settlement_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n though_o they_o infinite_o differ_v about_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a invitation_n to_o engage_v the_o curiosity_n of_o any_o that_o be_v concern_v for_o useful_a and_o important_a truth_n than_o that_o consideration_n the_o great_a variety_n of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o interpreter_n about_o these_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v man_n hope_n of_o a_o clear_a interpretation_n more_o than_o the_o same_o difference_n among_o they_o about_o almost_o every_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o do_v almost_o as_o general_o agree_v about_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o vision_n as_o about_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v less_o mystical_a the_o language_n of_o prophecy_n 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speak_v of_o the_o number_n of_o antichrist_n he_o say_v that_o that_o number_n be_v in_o all_o the_o ancient_a and_o approve_a copy_n and_o that_o he_o have_v it_o also_o confirm_v to_o he_o by_o those_o who_o have_v see_v st._n john_n face_n to_o face_n there_o can_v hardly_o be_v give_v a_o more_o unquestionable_a or_o more_o particular_a testimony_n concern_v the_o true_a author_n of_o a_o book_n at_o any_o distance_n from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v write_v in_o than_o this_o be_v here_o be_v a_o particular_a search_n after_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o it_o soon_o after_o the_o write_n of_o it_o with_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o those_o who_o know_v the_o author_n himself_o and_o further_o to_o show_v the_o utter_a unlikelihood_n of_o any_o falsification_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o a_o little_a after_o speak_v of_o the_o name_n of_o antichrist_n know_v this_o say_v he_o that_o if_o his_o name_n ult_n lib._n 5._o sect_n ult_n be_v to_o have_v be_v open_o know_v at_o this_o present_a time_n it_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v express_v by_o he_o who_o see_v the_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o long_o ago_o since_o he_o see_v it_o but_o almost_o in_o this_o present_a age_n at_o the_o latter-end_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o domitian_n the_o little_a distance_n betwixt_o the_o time_n of_o irenaeus_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_v this_o book_n together_o with_o the_o care_n that_o he_o take_v to_o look_v into_o all_o the_o various_a copy_n of_o it_o and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o ear-witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n about_o it_o and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o own_o testimony_n in_o all_o this_o by_o die_v a_o martyr_n himself_o do_v silence_n all_o scruple_n about_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n but_o yet_o about_o 100_o year_n after_o the_o time_n of_o irenaeus_n dionysius_n of_o 2._o lib._n 2._o alexandria_n in_o his_o dispute_n against_o the_o millenaries_n of_o his_o time_n do_v affirm_v that_o many_o of_o his_o predecessor_n do_v reject_v this_o book_n but_o then_o he_o say_v it_o be_v because_o they_o see_v it_o obscure_v and_o full_a of_o too_o gross_a ignorance_n about_o the_o millenarian_a state_n not_o from_o any_o new_a knowledge_n they_o have_v get_v of_o the_o forgery_n of_o it_o and_o their_o ground_n be_v so_o small_a for_o it_o that_o though_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o the_o antimillinarian_a party_n yet_o he_o say_v he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v though_o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o style_n of_o it_o from_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n he_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v write_v by_o some_o other_o john_n contemporary_a with_o he_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o expression_n in_o the_o revelation_n so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o use_v by_o no_o other_o apostle_n that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o he_o himself_o or_o a_o very_a near_o friend_n of_o he_o that_o must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v the_o lamb_n the_o word_n the_o bear_a record_n or_o witness_v of_o the_o word_n they_o that_o pierce_v he_o shall_v see_v he_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o that_o overcome_v as_o i_o receive_v of_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o be_v athirst_a of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o and_o let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o which_o be_v all_o expression_n peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n st._n jerem_n indeed_o say_v that_o the_o greek_a church_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o but_o as_o baronius_n well_o observe_v about_o it_o an._n 96._o st._n jerom_n must_v necessary_o mean_v that_o only_a of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a part_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n for_o as_o he_o there_o show_v almost_o every_o one_o 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of_o carthage_n after_o the_o time_n of_o these_o scruple_n of_o the_o antimillenarians_n and_o before_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v apply_v by_o protestant_n viz._n before_o the_o year_n 400_o do_v in_o its_o 47th_o canon_n ordain_v the_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n as_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o this_o provincial_a council_n be_v confirm_v to_o oblige_v the_o universal_a church_n both_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a by_o the_o six_o synod_n in_o trullo_n at_o constantinople_n can._n 2._o anno_fw-la 707._o but_o it_o be_v unquestionable_o a_o decree_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n where_o the_o apocalypse_n have_v alone_o be_v scruple_v but_o the_o most_o authentic_a evidence_n of_o this_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o four_o council_n of_o toledo_n when_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v any_o interest_n of_o the_o then_o rule_v party_n of_o the_o church_n to_o plead_v for_o the_o apocalypse_n but_o may_v possible_o enough_o