

obscure, solitary condition, for the sweets of liberty and peace. This furious attack of

the great dragon on the woman, was an event of such importance, as to produce war in

heaven between the angels of light, and the angels of darkness. See verse 7. “Michael

and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought, and his angels.” This

Michael was the tutelar angel and protector of the Jewish church. Daniel x. 12. And

he performs here the same office of champion for the Christian church.

He, and the good angels who are sent forth to minister to the heirs of salvation, were

the invisible agents on one side, as the devil and his evil angels were on the other. The

visible actors in the cause of christianity, were believers, whether in a civil or

ecclesiastical character, with the glorious martyrs and confessors. And in support of

the opposite side, were the persecuting powers of the world, with the whole dark train

of the artillery of hell. In this great conflict and war, let it relate to what period of the

church it will, which I am not anxious to determine with mathematical certainty; we

find that those on the side of God and true religion, overcame their formidable enemy,

with all his confederate powers, by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their

testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. They were of such a brave,

heroic spirit, as to chearfully expose themselves to the greatest dangers in this

glorious cause; and many of them actually met death in the terrible conflict. But they

fell, as one observes, to rise, and triumph, and reign. The dragon being thus defeated

and vanquished at his head-quarters, pagan or papal Rome: He takes a wider scope

and range, thro’ the other nations and kingdoms of the earth. He was doubtless greatly

enraged at the ill success of his first encounter, and marshals up all his forces abroad,

and proceeds with violence, to persecute the woman which brought forth the manchild. Upon this the woman has a second flight into a more distant and solitary

wilderness, “unto her place”; to prepare her for which, two wings of a great eagle

were given her, which is not mentioned in her first flight; and probably she did not

then need them. There seems an evident allusion here, to what God said to the

children of Israel, Exod. xix. 4. after their deliverance from cruel oppressive slavery

in Egypt, when encamp’d before Sinai, and on their way to the good land of Canaan,

“Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles wings,

and brought you unto myself.” He was not conducting them from a land of liberty,

peace, and tranquility, into a state of bondage, persecution and distress; but on the

contrary, had wrought out a very glorious deliverance for them, and set them free

from the cruel hand of tyranny and oppression, by executing his judgments in a most

terrible and awful manner, on the Egyptians, their enemies; and was now, by his kind

providence, leading them to the good land of Canaan, which he gave them by

promise, for an everlasting inheritance. Hence, as the trials and sufferings of the

Christian church were parallel in some measure, with those of the Jewish, and there is

a great similarity and likeness in the manner of God’s dealings with the one to the

other; it must be evident, that expositors have been mistaken, when they represent this

flight of the woman into and the wilderness, as denoting the church’s going into

greater peril, danger and affliction, where she was to be more violently distressed and

persecuted, for a long time. The word wilderness might possibly suggest to their

delicate, but inattentive minds, this frightful and shocking idea. It is true, our fathers

had the difficulties of an uncultivated wilderness to encounter; but it soon, by the

blessing of heaven on their labour and industry, became a pleasant field or garden,

and has been made to blossom like the rose. The passage, in its most natural, genuine

construction, contains as full and absolute a promise of this land, to the Christian

church, as ever was made to the Jewish, of the land of Canaan. It is, in an

appropriated sense, “her place”; where she is nourished, from the face of the serpent.

And the dealings of God in his providence, in bringing his church from a state of

oppression and persecution, into this good land, are very parallel and similar to his

dealings with the Israelites, in delivering them from the tyrannical power of the

haughty, cruel monarch of Egypt, and conducting them to the good land of promise in

Canaan. Thus, they that wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength; they shall mount

up with wings, as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, they shall walk and not

faint.

Thus the church, in this difficult, distressed season, whenever it happened, was

supported and carried, as it were, on eagles wings, to a distant remote wilderness, for

safety and protection. And what period or event is there in all the history of her trials

and persecutions, which these expressions more exactly describe, and to which they

can be applied with more truth and propriety, than to the flight of our fore-fathers into

this then howling wilderness, which was a land not sown nor occupied by any ruling

power on earth, except by savages and wild beasts? It is an indisputable fact, that the

cruel hand of oppression, tyranny and persecution drove them out from their pleasant

seats and habitations, in the land of their nativity; and that the purest principles of

religion and liberty, led them to make the bold adventure across the wide Atlantic

ocean; for which they surely needed the two wings of the great eagle, to speed their

flight, and to shelter and cover them from danger, while seeking a safe retreat from

the relentless fury and shocking cruelty of the persecuting dragon; and a secure abode

for unadulterated christianity, liberty and peace. It is remarked by the inspired penman

of this prophecy, and is worthy of notice, that when the woman fled into the

wilderness, she came into her place. This American quarter of the globe seemed to be

reserved in providence, as a fixed and settled habitation for God’s church, where she

might have property of her own, and the right of rule and government, so as not to be

controul’d and oppress’d in her civil and religious liberties, by the tyrannical and

persecuting powers of the earth, represented by the great red dragon. The church

never before this, had prime occupancy, or first possession of any part of this

terraqueous globe, in any great extent of territory. In all countries and kingdoms

wherever Christianity had been planted, before its introduction into this American

