The power of deception unveiled, and the man of sin revealed, in an analysis of the book of Revelations. To which is prefixed An essay on the system of man

Front matter

THE

POWER OF DECEPTION

tj.WEILED,

Part I. The state of religion in the seven churches of Asia, 75

Part II. The overruling providence of the Almighty, N shown to be the power which would produce a reformation from the state of spiritual darkness, in which the degenerated church would be involved, - 105

Part III. Through the opening of the seals is discovered the propagation of the Christian religion — first in life and power — afterwards in several stages of declension. Remarkable circumstances occurring before, and at the time of its restoration to primitive purity, 116

Part IV. Calamitous and warlike events to occur through the same period of time with the opening of the seals, proclaimed by the sounding of the trumpets, - 156

Part V. Representation of the state of pure religion, exhibited under the character of the Lord's witnesses, 203

Part VI. The primitive Christian church under the character of a woman, - 222

Part VII. Explanation of the beast that arose out of the

CONTENTS* sea — -of the second beast that arose out of the earth, and their numbers, - 237

Part VIII. Calamitous events under the remainder of the sixth and under the seventh trumpet, on the pouring out of the vials, - 262

Part IX. Discovery of the great whore who made all nations drunk, - 277

Part X. Propagation of the pure doctrines of Christ, under the character of a White Horse, as in the first ages of Christianity, - - - 298

Part XI. Awful representation of the day of judgment, 330

Part IX. Continued. Summary view of the state of religion, succeeding the revolutions which had been prophetically foretold — representation of the order,

&c. of the church of Christ, - - 331

Part XII. Restoration of the true church discovered, and

its glory described, - 335

Conclusion, - 345

Chronological table, - 349

ERRATA.

A few typographical errors and omissions having escaped timely attention, are here noticed for correction by the reader.

Page 40, line 12, after "own," insert "by the sensible impressions of his love."

Page 46, line 2 from the bottom of note, after "figure," insert " act."

Page 59, line 11 from bottom, after " warrior," insert "or statesman."

Page 68, line 3 from bottom, for " acts," read " arts."

Page 70, line 6 from bottom, for "levelled," read " lulled."

Page 120, line 6, for " others," read " they."

Page 151, line 10 from bottom, for " up in," read " up into."

PREFACE^

BIOGRAPHICAL OF THE AUTHOR, &c.

John Jones was a native of Chester county, in Pennsylvania. In early life he was subjected to much bodily affliction, as well as various severe trials, partly arising from the course of military operations at that time progressing. These, however, operating on a remarkably susceptible and intelligent mind, were embraced as profitable incitements to seek for a more intimate internal acquaintance with God, the great source of true consolation. Hereby his views of the divine sufficiency became enlarged, to the production of an operative faith — his tribulations, agreeably with the apostolic testimony, working " Patience, and patience experience, and experience hope."

Thus learning in the school of Christ, and his mind becoming more and more enlightened, he was drawn to a careful examination of the various modes of religious profession amongst his family connexions, and in his neighbourhood. Having become dissatisfied and wearied with the forms, and particularly with the ministry amongst those with whom he was educated, as believing them lifeless and unprofitable, and finding in his own experience no foundation whereon to rest with peaceful confidence of certainty, but the immediate operation in his mind of the principle of divine internal light and 1

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love, he joined in connexion with the religious Society of Friends, whose professed fundamental principle he found to be the same that his best feelings approved.

Continuing his religious progress, he in time became an approved minister of the gospel in that society : and as his experience in the spirituality of the Christian dispensation advanced, he was sometimes drawn in the power of divine love to unfold to large congregations, to whom he ministered, in a very remarkable and impressive manner, deep and solemn mysteries of the gospel of Christ, in opposition to the vulgar trinitarian doctrines.

His natural disposition was remarkably cheerful, his manners engaging, and his social conversation pleasingly instructive; his rational faculties being strong and lively, and his judgment in natural things prompt and discriminative : but his bodily powers being unequal to much laborious exertion for the support of a family, and his pecuniary circumstances justifying in his rational apprehension, several successive changes of situation for the advancement of his earthly comforts, he at length suffered himself to engage in plans of worldly enterprise, which, though honourable and useful in their nature, eventually proved to his disadvantage. For his own account whereof the reader is referred to the concluding part of the following introduction.

His constitution having been impaired in his youth, by the loss of much blood on the occasion of a severe wound, was never afterwards robust; and in the latter years of his life, increasing weakness of the chest and lungs ensued, until— -having travelled through heights and depths in his religious experience— -his disease at length prevailing over his constitution, he resigned his

PREFACE.

life into the hands of his merciful Creator, in the happy experience of the evangelical feeling of, " Glory to God in the highest — on earth peace — good will to men."

