336 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. three years and anhalf are come, the Prophecies of Scripture will not be understood concerning the duration and period of the Fourth Monarchy and kingdom of the Beast. Then, secondly, when that Time shall come, before the expiration, the Knowledge of the End will be revealed," 1657. . To this work are prefixed two prefaces, one by Mr. Christopher Feake, the other by Mr. John Rogers, both zealous fifth monarchy-men. The latter styles him, an " aged brother and companion in tribulation," and "this old sufferer and standard against the prelates and tyrants, old and new." Also, in this book, Mr. Canne gives some account of himself, which it will be proper to notice in this place. After stating his deliverance from his seventeen years banishment, he makes the following observations :-" Beingbrought thus at the feet of God, and there waiting and hearkening what the Lord would speak, I had the former things, for the substance of them, given unto me. And I can speak it in truth, I under- stood them not till now ; but thought The Time of the End was to be found out and known some other way. Upon ninny considerations my soul was sore distressed, and I be- sought the Lord with tears, day and night, that he would take pity on me, and not leave me to a deceived heart. " As often as I set my face unto the Lord Jay prayer and supplication, I found myself more encouraged, and had more of the prophecies opened unto me. Yea, and the Lord knows I lie not, whensoever my hearhath been most melted and broken before him, and my soul swallowed up with the greatest love and longing afterhis glory ; at such times I have been most confirmed, and strengthened to belieite, that it was the spirit of truth which revealed these things to me, a worm. Nevertheless, being yet unsatisfied in myself, and fearful lest ,I should go aside from the teachings of God, I acquainted some of my christian friends with the thing, and how the case stood with me, and desired that the same might be spread before the Lord, which was done several times. Very ear- , nestly was the Lord sought for counsel and direction, that- there might be no miscarriage on either hand ; and I found the fruit of their prayers a greater confirmation. " I have not published this treatise," says he, " as I have done things heretofore. For in humility and an awful fear of my God, here I can say, and that truly, This is a work offaith andprayer: not of my own labour and study, comparatively, as former things have been ; for here I have been more out of the body, and with the Lord on the mount. But, oh, I would be humble in such expressions, that the Lord alone
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