wilderness, the ruling powers in possession of the property, and right of jurisdiction

and dominion, were in opposition to this benevolent institution; and the church had to

make her way through the greatest possible difficulties and dangers. While thus in an

enemy’s land, her persecutions and oppressions, her bloody trials and sufferings

furnish out the chief subject of her history from her beginning to the present day, in

other parts of the world, from which she is not wholly exempted in this. However, her

degree of peace and quiet rest has been greater than she has ever known since she has

had existance and being. When that God, to whom the earth belongs, and the fulness

thereof, brought his church into this wilderness, as on eagles wings, by his kind,

protecting providence, he gave this good land to her, to be her own lot and inheritance

for ever. He planted her as a pleasant and choice vine; and drove out the heathen

before her. He has tenderly nourished and cherished her in her infant state, and

protected and preserved her amidst innumerable dangers. He has done wonders in his

providence for our fathers, and for us their sinful posterity: “They, and we have many

a time, stood still, and seen the salvation of the Lord.[”] The woman, the church of

Christ, has such a gift and grant from heaven, of this part of God’s world, for the quiet

enjoyment of her liberties and privileges, civil and religious, that no power on earth

can have any right to invade, much less to dispossess her of them. And every attempt

of this kind to oppress and enslave her, must be absolutely unrighteous, and a gross

violation of justice and truth. He that has all power in heaven and on earth, who will

soon destroy the man of sin, and all his confederate powers, by the spirit of his mouth,

and brightness of his coming, declares in this prophecy, that the “woman” shall be

nourished and preserved in her place here described, “from the face of the serpent.”

The serpent spoken of, is the great dragon, called the Devil and Satan; the chief

directing agent in all the dark plots of tyranny, persecution and oppression; from

whose malignant rage, the church has a promise of future protection. This old serpent

shall never be permitted to shew his deformed face, much less to lift up his monstrous

head, and frightful horns in this place here given to the woman for a safe retreat and

secure abode, “for a time, and times, and half a time”; which probably means, “to the

end of the world,” or till all the times and periods spoken of in this prophetic book are

fulfilled and accomplished. I know that expositors take these expressions, “for a time,

and times, and half a time,” to include only the period of one thousand two hundred

and sixty days, mentioned verse 6, and so understood the phrase “for a time,” to mean

one prophetical year, and “times,” to mean two years, and “half a time,” an half year;

in the whole, three years and a half: But it seems more natural, and more agreeable to

the phraseology of scripture, as well as the connection of these prophecies, in the

events foretold, to interpret this passage as signifying all future time indefinitely. Or,

if we apply it to distinct periods, the first expression, “for a time,” I should think,

might, with great propriety, be taken for the time or period, that hath already been

mentioned. This construction appears natural, and not in the least forced or strained.

Then the “times” will mean such times or periods as follow after the fulfilment of the

above; and the “half time,” must signify the closing period, when time is near run out,

and just come to an end. Taking the passage in its proper connection, and plainest and

most obvious sense, we may well understand it as containing a prophetic promise to

the church, of safety and preservation, during the period that had been described

above, and thro’ all succeeding times, even to the end of the world. Not but what the

old dragon, with his black train of tyrannical persecuting powers, might greatly afflict

and distress her. Yet, with all his cunning, art, policy and power, shall never be able to

establish his enslaving doctrines, nor to erect his head and horns, to exercise his

usurped authority and uncontrouled dominion, as in papal Rome. We may expect,

however, that he will be putting forth most violent struggles and efforts for this base,

malignant purpose.

One objection of weight, I have against the current opinion of expositors, who

interpret the passage, “a time, and times, and half a time,” to signify the same period

as the thousand two hundred and three-score days, is, that this is dishonourable to the

sacred writer, and shews that he rather meant to puzzle and perplex his readers, than

to enlighten and instruct them. I believe that all will allow, that the language used in

the 6th verse, is more plain and intelligible, and has a more fixed and determinate

meaning, than that in the 14th verse. Now, to suppose the same period of time, is

described in the one, as in the other, is to suppose, that the apostle, after he had

described a thing in a plain, easy way to be understood, proceeds on to involve the

same subject in a cloud of mysticism, darkness and obscurity, which could not tend,

very much, to the improvement and edification of Christ’s church. It is usual with all

good writers, as they advance on their subject, to elucidate and illustrate their

meaning more and more, to set it in a plainer and more intelligible point of light. And

this is, especially, the tone of all inspired writers, and of St. John in particular. The

light of revelation is like the path of the just, shining brighter and brighter in every

page, till we come to the close of it.

But, should my explanation of this passage, after all, be disputed, and the time, times,

and half time, allowed to include no more, altogether, than the period of twelve

hundred and sixty years, which I have taken to be included in that expression only, “a

time,” yet it will not materially affect my scheme. For, on the old plan of exposition, it

is supposed, that after the expiration of these twelve hundred and sixty years, the trials

and sufferings of the church will be chiefly over; and that a scene of great peace,

prosperity and happiness will open and commence. Hence, if the prophetic promise in

the text, extends no further than to that happy and blessed period, the church will

safely get through the long storm and tempest, raised by the dragon; and so, be ready

for a share in the blessings of that glorious and happy period to succeed; during

which, we need not be very anxious about her safety, considering other precious

promises that are made in her favour.

