An humble attempt to promote explicit agreement and visible union of God's people in…

If any should object against understanding the River Euphrates in Rev. xvi.12. as signifying what has been supposed, that when mention is made of the River Euphrates, in another Place in this Prophecy, 'tis manifestly not so to be understood, viz. in Chap. ix.14. Saying to the sixth Angel which had the Trumpet, Loose the four Angels which are bound in the great River Euphrates: and that there is no Reason to understand the River Euphrates in the Vision of the sixth Vial, as signifying ⟨p. 165⟩something diverse from what is meant by the same River in the Vision of the sixth Trumpet:

I answer, That there appears to me to be good Reason for a diverse understanding of the River Euphrates in these two different Places: The Diversity of the Scene of the Vision, and of the Kind of Representation, in those two divers Parts of this Prophecy, naturally leads to it, and requires it. It is in this Book as it is in the old Testament: When the River Euphrates is spoken of in the old Testament, both in the Histories and Prophecies, it is mentioned with Regard to a twofold Relation of that River: viz. 1st. With Regard to it's Relation to Babylon. And as it was related to that, it was something belonging to that City, as it's Defence and Supply, as has been represented. Thus the River Euphrates is spoken of in many Places that have been already observed, and others that might be mentioned. 2dly. This River is spoken of with Regard to it's Relation to the Land of Israel, God's visible People. And as it was related to that, it was it's Eastern Boundary. It is so spoken of Gen. xv.18. Exod. xxiii.31. Deut. i.7. and xi.24. Josh. i.4.