Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the particular apocalyptic chronology which formed an integral part of John Owen's prophetic worldview. Rather than speaking of a somewhat vague and generic millenarianism, it shows the important theoretical differences that existed between Owen's eschatology and that of the Fifth Monarchists. The book explains how Owen used the particular eschatological framework to interpret what he identified as providentially significant events during the Civil War and Interregnum. It examines Owen's prophetic call for the nation to understand the times and to 'improve' these mercies by comprehensive godly reformation, an important part of which required a visible separation between the true and false church. The book also explores the factors which guided Owen's thinking about the quest for a new political settlement, as well as some of the specific elements of godly reform which he believed the magistrate to be obligated to pursue.