The serpent is said, verse 15, “to cast out of his mouth, water, as a flood, after the

woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” This, perhaps, is one

of the artifices, says a learned expositor, which these enormous creatures make use of,

“to beat down their prey,” when flying from them. The common signification of a

flood is an inundation of water, &c. The psalmist sets forth extreme dangers, under

the notion of a flood. Psalm lxix. 15[:] “Let not the water-flood overflow me.” And

the violent assaults, and subtle temptations, and sudden incursions of the Devil and

his instruments against the church, are compared to a flood, Isaiah lix. 19[:] “When

the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard

against him.” Which prophecy may refer to, and have its accomplishments in the

present state of the church, about which we are treating. The oppressive and

persecuting power here figuratively described, under the emblem of the serpent,

which occasioned the flight of the woman, the church, into this wilderness, whenever

it has prevailed, has been full of the most inveterate malice and envy against her; and

used every art and stratagem to extirpate and destroy her from the earth. Hence, the

flood which the serpent cast out of his mouth after the woman, may very naturally and

properly be interpreted to signify all the subtle temptations, artful schemes, and

machinations of our enemies and adversaries, to ensnare and corrupt us, and to

destroy our liberties and privileges, that we might be embarrassed again under the old

tyrant, the dragon, and patiently submit to the iron yoke, and galling chains of cruel

oppression and bondage; which machinations and contrivances have been too many to

be enumerated in a short, concise discourse. Every one acquainted with the history of

our country, of the New-England colonies in particular, must know, that there have

been floods issued from the mouth of the old serpent, after the woman, to effect her

destruction and overthrow. Whenever a spirit of despotism has run high, and a lusting

ambition after arbitrary power and lawless dominion has prevailed; when the dragon

dare venture to put on and wear his long horns; the woman in the wilderness has felt

the grievous distressing effects. At such seasons, jesuitical emissaries, the tools of

tyrannical power, have been employed to corrupt her doctrines, and lead her into the

belief of the darling doctrines of arbitrary power, passive obedience and

nonresistance; who, like the frogs that issued out of the mouth of the false prophet,

who are said to have the spirit of devils, have been slyly creeping into all the holes

and corners of the land, and using their enchanting art and bewitching policy, to lead

aside, the simple and unwary, from the truth, to prepare them for the shackles of

slavery and bondage. Thousands and millions of money, have, at one time and

another, been expended for the purposes of bribery and corruption, to accomplish this

malignant design. Evil, wicked men have been entrusted with the chief command in

one province and another, where the door has been open, to act as tools of a corrupt

administration and tyrannical power, in forwarding and ripening their deep-laid

schemes, for the destruction of the woman. The colonies in America will not soon

forget the cruel and tyrannical administration of Sir Edmond Andross, at Boston, and

his evil designs against them in general; and Lord Cornbury, at New-York; the late

insidious and traiterous conduct of Bernard and Hutchinson, is still more fresh in

every one’s mind; and like-wise of Gage, Carlton, and Dunmore, who, by their base,

perfidious and cruel behaviour, have rendered themselves universally odious and

detestable to the American colonies. In these and such like ways, not to mention the

unrighteous statutes restricting and interdicting our trade and commerce, the stampact, &c. we have had floods poured forth from the mouth of the serpent, which at

length, have brought on a civil war. The dragon finding his artful temptations on the

one hand, and his cruel menaces and threatenings on the other, ineffectual to gain the

woman to a compliance with his terms, has at length become wroth with her, and

brought over his troops and armies to make war with the remnant of her seed. But,

blessed be God! all his efforts and struggles have hitherto been unsuccessful; for the

earth helped the woman. Verse 16[:] “And the earth opened her mouth, and

swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.”

If this is taken in the literal sense, to signify that gross terrestrial element which

sustains and nourishes us, it is strictly true; in which sense some of the prophecies

have been, and yet will, no doubt, be accomplished. The earth has ever helped the

woman since her arrival to these shores, with every article necessary to her

comfortable support. She has never wanted for nourishing food, and good raiment;

has never known the distresses arising from scarcity of bread, pinching hunger and

famine; has always, from the first settlement and cultivation of the country, had things

convenient for her, and, as I trust, been contented with her lot and condition. The

earth has, in a very remarkable manner, thro’ the blessing of heaven, been profuse and

liberal in her precious fruits and productions, the year past, when the dragon has been

wroth with the woman, and using all possible schemes and contrivances to distress

her, and starve her into a compliance to his despotic and arbitrary rule, by shutting up

her ports and harbours, and interdicting her trade and commerce, and cutting her off

from all supplies from her fishery, a very useful and necessary branch of her trade and

livelihood, by which thousands were maintained. I say, when the woman has, in these,

and in such like ways, been distressed, she has been helped in a very extraordinary

way, by the earth. Our crops of all kinds have been plentiful. Our fruit-trees loaded

with fruit, and pressed down with their burdens. Our granaries are full. There is such

an uncommon plenty of all kinds of good provisions for man and beast, that some

inconsiderate persons are ready to esteem it rather a curse, than a blessing; as we

know not how to dispense with, or dispose of it. But not to enlarge here.