He departed this life at his house, in the county of Lancaster, in his native state, on the second day of the Second-month, 1800, in the forty-fourth year of his age.

The time in which he was most particularly engaged in his Analysis of the Book of Revelations, was at a late period of his life, when his health was fast declining; and his progress therein was often interrupted by the necessary calls on his attention to the arrangement of his temporal concerns. By reason of these circumstances the completion of the work was not effected until, by tne ^i. gress of his disease, his bodily powers were so far weakened as to render it necessary to call in the aid of a friend, with whom he had been intimately conversant through several preceding years.

His first object, in thus requesting aid, was to review his work, in order to effect such corrections as might appear necessary, or likely to contribute to a more clear understanding. His mental faculties were strong as ever, and his mind deeply impressed with an apprehension of duty in devoting his attention to this concern, until, through divine favour, the work should be brought to such a state as that his survivers might comprehend his general views: fully believing that the light and understanding given him, with relation to this subject, were intended by " the Father of Lights," for the benefit of mankind. And for the sake of some particular classes of men in the world, an early publication thereof he believed it to be his religious duty to promote. Hence it became the duty of the friend he had called, so to enter into the views of the author as to vi

PREFACE.

contribute all in his power to his relief. Some days were therefore spent in a joint review of the Analysis, and in effecting such corrections, more clearly to convey the author's sense and meaning, as time and circumstances would admit.

Having proceeded thus far, and the author having completed some parts before unfinished, his mind appeared to be comfortably at rest with respect to the Analysis.

Another subject, however, now opened to his view, and engaged his attention. The parts and principles of the human system, with the various states of the mind, and relations of its intellectual powers, had previously obtained his mature consideration. His contemplations and results in this relation had been the forerunners of his peculiar notice of the revelations ; but as his attention to this book became more and more engaged, and his openings extended, the former remained without special attention, only that the principles, by having become fixed and settled on his understanding, were, in a manner, ever present. Having committed some of his views on those subjects to writing, as well for his own satisfaction as for such future use as might appear to him right, and those papers remaining by him in their original state, the prospect which now presented was to review them in company with his friend, and to form an essay to precede the Analysis, expressive of his settled belief of the real state, nature and relations of the human compound being, as it originally came from the hand of the all-wise Creator, as well as under its various circumstances arising from obedience to, or rejection of, the divine law internally revealed; apprehending that an explanation of those

PREFACE.

vii principles would assist the unprejudiced mind in comprehending the doctrines contained in the work he had been engaged in, as well as furnish the reader with subjects of reflection relative to his own individual state.

Under this united engagement, the Essay received its Form and arrangement.

The first section is wholly John Jones's production, taken by himself from his original papers.

Of the second section, the two latter paragraphs only were original with him. The fore part being offered by his friend, was approved and adopted.

The third section partakes but little of matter not originally his own.

The fourth section comprises doctrines which were in his view of much importance. On it he, therefore, bestowed peculiar attention. The last paragraph only was offered to his adoption, and gratefully accepted.

For a fifth section he proposed a definition of true religion, so far as remained necessary to illustrate the foregoing principles. But under this head he had by him only a few observations, which, being sketched at a period when his views were not extended to the present particular object, did not appear to be well adapted to the purpose. It being now very desirable to him to have his mind released from every species of fatigue, he felt satisfied in committing this subject entirely to his friend, to act in as he might afterward find a qualification. This section was, however, at a later period read to him, and thankfully approved by him.

As the subject of the sixth section had then received but little public discussion, and as his views thereof were supposed to be likely to excite some alarm, as being opposed to general and long established preju-

Mil PREFACE.

dices, the omission of the publication of a section on this subject at that time was proposed to the author's consideration. To this proposition he decidedly objected, as believing it expedient that the public attention should be drawn to a doctrine, which, he apprehended, had been a prolific cause of the prevalence of darkness and confusion amongst the professors of religion ; and standing opposed in the gross and superstitious manner in which they had in ages of apostacy accepted some metaphorical expressions in scripture, to the attainment of the true knowledge of correct religious principles.

In the course of communication with his friend, the author had requested him to make any corrections or further explanation of the work, that should afterward appear to be expedient, to render any subject more clearly explicit, preserving the general principles unchanged. The section on conscience, then inserted from his former notes, being but one short paragraph, not satisfactorily explicit, and he feeling his mind released from further attention thereto, its place has since, conformably with the aforesaid request, been supplied by the section now inserted ; which will be perceived to correspond with his general views.

