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

Mr. Lowman has, I think, put it beyond all reasonable Doubt, that the 5th Vial was poured out in the Time of the Reformation. It also appears satisfyingly, by his late Exposition, that take one Vial with another, it has not been 200 Years from the Beginning of one Vial to the Beginning of another, but about 180 Years. But it is now about 220 Years since the 5th Vial began to be poured; and it is a long Time since the main Effects of it have been finished. And therefore if the 6th Vial hasn't already begun to be poured out, it may well be speedily expected.

Mr. Lowman has, I think, put it beyond all reasonable Doubt, that the 5th Vial was poured out in the Time of the Reformation. It also appears satisfyingly, by his late Exposition, that take one Vial with another, it has not been 200 Years from the Beginning of one Vial to the Beginning of another, but about 180 Years. But it is now about 220 Years since the 5th Vial began to be poured; and it is a long Time since the main Effects of it have been finished. And therefore if the 6th Vial han't already begun to be poured out, it may well be speedily expected.

But with Regard to the first Thing that I have supposed to be signified by the Effect of this Vial, viz. The drying up the Fountains and Streams of the Wealth and temporal Incomes and Supplies of the antichristian Church and Territories, I would propose it to Consideration, whether or no many Things that have come to pass within these twenty Years past, may not be looked upon as probable Beginnings of a Fulfilment of this Prophecy. Particularly what the Kings of Spain and Portugal did some Years since, when displeased with the Pope, forbidding any thenceforward going to Rome for Investitures, &c. thereby cutting off two great Streams of the Pope's Wealth, from so great and rich a Part of the popish World; and it's becoming so frequent a Thing of late for popish Princes, in their Wars, to make bold with the Treasure of the Church, and to tax the Clergy within their Dominions, as well as Laity; or, which is equivalent, to oblige 'em to contribute ⟨p. 168⟩great Sums, under the Name of a free Gift; and also the late peeling and impoverishing the Pope's temporal Dominions in Italy, by the Armies of the Austrians, Neapolitans and Spaniards, passing and repassing through them, and living so much at Discretion in them, of which the Pope has so loudly complained, and in vain; receiving nothing but Menaces, when he has objected against giving Liberty for the like Passage, for the future. These Things make it hopeful that the Time is coming when the Princes of Europe, the ten Horns, shall hate the Whore, and make her desolate and naked, and eat her Flesh; as