Should we take the expression in a figurative sense, to mean the men of the earth, and

earthly powers, it may still, with truth and propriety be applied to our present case.

For as the oppressive measures pursued by the British parliament, strike at our

temporal interest and property, as well as our civil and religious privileges, it will

engage those of an earthly temper to exert themselves in the present struggles; by

which means the earth helpeth the woman. And besides, the vast advantage of these

American plantations, in point of traffic and merchandise, to all such as trade in ships,

will doubtless, if the present system is pursued, engage the kingdoms of the world,

and the merchants of the earth, to espouse the cause of the colonies, to such purposes

as will, in their operation, greatly help the woman against the flood cast out of the

dragon’s mouth.

And not only the earth, but the God that made it, nourisheth the woman in the

wilderness, amidst the most violent and cruel attempts of a tyrannical and persecuting

power, and has raised up persons of a martial, heroic spirit, and endowed them with

skill, courage and fortitude, to defend and protect his church. The flood of the dragon

that has been poured forth to the northward, in the Quebec bill, for the establishment

of popery, and other engines and instruments that have been set to work, to bring the

savages down upon us, to our utter destruction, have been chiefly swallowed up by

our late successful enterprizes against them; and the woman has received a great

addition of strength from this quarter, as a door is opened for breaking up the seat of

the dragon in Canada; and for bringing in the heathen tribes, perhaps, the fulness of

the gentiles, into firm league and friendship with her, for her future defence and

protection. So that instead of being carried away with this flood, she stands on more

firm ground, and is better established than ever. Should we extend the meaning of the

phrase, so as to take in other neighbouring powers of the earth, they have likewise

helped the woman in her distresses and troubles, by affording a competent supply of

military instruments and warlike stores for her defence and protection; when all

possible precaution had been used by her enemies, to deprive her of these useful

articles, so necessary for self-preservation; and these other powers seem so friendly

disposed, that it is highly probable, should the serpent continue to persecute and

distress the woman, that they will soon open their mouth, and swallow up the whole

flood, even all the fleets and armies which the dragon may cast out of his mouth.

The probability or conjecture of neighbouring nations continuing to help the woman,

the church, to that degree, as to swallow up all the floods, the serpent may cast out of

his mouth after her, is founded, not only on their present friendly appearance, and the

part which their interested views may lead them to take in the present controversy, but

on the sure word of prophecy. See Rev. xvii. 16, 17[:] “And the ten horns which thou

sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore; and shall make her desolate and

naked; and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts

to fulfil his will.” These ten horns, doubtless mean some of the kingdoms and princes

of the earth, that have, for a long time, been under the influence of the beast, the great

whore of Babylon, and had a great share with her, in the cruel and bloody work of

tyranny, persecution and oppression. But the time is coming, and perhaps near at

hand, when their league and friendship with her, will be dissolved and broken; and

their love turned into hatred and a spirit of revenge. They will turn with warm zeal

and violence against her; and use all their strength and power for her destruction and

overthrow. These shall hate the whore to a degree beyond what they ever loved her,

and shall make her desolate and naked. They shall strip her of all her costly ornaments

which they have lavished away upon her, and effectually humble her insolence and

pride, and expose her to public shame and disgrace; in the heat of their indignation

and zeal, shall eat her very flesh, and burn her with fire. They will do the most

thorough execution upon this old harlot, by whom they had been so long infatuated

and deceived; and wholly break up the stupid schemes of idolatry, with all the

monuments of it, and bring the abettors and instruments of tyranny and persecution to

their condign punishment. This God will put into their hearts, by a strong and

powerful impression, to fulfil his will; and they shall agree in it, to perform his

purpose and design. This prediction or prophecy, it is thought by judicious expositors,

refers to the destruction of papal Rome, or to the demolishing of the popish hierarchy

in general; and that the kings of France are pointed out, as the principal instruments to

effect it. They have, in years past, contributed greatly to her growth and advancement;

and done much at the cruel work of persecution. It is not impossible, nor improbable,

that the time is coming, when their hearts will be turned against her, and be improved

by heaven, as the principal authors of her overthrow and ruin. France has been

satiated with the blood of Protestants, and ’tis to be hoped, will never thirst after it any

more. She has already shewn some tendency towards a reformation; and therefore

may be judged very likely to effect such a revolution. It appears from verse 17, that

the infatuation of popish princes will be permitted by divine providence, only for a

certain limited period, till the words of God be fulfilled. And then their minds shall be

turned and their eyes opened; and they shall ruin and destroy all oppressive, tyrannical

combinations, more eagerly than they established them. Should our honourable

Continental Congress, see fit, in their great wisdom, at this difficult juncture, to open

a free trade, and correspond with that nation, in a way in which our threatened rights

and liberties might have such security and indemnification, as to be in no hazard or

danger of any future encroachment on them, the spirit of liberty might spread and

circulate with commerce; and from small sparks, kindle up into a bright and

inextinguishable flame, in that, and in other kingdoms of the earth; and so hasten the

fulfilment of this prophecy, in the entire destruction of the beast, or man of sin, and in

the complete and glorious salvation of God’s afflicted church.