The Essay being thus disposed of, a subject still remained. After commencing the review of the Analysis, the author apprehended an advantage might result from offering some observations as an introduction ; but it appeared to him that it would be too great a task, under his present bodily weakness, to devote any attention thereto. He had, therefore, early committed the consideration of this subject to his friend, to be taken up as he might find a qualification, after their joint

PREFACE.

IX labours should be completed. It now became necessary for his friend to personate the author in a more intimate manner than heretofore, in an attempt to collect and embody such reflections and observations as had occurred to himself in the course of the review, or as might occur during this engagement, as proper for the author to offer. The introductory address was the result of this attempt. The latter paragraphs, however, relating to the author's own moral conduct, were — after the foregoing had been submitted to him, and fully approved — drawn up by his instructions, carefully reviewed by him, signed with his own hand, and subjoined at his request ; as a public acknowledgment to his friends in religious communion, and to the world, for those errors of his life which he deeply regretted, though now" favoured with abundant mental evidence of the mercy and forgiveness of his gracious Redeemer.

The conclusion was afterward prepared at the author's request, upon a plan suggested by himself, and approved in the last interview between him and his friend.

The following reasons have operated on the mind of the editor, in presenting to the reader a sketch of the progress and completion of the work before him.

First, — It appeared to be the desire of John Jones r not to be considered as the author of productions not his own ; and, in conformity with this desire, he had, shortly before his decease, requested, and received an assurance, that a memorandum of the aid received would be inserted in the volume.

Secondly, — That if any of those parts pointed out as being only adopted by the author, should appear objectionable to any judicious reader, the censure or dis

X PREFACE.

approbation, thence arising, may not be allowed to operate to the prejudice of the author's own immediate productions.

And, thirdly, — A sufficient apology may, perhaps, be thence inferred for whatever may be found in the volume, in the form of notes, or otherwise, under an editorial denotation.

It may, perhaps, be not improper here to observe^ first, that the great end in view with John Jones, was an illustration of the spirituality of the Christian dispensation, in opposition to superstition, formality, and vague, incongruous or inexplicable opinions of every kind with which the world abounds. Particularly apprehending that the gross superstitions and monstrous absurdities which had, in the long established creeds and practices of some societies of religious professors, been blended with the profession of the Christian faith, but between which there was no more kindred alliance than between the olive tree and the bramble, or between light and darkness, had been a cause extensively operating to bring the Christian religion into disgrace, in the view of many in a nation at that time acting a conspicuous part on the continent of Europe, and raising in the room thereof, principles of infidelity, and a contempt of the benign doctrines of the gospel. For the sake of that nation he was particularly interested ; as a door was then opened for free investigation, which has since, by the overturning of " principalities and powers," and the re- establishment of a species of censorship over the minds and consciences of men, been in a great measure closed.

Secondly, that if, from that deficiency in a faithful, undeviating attention and obedience to the principle

PREFACE.

xi of divine internal light, which he looked back upon with regret, and from the interruptions occasioned by those worldly embarrassments which he considered the effect thereof, he should, in the apprehension of some readers, not have arrived at a perfect clearness of evidence upon every particular part of the explanations he has offered of the Book of Revelations, perhaps such occasional obscurity as any unprejudiced reader may suppose he has discovered, may not defeat the effect intended by the author, or render abortive the general design of the work.

The eye of an attentive observer may embrace a widely extended field of varied objects in the visible creation, with a clearness and precision of view sufficient to prove to the beholder the reality of their existence, and their general bearing and relation to each other, at the same time that a partial cloud may possibly prevent the light from falling with equal radiance on some particular member of the landscape.

Thirdly, — That if it should be apprehended that some of the historical quotations advanced as proofs or illustrations might have been arranged, or referred to, in any different manner, so as to have contributed to a more prompt comprehension of the author's views, the apology for any occasional want of perspicuity of method which may be supposed to appear, will, perhaps, be found by adverting to the declining state of the author's health, as precluding any further review by him in order for improvement in this respect.

And, fourthly, — That, although the author apprehended the Book of Revelations contained a regular historical view of the Christian church, unfolded in prophetical anticipation to the beloved disciple John, 2

Xll

PREFACE.

in the manner and succession in which the divine prescience knew would in the course of time be fulfilled, yet it being thus descriptive of a chain of events outwardly fulfilled and fulfilling with relation to the general visible church, did, in his view, by no means invalidate the application of parts thereof to the progressive spiritual states of individuals, as often exhibited by other writers : inasmuch as the divinely inspired writings, being derived from the source of perfect wisdom and unbounded knowledge, are often wisely and fitly adapted to both general and special application.