endanger_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 640._o after_o the_o time_n that_o the_o protestant_n application_n of_o that_o book_n do_v general_o date_n the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o so_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o council_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o adversary_n to_o the_o general_n consent_v of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o tradition_n of_o this_o book_n the_o word_n of_o it_o be_v these_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o council_n and_o the_o synodical_a decree_n 640._o council_n toletan_n 4._o can._n 16._o about_o the_o year_n 640._o of_o the_o holy_a bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v determine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v among_o the_o book_n divine_o inspire_v and_o because_o there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o for_o authentic_a and_o scorn_v to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o any_o one_o for_o the_o future_a shall_v refuse_v to_o receive_v it_o or_o to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o mass_n from_o easter_n to_o whitsuntide_n he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o this_o it_o do_v appear_v how_o the_o apocalypse_n come_v to_o lose_v its_o authenticalness_n among_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v it_o seem_v so_o disuse_v in_o the_o church_n that_o it_o pass_v for_o a_o useless_a book_n the_o interpretation_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o be_v either_o so_o fanciful_a or_o so_o little_a concern_v the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v neglect_v that_o it_o pass_v among_o they_o for_o a_o kind_n of_o book_n of_o dream_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o concern_v and_o which_o none_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o and_o this_o can_v much_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o little_a regard_n be_v have_v to_o these_o revelation_n even_o in_o these_o day_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v by_o the_o best_a learned_a among_o we_o judge_v to_o belong_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n for_o the_o church_n to_o know_v but_o as_o for_o that_o suggestion_n that_o cerinthus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n which_o be_v always_o the_o most_o current_a ground_n among_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o there_o be_v assurance_n enough_o of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o out_o of_o irenaeus_n for_o he_o be_v the_o scholar_n of_o polycarp_n who_o be_v the_o disciple_n and_o companion_n of_o st._n john_n to_o who_o irenaeus_n everywhere_o attribute_n 18._o euseb_n l._n 5._o eccles_n histor_n c._n 18._o the_o apocalypse_n and_o write_v against_o cerinthus_n and_o report_n from_o polycarp_n the_o great_a detestation_n that_o st._n john_n have_v against_o cerinthus_n and_o how_o absurd_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o irenaeus_n after_o so_o diligent_a so_o long_o and_o familiar_a a_o conversation_n with_o polycarp_n the_o companion_n of_o st._n john_n as_o he_o particular_o mention_n of_o himself_o shall_v make_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o author_n 3._o lib._n 3._o contra_fw-la haeres_fw-la cap._n 3._o of_o a_o book_n which_o be_v real_o write_v by_o his_o worst_a adversary_n to_o propagate_v his_o error_n whatever_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o prophecy_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o book_n of_o scripture_n have_v have_v a_o more_o express_a and_o unexceptionable_a tradition_n of_o its_o apostolical_a authority_n since_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o learned_a martyr_n soon_o after_o the_o write_n of_o it_o who_o also_o have_v search_v into_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o it_o and_o be_v confirm_v in_o it_o by_o those_o who_o be_v conversant_a with_o the_o apostle_n himself_o that_o write_v it_o and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a time_n that_o it_o be_v scruple_v it_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v authentical_a by_o all_o the_o eminently-learned_n father_n of_o those_o day_n and_o that_o after_o the_o time_n that_o it_o have_v be_v scruple_v it_o be_v own_v by_o the_o general_n consent_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o premise_v for_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v altogether_o sceptical_a in_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o these_o interpretation_n but_o the_o romanist_n who_o whole_a concern_v it_o be_v to_o make_v every_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_a dubious_a do_v agree_v with_o all_o other_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o time_n about_o the_o unquestionableness_n of_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o now_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o concern_v to_o inquire_v with_o diligence_n after_o the_o best_a understanding_n that_o we_o can_v get_v of_o this_o prophecy_n when_o we_o consider_v what_o press_v motive_n there_o be_v to_o it_o more_o in_o this_o book_n than_o in_o any_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n beside_o in_o the_o beginning_n blessed_n be_v he_o that_o read_v 9_o rev._n 1._o 3._o &_o 13._o 9_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o again_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o revelation_n that_o god_n give_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n to_o show_v 1._o chap._n 1._o 1._o unto_o his_o servant_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v add_v to_o or_o take_v 19_o chap._n 22._o 18_o 19_o from_o the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n above_o any_o other_o shall_v have_v the_o plague_n of_o god_n add_v to_o he_o or_o his_o part_n of_o eternal_a life_n take_v away_o the_o first_o book_n the_o uniform_a constant_a notion_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o beast_n all_o over_o the_o revelation_n chap._n i._n the_o ground_n of_o the_o method_n here_o use_v the_o first_o proposition_n that_o babylon_n be_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o antichristian_a and_o idolatrous_a reign_n scruple_n