The dragon, in this situation, is represented as much embarrassed in his black system

of politics, in a state of great perplexity, and high paroxism of passion. Verse 17[:]

“He was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed,

which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Which may refer to the present war that is carrying on with such heat and fury against

us; which seems chiefly levelled against those who most strictly and conscientiously

adhere to the pure, uncorrupted doctrine and worship of our pious forefathers; and

have not been seduced nor perverted from the right ways of the Lord, but still keep

God’s commandments, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ, in his pure gospel.

Amidst all our declensions and back-slidings, our divisions and heresies, our

contentions and separations, there remain yet in the land a godly remnant of the true

seed of the woman, who have not been enticed away to worship the beast, nor

prevailed upon to receive his mark; who have never apostatised nor departed from the

faith and practice of the church, as first planted in the wilderness; but have continued

stedfast and immoveable amidst all the storms of temptation, and violent assaults of

the adversary. And these seem the principal objects which excite the wrath and

resentment of the dragon, and against which, the whole artillery of his indignation and

vengeance has been pointed and aimed. Who, tho’ few in number, yet with such other

helps and advantages as they are furnished with, will overcome by the blood of the

Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. Their fidelity, courage and zeal is such,

that should it come to a case of extremity, they will not love their lives unto the death.

But this part of the prophecy will admit of a different interpretation, and as well suit

the present times.

By the “remnant of her seed,” we may understand those worthy, true members of the

church, staunch friends to liberty and the protestant religion, who remained still in the

mother-country, and did not come over with her when she took her flight into this

wilderness. There has, ever since the settlement of these colonies, been numbers of

pious, godly persons, on the other side of the water, who have been friendly and welldisposed towards us, and have used all their power and influence to promote our

growth, our wealth and prosperity. This remnant of the seed of the woman, since our

troubles have begun in America, have exerted themselves to their utmost in our

favour, to divert the impending storm of vengeance from lighting on us; have made

most moving and affecting speeches in parliament, on the subject; have published

many useful pieces in vindication of the colonies; and have been, to the last degree,

faithful in corresponding with their friends on this side of the Atlantic, to inform of

the intrigues and dark plots that were contriving against us. These things, together

with the disappointment, shame and disgrace that have attended the enterprizes of the

dragon against us, have roused his wrath against them likewise, which appears by a

very severe and extraordinary proclamation, published to forbid this correspondence

between them and us, on the highest penalty. And from the commotions that began to

be raised among them therefor, should this civil war continue, it is highly probable,

that within the term of another year, it may flame forth from the very bowels of the

kingdom, where it seems to be already kindling up, and where our brethren, which

keep the commandments of God, will unavoidably be distressed. But in the issue

hereof, it is to be hoped, that the dragon will be wholly consumed and destroyed; that

the seat and foundation of all tyranny, persecution and oppression, may be for ever

demolished; that the horns, whether civil or ecclesiastical, may be knocked off from

the beast, and his head receive a deadly wound, and his jaws be effectually broken;

that peace, liberty and righteousness might universally prevail; that salvation and

strength might come to Zion; and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his

Christ might be established to all the ends of the earth.

Improvement

1. We learn from what has been said, the true cause, as well as the deplorable effects

of all dissentions and violent commotions amidst the Christian states and kingdoms of

the world; which, like terrible earthquakes, to which they are compared, often shake

them from the centre, and convulse them to death and ruin. If we trace them up to

their time, source, and origin, we shall presently find, by the help of scripture-light,

they all proceed from the inveterate envy and malice which the dragon has against the

woman, and the war and contest he is carrying on against her, and her seed. This is

plainly held forth in these prophecies of St. John, and is the grand subject of them. It

has, from the beginning, been the constant aim and design of the dragon, sometimes

called the beast, and the serpent, satan, and the devil, to erect a scheme of absolute

despotism and tyranny on earth, and involve all mankind in slavery and bondage; and

so prevent their having that liberty and freedom which the Son of God came from

heaven to procure for, and bestow on them; that he might keep them in a state of

servile subjection to himself. He has been, and still is the chief counsellor and

directing agent in all the dark plots of oppression and persecution against God’s

church, to effect her destruction; that his own wicked scheme of tyranny might have a

full establishment on earth, and bear down all before it. And it is truly marvellous

what success he has been permitted to have in accomplishing this malignant design:

How, not only men of lower abilities and less discernment have been deluded and

infatuated by him; but many kings and chief rulers in church and state, of whom better

things might have been expected. Such, after they have been made drunk with the

intoxicating wine of his fornication and whoredom, have been his chief instruments in

this cruel and bloody work. They are of such dark complexion in their counsels, and

pursuing such black designs, that they are represented as “ascending out of the

bottomless pit, to make war against the faithful witnesses and servants of Jesus Christ,

and to kill them.” And who can count up the numbers that have been slain by them?

Rivers of blood have been shed, at one time and another, in this terrible war and

conflict which the tyrannical, persecuting powers of the earth have been instigated by

Satan, to carry on against the church of Christ. In the first beginning of the Christian

dispensation, ten persecutions followed successively one after another, while the

government of Rome was in the hands of pagan emperors.