Although the publication of the work was intended and directed by the author, to be accomplished very early after his decease, yet, owing to causes which, perhaps, it would not be useful here to detail, it has been delayed to the present time.

The doctrines inculcated, and the views exhibited, standing opposed to the preconceived opinions and prejudices of many under the various modes of Christian profession, animadversion and opposition may, perhaps, be reasonably anticipated. To the literary critic, should he deem the book worthy of his passing notice, it may be observed, that the exhibition of a critical correctness of style, has been no part of the inducement to the publication; neither is it necessary to the comprehension of plain practical truths, or the edification of the sincere religious inquirer. To those classes of society who may perceive their opinions to be controverted by the principles espoused, or that their worldly interest would be endangered by the prevalence of the doctrines advanced, a remark may be addressed similar to that which was introduced by the wise Gamaliel in a council of the Jews: "If this work

PREFACE.

Xlll and this counsel be (merely) of men," and wholly erroneous, "it will come to nought," without your efforts to suppress it : 66 But, if it be" from a higher illumination, and grounded on the principles of everlasting truth, "ye cannot overthrow it." The editor, acting as the representative of the deceased author, in the fulfilment, though at this late period, of his dying request, does not hold himself necessarily bound to appear in future in defence of the work. It is, therefore, offered to the world, to receive its share of approbation or condemnation, according to the effect it may produce on the minds of its readers individually.

Joseph Churchman.

Frankfard, Pa* 3d Mo. 1829.

INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS.

My mind having been, at times, for several years, impressed with a serious consideration of the various circumstances of the nations of men now existing, attentive inquiries have thereby been raised, relative to the causes whereby the sufferings of many have been produced, and the oppressive power and undue dominion exercised by others have arisen. On pursuing these inquiries many reflections have occurred, in the course whereof, information has been opened to my understanding, relating to the nature of man, and the doctrines which concern his happiness. Yet I believe that the definitions and conclusions, relative to the system of man, and the manner of his salvation, which I am about to offer to the public in the following work, have not been the result of a labour merely in the powers of the rational understanding ; but as I have sought instruction for my own benefit, and the regulation of my conduct, I trust a measure of divine light has been afforded, in which I have been induced to believe that my duty to my brethren in the great family of mankind, required my offering the principles therein contained to their view, as worthy of their serious attention.

From my experience of the loving kindness and mercies of God from my youth, as well as at times the ad=

Xvi INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS.

ministration of his judgments, I have been long established in a full and feeling belief of the reality of his existence; and have been sensible of a compassionate tenderness and regard to mankind, generally, who are his workmanship, and by creation the children of his family. I have beheld many objects of pursuit amongst them, which do not appear to be productive of happiness ; and many individual and national transactions which are evidently the means of multiplying miseries upon them. I believed that the great Father, in whom is fulness of wisdom and love, did not design that his creatures should be miserable, but that he had afforded a mean whereby they might enjoy his favour, and live in harmony one with another. My attention being thus occupied, I have clearly perceived that the source of all the confusions which prevent the happiness of the children of men exists within man himself.

On recurring to the scriptural account of creation, and duly considering the nature and constituent parts of my own being, I have discerned, with thankfulness to the Father of lights, that the order in which the faculties of man were originally placed, afforded him a capacity of doing the will of his all-wise Creator, wherein alone his happiness consisted ; and that the perversion of this order is the mean whereby all the miseries which mankind suffer are incurred.

This order having been thus perverted, of which the transactions of men, through many ages, furnish decided proof, man appears to stand in a situation wherein the application of a power, superior to the strength of his own mind, is necessary for restoring him to the order and dignity in which he was originally placed. My views of this order, the manner of its perversion, and

INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS.

xvii the clearly evident necessity of such a superior power to effect its restoration, the reader will find briefly stated and explained, according to the light and understanding afforded me, in the forepart of the work I herewith present to his view ; for which, as they are offered in simplicity, without any design to impose upon the understanding of others, I shall make no further apology.

That the power necessary to restore man to his original dignity, is granted, in the abundant mercy of God, is nominally acknowledged by many nations of the earth. The scriptural account of redemption by Christ, being familiar to those nations who profess a faith in his name, though the manner of it is, by the different leaders of religious professors, variously defined, I do not propose to say much here respecting either the mean, or the manner of its operation ; but refer the reader to the following pages, wherein he will find this doctrine most intimately interwoven with the historical and prophetical descriptions.

