Apocalyptical mysteries, touching the two witnesses, the seven vials, and the two kingdoms, to…

The third Angel poured out his Vial upon the Rivers and Fountains of Waters in the Beasts Kingdom, vers. 4.

These Mystical Rivers and Fountains of Waters, bear some Allusion unto those material Rivers and Fountains which Solomon saith, run into the Sea, Eccles. 1.7. As the Fountains or Spring-heads run into the Rivers, and the Rivers run into the Sea; so the Emperors, Kings, Princes, and Nobles of the Roman Antichristian Politic and Ecclesiastic Government and Kingdom, give their power and strength unto the Beast, chap. 17.12, 13. And to his Councils, Synods, Courts, &c. which is the River into which these Fountains run, and so into the Sea of Rome, Canterbury, &c. The great Monarchs of this World, and Kings of the Earth, are said in Scripture to be the Head of their Rivers, Ezek. 29.3, 4. & 32.2, 6. I will also water with thy blood the Land wherein thou swimest, &c. Again, as the Fountains do signify Kings, &c. so by the Rivers into which their streams do continually run and ⟨p. 16⟩are filled, and influenced by them, is meant the Antichristian Hierarchy, Popish Clergy, and all the false Prophets, Teachers, and Priests, and upon all that are in holy Orders, (as they speak) who preach the Doctrine of the Beast, and worship his Image; such as these are called Wells, (though without any living and refreshing Water) 2 Pet. 2.1, 17. And they are here fitly resembled unto Rivers of Waters in the Beasts Kingdom. This Antichristian Monarchy, Hierarchy, Popish Clergy, Priests and Prelates, (like the Rivers and Fountains in and about a great City, Isa. 18.27. Ezek. 32.2.) though they spoil the Land, and waste the City, and foul the Waters, [for as a Fountain casteth out her filthy Waters, so do these corrupt Fountains cast out their wickedness,