In this struggle between paganism and Christianity, thousands of martyrs and

confessors were most cruelly and barbarously tormented, and put to death. These

horrid massacres of the saints may be emblematically, or figuratively represented in

the 6th chapter of this prophetic book, in the 9th verse of which, the apostle is said to

have seen under the altar, the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and

for the testimony which they held. And after Rome became Christian, or rather papal,

and the man of sin made his public appearance, the woman and her seed, the humble

followers of Christ, fared yet worse, and were more hardly and cruelly dealt with than

ever, by their persecuting enemies, who are inwardly galled in their consciences, and

said to be tormented at their pure doctrines, plain faithful remonstrances, and

exemplary lives. See chap. xi. 10. When this great red dragon was mounted on high,

with his seven heads and ten horns, the first object on which he exercised his

tyrannical and persecuting power, was the church, represented in these prophecies by

the woman and her seed. Hence, when she appeared pregnant, ready to bring forth

children, when the gospel began to have success, and new converts were born, and

added to the church, this dragon stood ready to seize and devour them, like a hungry

lion, eagerly waiting for his prey; and has persecuted her with rage and fierceness, not

only thro’ the imperial populous cities of Italy and Bohemia, France, Spain, and

England, and thro’ their colonies and plantations, even to the uttermost ends of the

earth. When she took the wings of the great eagle, and, under the protecting

providence of God fled into the wilderness, he continued wroth with her, and poured

forth floods of his indignation and vengeance against her. “Wo to the inhabitants of

the earth, and of the sea,” says the apostle, “for the devil is come down to them,

having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” This dragon,

the great enemy of God, and of his church, whatever shape or form he has assumed,

whether that of the spotted leopard, with the feet of a bear, and the mouth of a lion;

whether his horns have been ten, or only two, like a lamb or goat, giving life unto the

image of the beast; yet he has in every appearance, when he had opportunity,

discovered the like fierceness and cruelty of temper, thirsting for the blood of the

saints. When his shape and form has wore a milder aspect, he has yet spoke as a

dragon; and when times would allow of it, exercised all the power of the first beast,

causing the earth, and them that dwell therein, to worship him; giving forth tyrannical

mandates and decrees, that as many as would not worship the image of the beast,

should be killed: Gathering all into his service, both small and great, rich and poor,

free and bond, slaves and savages, catholics and barbarians, to accomplish at any rate,

his black and dark designs; passing the most vigorous acts, and severe edicts against

those who refused compliance; enacting by his omnipotent power, that they should

not buy nor sell, nor carry on any trade or commerce by land or sea. Now, the

administration seems here described, that has for a number of years, been so grievous

and distressing to these colonies in America, claiming an absolute power and

authority to make laws, binding in all cases whatever, without check or controul from

any; which has proceeded in the exercise of this despotic, arbitrary power, to deprive

one of them, of their most essential and chartered privileges; sent over fleets and

armies to enforce their cruel, tyrannical edicts, which have involved us in all the

calamities and horrors of a civil war; which have destroyed many useful lives, burnt

two of our flourishing towns, captured many of our vessels that fell in their way,

prohibited and destroyed our fishery and trade, forbidding us to buy or sell, and taken

in a hostile manner, in a way of piracy and robbery, our interest and property, and

threaten us with general destruction, for no other reason than that we will not

surrender our liberties, properties and privileges, and become abject vassals and

slaves to despotic and arbitrary power. I say, the administration seems described, and

appears to have many of the features, and much of the temper and character of the

image of the beast which the apostle represents, which had two horns like a lamb, and

spoke as a dragon. And the language of our pusillanimous foes, and even their

adherents amongst us, seems plainly predicted, Rev. xiii. 4[:] “Who is like unto the

beast? Who is able to make war with him[?]”

2. From what has been said, we see reason gratefully to acknowledge and adore the

kind, watchful providence of God, in preserving his church, the woman and her seed,

amidst the storms and tempests, the commotions and convulsions that have been

occasioned by the oppressive tyrannical powers of the earth. The great dragon, her

formidable enemy, notwithstanding his mighty strength and power, cruelty and rage,

has always been overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their

testimony, in all her wars and conflicts with him; which, instead of answering his

design to crush and destroy her, have ever been over-ruled by her all-wise benevolent

king, to promote her growth and advancement in the world. The church, though often

surrounded by the flames of persecution, like the burning bush which Moses beheld as

a type and emblem of it, yet has never been consumed. The gates of death and hell

have never prevailed against her. Christ has been with her from the beginning,

agreeable to his divine promise; and will so continue to the end of the world. The

blood of the saints and martyrs that has been shed, and flowed down like rivers and

seas, has been like seed planted for the church, and made it spread thro’ a wider

compass, and grow faster in the world. All the combined policy of earth and hell has

not been able to overthrow and demolish this building of God, who has established it,

and will preserve it by his almighty power, till all the purposes of his redeeming love

and grace are accomplished in the complete salvation of his chosen ones. It must be

confessed, that the trials, afflictions and distresses of the church have been very great;

but these have been as a purifying furnace, to cleanse her from dross and corruption,

and to make her shine brighter in all the graces and virtues of Christianity. Her

enemies and adversaries, in all their furious attacks and malicious encounters, have

never gained any considerable and lasting advantage to themselves; but generally

have come off with loss, disappointment and shame; and had their own weapons, and

the blows they have struck, retorted back on them, with redoubled force and

vengeance. God promises to give power to his faithful witnesses and servants, “And if

any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their

enemies. And if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.” Rev. xi. 3,5.