Numerous objections to the reality of redemption by the name and power of Christ, made by men whose minds were inflated with self-sufficiency, have fallen under my notice. But, though a large discussion of their principles might be entered into, and many proofs advanced on the side of reason and self-evident truth, sufficient, in the view of impartial readers, to overthrow their slender, futile, and fallacious systems, I forbear to dwell upon them. Because, to those who are believing, such proofs are not necessary ; and to the unbelieving, arguments, grounded merely upon the principles of the natural understanding, would be ineffectual. It being only the evidence of the spirit of truth xviii

INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS.

to the soul ; that can produce effectual conviction, as all things of a divine nature must necessarily have a divine evidence to demonstrate the reality of their existence. And as this divine evidence doth not, if resisted, operate to effect its purpose, so when not resisted, it begets a willingness to give it an impartial hearing : and if such a willingness be admitted, the strength of the principle of self-sufficiency which is seated in the powers of the natural mind, being thereby reduced, the divine evidence can operate to conviction without the necessity of many natural arguments.

In the course of my meditations on the nature, composition and circumstances of man, many expressions and declarations, recorded in the writings of the prophets and other books of scripture, have presented in memory and occurred to observation, which appear to me to unite in testimony to the truth of the system I have attempted to demonstrate.

On my attention being particularly turned to the Book of Revelations, my understanding became opened to discover that the prophecies therein contained, were not of such 66 private interpretation," as had been generally supposed. My mind was enlightened to perceive, on the one hand, that the Almighty did not confine his notice in these communications to any particular nation, or to any particular circumstances of individual earthly governments, which may have appeared to men important ; but that they respected the general society of mankind, as extensively as the doctrines of Christ were, or should be, professionally adopted. And, on the other hand, to perceive, that the nations who denied, or did not profess his name, were not included in the description of events which were

INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. XIX

to succeed in the fulfilment of those prophecies, except only as they were, or should become, directly in contact with the body of Christian professors. Thus I found it was a history of religion, rather than of nations, or of men.

The book appearing to apply directly to the system of man's constitution, and to the mode and means of his redemption, and the fulfilment of his religious duties, and containing such a regular description of a chain of events, the accomplishment whereof exactly as foretold, affording such ample proof of the reality of divine revelation to man, and such clear demonstration of the truth of the system, I have believed it to be my duty to enter into a minute explanation of the manner in which this prophetical information has appeared to me to apply to those events: apprehending that to any person who divests himself of partiality, the evidences produced will be sufficient to satisfy him of the general propriety of the applications. If such conviction should prevail in the mind of the reader, he will then have it in his power to view with satisfaction the accordance of the terms of expression, throughout the writings of the prophets in general, and to discover that many of the same circumstances, transactions and dispositions, are described, in a more or less extensive manner, by many of them.

I know there have many attempts to explain the Book of Revelations, been made by men of eminence and learning 5 but without offering any remarks on their performances, I freely submit the present work to be judged of, according to the evidences which may accompany it, to the minds of my readers respectively.

In the course of his attention to this work, it will be 3

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I N T R O D U C T RY ADDRESS.

necessary for the reader to consider principles rather than men or distinct societies of men. As the religious Society of Friends are, in treating of those principles by which they are known from others, held up to view in a distinguished manner, let it be always remembered that I have no view of exalting men merely as men, of any name, but contend for the honour, power, and efficacy of the divine indwelling principle, for its own sake, and for the sake of the inhabitants of the world generally, to whom it is given to profit by. As to this society, my education was not amongst them. I therefore cannot be charged with partiality arising from the prejudice of education. But their principles I have adopted, because, from an unbiassed view of the general field of religious profession, and from internal conviction in my own mind, my understanding became convinced that they were consonant with truth. While engaged in this work, I have considered myself as a fellow member of the great fraternity of mankind ; and have felt the extendings of love and compassion to the souls of all universally. The Society of Friends are then considered, not as personal or partial favourites of our heavenly Father, but only his favourites so far as they may have adopted those principles which the uniform testimony of the prophecies I have attempted to explain, bears evidence to be conformable to his will in the original institution of the order of creation, and may have demonstrated their faith by correspondent works. The internal redemption, life and communion which they profess to believe in, having been freely offered to the reception of all, from age to age ; and the uniform ground of acceptance of all those who have feared God and wrought righteousness : although the clear display