If the enemies of the church, in the wars they set on foot, take any of her members

captive, they themselves shall go into captivity; and he that killeth them with the

sword, must be killed with the sword. Agreeable to the great law of retaliation, which

is wisely adopted at this day, by the honourable Continental Congress; and the

execution of it in full, is warranted and justified by this, and other passages of sacred

writ. Those that have undertaken to distress and persecute the woman and her seed,

the faithful servants of Christ, have ever found the interprize dangerous and ruinous to

themselves. When the wicked persecuting tyrants of the earth, appear to have great

power and strength, some of a selfish and timerous turn of mind, may inadvertantly

think it safest to pay worship and allegiance to them, and receive their mark, and seek

shelter and protection under their wings, from the impending storm: But they are most

artfully deluded and mistaken. “The same,” says the apostle, Rev. xiv. 10. “shall drink

of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture, into the cup of

his indignation. And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone, in the presence of

the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; and the smoke of their torment

ascendeth up for ever and ever, and they have no rest day nor night.”

3. We may, in a peculiar manner, notice the kind dealings of God in his providence

towards this branch of his church, that he has planted as a choice vine, in this once

howling wilderness. He brought her as on eagles wings from the seat of oppression

and persecution, “to her own place,” has, of his unmerited grace, bestowed liberties

and privileges upon her, beyond what are enjoyed in any other part of the world: He

has nourished and protected her from the face of the serpent, and preserved her from

being carried away to destruction, when great floods of his wrath and vengeance have

been poured forth after her. God has, in this American quarter of the globe, provided

for the woman and her seed, a fixed and lasting settlement and habitation, and

bestowed it upon her, to be her own property forever.* In this just view of the

distinguished favours of heaven toward our fathers, and, as their sinful posterity,

while on the one hand, we see abundant cause for thanksgiving and praise to our

almighty preserver, and most gracious benefactor; we may on the other hand see the

greatest reason for the deepest humiliation, repentance, and contrition of heart, for our

vile abuse and misimprovement of these privileges and favours. What an amazing low

sense have we had, of the worth of the uncommon gifts and bounties of heaven? How

awfully have they been slighted and undervalued by us? What astonishing stupidity,

ingratitude and unthankfulness has reigned in our hearts? How lukewarm and

indifferent have we been, in the most important concerns of religion? How careless

and unconcerned about the interest and welfare of the church of Christ? How

backward to come into fellowship and communion with her, and to attend the rites

and ordinances which distinguish (at least outwardly) God’s children from the profane

wicked world? How does iniquity abound among us, and the love of many wax cold?

How has the gold become dim, the most fine gold changed? What awful backslidings

and declensions in this land, once dedicated to the Lord as a mountain of holiness, and

an habitation of righteousness, liberty and peace? Surely the great head of the church,

who knows our works, must have not a few, but many things against us. We have, in a

great measure, lost that lively faith, zeal and brotherly love, so conspicuous in the

temper and conduct of our pious fore-fathers, and added such a beauty and lustre to

their characters. The true and noble spirit of primitive christianity is scarce to be

found among us; have lost our first love, the love of our espousals, and kindness of

our youth. Our churches decline in doctrine, worship and discipline; and have had

awful schisms and rents made in them. A spirit of contention, division and separation

has prevailed to the great wounding of the church, and to the dishonour and shame of

all the promoters and abettors thereof. How have the prophets, the faithful witnesses

of Christ, been despised and treated with contempt; while prophesying in sackcloth;

and the woman, the true church, in her plain dress of gospel purity and simplicity,

been ridiculed, and thought to have no beauty or comeliness in her? How eager have

many been, in their attention to lying deceivers, the frogs that have issued out of the

mouth of the false prophet; and charmed and captivated with their croaking noise, full

of discord and confusion? How has the beauty of this pleasant land of Immanuel been

defaced, and its glory spoiled by the little foxes treading down our tender vines; and

by the inroads of the wild boar of the wilderness? These things are justly matter of

deep and serious lamentation, as they are doubtless the causes of the present

calamities and judgments with which we are visited.

4. As there still remains among us, a godly remnant that have not apostatized from

God, nor departed from the faith of the gospel; and as these prophecies on which we

have been treating, will, many of them, most probably have their fulfilment in this

land; there are yet solid grounds of hope and encouragement for us, in this dark and

gloomy day. Tho’ we may, in God’s righteous providence, be sorely rebuked and

chastised for our woful apostacies, declensions and back-slidings; yet we have, I

think, good reason to believe, from the prophecies, so far as we are able to understand

them, and from the general plan of God’s providence, so far as opened to view, in past

and present dispensations of it, that we shall not be wholly given up to desolation and

ruin. It is not likely nor probable, that God will revoke the grant he has made of this

land to his church. His gifts as well as calling are without repentance. It does not

appear probable, that a persecuting, oppressive and tyrannical power, will ever be

permitted to rear up its head and horns in it, notwithstanding its present violent

assaults and struggles. Liberty has been planted here; and the more it is attacked, the

more it grows and flourishes. The time is coming and hastening on, when Babylon the

great shall fall to rise no more; when all wicked tyrants and oppressors shall be

destroyed for ever. These violent attacks upon the woman in the wilderness, may

possibly be some of the last efforts, and dying struggles of the man of sin. These

commotions and convulsions in the British empire, may be leading to the fulfilment of

such prophecies as relate to his downfall and overthrow, and to the future glory and

prosperity of Christ’s church. It will soon be said and acknowledged, that the

kingdoms of this world, are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ. The

vials of God’s wrath begin to be poured out on his enemies and adversaries; and there

is falling on them a noisome and grievous sore. And to such as have shed the blood of

saints and prophets, to them, blood will be given to drink; for they are worthy. And

they will gnaw their tongues of falsehood and deceit, for pain; and have the cup of the

wine of the fierceness of her wrath; and be rewarded double. The Lamb shall

overcome them, for he is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings; and they that are with

him, are called, and chosen, and faithful. May the Lord shorten the days of tribulation,

and appear in his glory, to build up Zion; that his knowledge might cover the earth, as

the waters do the seas; that wars and tumults may cease thro’ the world, and the wolf

and the lamb lie down together, and nothing hurt or destroy throughout his holy

mountain.

amen

Appendix

By Another Hand [Anonymous Author]

In the thirteenth chapter of Revelation, the apostle saw in vision, two beasts coming

up; which, as far as I am acquainted, expositors have generally explained as a twofold figurative representation of the same event. But to me it appears, that as the

beasts were very diverse, the one from the other; so very different events were figured

out by them. It is said, verse 1[:] “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a

beast rise up out of the sea,” i.e. out of the church, “having seven heads, and ten

horns,” &c. And in the 11th verse, it is said, “And I beheld another beast coming up

out of the earth,” i.e. of an earthly extract, springing up from very terrene, sensual

motives, “and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.” This first

beast here described, has been well explained by expositors, and applied to the man of

sin, to the rise and establishment of popery. But this second beast, with equal justice

and propriety, may be considered as figurative of, and fulfilled in what is called, King

Henry’s reformation. Every one that is acquainted with the personal character of that

prince, cannot but be sensible, that the motives by which he was influenced to

separate from the church of Rome, were of a very terrene, sensual, earthly nature; fitly

described by the beast’s coming up out of the earth. “And he had two horns,” civil and

ecclesiastical power, “like a lamb,” with a more mild, benign and favourable aspect

on the church, than the first beast. King Henry, when he broke with the pope, assumed

the chief and supreme authority in the British church, as well as nation; here

decyphered by the “two horns.” And “he spake as a dragon.” Witness, the many hot

and cruel persecutions that have been carried on in the kingdom, since the

reformation, to the destruction of multitudes of the faithful servants of Jesus Christ.

Altho’ Henry assumed headship in the church as well as state; yet it was a work of

time to get himself acknowledged and established in that character; in the

accomplishment of which, he may be said, “To do great wonders,” &c. Verse 13, 14.

“Saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast,

which had the wound by a sword, and did live,” i.e. the first beast, the pope.

The apostle Paul, prophesied of the man of sin, 2 Thess. ii. 4. and describes him as

one, “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or is

worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is

God.” Claiming to be the head of the church, and assuming supreme, sovereign,

absolute authority in it, is here pointed out as the grand, peculiar, and distinguishing

mark and character of the man of sin; most clearly and plainly fulfilled in the pope.

Consequently, headship and supremacy in the church, must be the peculiar and

distinguishing features of this image of the first beast, which the second beast required

to be made. And what can be a more clear, plain and express fulfilment of this

prophecy, than that supremacy in the church, given to our kings, ever since the

reformation, by the British ecclesiastical constitution? Where can we find any thing in

all history, that bids so fair for an accomplishment of this emblematical prediction, in

the rising of the second beast? Nothing but a fond partiality, of applying every thing

that is bad, to the pope, can, I conceive, prevent our embracing this application of the

prophecy.

“Let not those who are friends to the episcopal form of church government, look upon

themselves pointed at, by any thing I have here said. For real episcopacy does not

imply an alliance between church and state; nor necessarily require an earthly head to

the church; much less to invest the king with that character, as every one must

acknowledge who will plead for episcopacy as the primitive form of the church, set

up by the apostles. Because all the kings of the earth, in their day, and for many years

after, were so far from being esteemed heads to the church, that they were not so

much as members in it.”

The time prefixed for the continuance of the first beast, is “forty and two months.”

See verse 5. But the number of the second beast is mentioned in the 18th verse. “Here

is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: For it is the

number of a man, and his number is six hundred threescore and six.” Expositors have,

many of them, supposed that this number intended the period from the time the

apostle’s receiving this vision, to the rising of the first beast. But as this is the number

of the second beast, if it be applied in such a manner, it must be taken for that period

between the rise of the first, and of the second beast. But as the continuance of the

first beast was limited to forty two prophetic months, or a thousand two hundred and

seventy seven years; so this number six hundred sixty six, may denote the duration of

the second beast.

the end