move_v against_o it_o the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o from_o the_o text_n confirm_v by_o general_a consent_n none_o can_v be_v more_o dispose_v to_o the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o study_n of_o the_o revelation_n than_o i_o be_v at_o the_o time_n that_o i_o first_o engage_v in_o those_o thing_n i_o have_v till_o then_o be_v so_o almost_o whole_o confine_v to_o such_o inquiry_n as_o be_v the_o close_a exercise_n of_o ratiocination_n upon_o clear_a and_o sure_a ground_n that_o i_o be_v come_v to_o have_v a_o natural_a aversion_n against_o all_o such_o loose_a conjecture_n as_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o vision_n be_v general_o repute_v to_o be_v but_o mr._n mede_n synchronism_n and_o his_o offer_n at_o demonstration_n in_o they_o which_o i_o light_v on_o by_o chance_v some_o year_n since_o in_o a_o solitary_a retirement_n do_v tempt_v my_o curiosity_n to_o inquire_v what_o can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o confidence_n in_o one_o of_o so_o know_v a_o character_n for_o a_o cautious_a and_o imparial_a judgement_n in_o scriptural_a xvii_o rev._n xvii_o exposition_n at_o the_o first_o cursory_a view_n of_o his_o performance_n i_o be_v extreme_o surprise_v to_o see_v such_o fair_a ground_n of_o a_o clear_a explication_n about_o so_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a a_o subject_a and_o though_o upon_o a_o more_o critical_a examination_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o they_o i_o find_v most_o of_o his_o synchronism_n far_o short_a of_o a_o close_a and_o cogent_a proof_n in_o they_o yet_o i_o can_v not_o but_o think_v that_o the_o subject_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o more_o certain_a determination_n to_o the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o aim_v at_o i_o do_v thereupon_o set_v myself_o upon_o a_o particular_a search_n after_o a_o close_a demonstration_n of_o that_o application_n that_o he_o have_v make_v
these_o new_a interpreter_n do_v still_o prejudice_v any_o that_o be_v otherwise_o curious_a against_o these_o kind_n of_o inquiry_n here_o be_v all_o this_o to_o make_v they_o very_o uneasy_a under_o it_o viz._n that_o they_o rely_v upon_o such_o for_o it_o as_o the_o best_a judge_n among_o those_o who_o cause_n they_o most_o befriend_v by_o it_o do_v impartial_o cry_v out_o against_o as_o man_n void_a of_o common_a sense_n for_o the_o ground_n that_o they_o go_v upon_o for_o it_o and_o that_o they_o prefer_v the_o judgement_n of_o these_o man_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o and_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a and_o the_o most_o impartial_a defender_n of_o it_o almost_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o also_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n beside_o i_o do_v moreover_o here_o pretend_v to_o lay_v a_o sure_a and_o deep_a foundation_n for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o protestant_a application_n than_o have_v yet_o be_v offer_v which_o may_v make_v my_o endeavour_n for_o it_o at_o least_o worth_a the_o examine_n and_o for_o the_o better_a apprehend_v of_o the_o force_n of_o all_o i_o will_v here_o give_v a_o general_a idea_n of_o my_o whole_a process_n in_o it_o the_o chief_a foundation_n of_o my_o design_n be_v the_o constant_a usage_n of_o figure_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n for_o there_o be_v this_o great_a advantage_n from_o daniel_n figure_n that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o original_a copy_n of_o that_o in_o the_o revelation_n and_o have_v also_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o like_a scheme_n and_o be_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o fulfil_v before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o learned_a end_n see_v consent_n of_o the_o ancient_n at_o the_o end_n of_o almost_o all_o party_n and_o age_n agree_v upon_o this_o make_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o scheme_n of_o daniel_n to_o be_v certain_o determine_v and_o to_o be_v so_o many_o data_fw-la and_o rule_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o like_a but_o less_o know_v phrase_n in_o the_o revelation_n i_o have_v therefore_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o figure_n of_o daniel_n in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o i_o hope_v may_v bear_v the_o most_o critical_a examination_n which_o be_v never_o before_o clear_o do_v but_o be_v the_o most_o requisite_a of_o any_o thing_n for_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v i_o have_v reduce_v all_o the_o kind_n of_o scheme_n signify_v dominion_n to_o certain_a and_o uniform_a definition_n which_o be_v a_o much_o large_a basis_n to_o establish_v the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o mystery_n upon_o and_o which_o i_o find_v much_o want_v in_o mr._n mede_n and_o dr._n more_o be_v method_n the_o prophetical_a term_n in_o the_o revelation_n do_v by_o this_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o apostle_n before_o and_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o to_o contain_v in_o they_o so_o large_a a_o space_n of_o time_n as_o determine_v their_o accomplishment_n to_o many_o age_n after_o his_o time_n which_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o prophecy_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o the_o second_o book_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o nice_o and_o attentive_o examine_v but_o to_o make_v the_o demonstration_n of_o this_o the_o more_o secure_a i_o think_v it_o most_o convenient_a to_o make_v use_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o undoubted_a and_o acknowledge_v thing_n about_o babylon_n and_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n which_o do_v the_o most_o open_o and_o unquestionable_o determine_v the_o scene_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o one_o certain_a empire_n whereby_o the_o four_o beast_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n which_o be_v prove_v necessary_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v more_o certain_o make_v know_v and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o mention_v more_o unavoidable_o confine_v in_o their_o particular_a signification_n this_o therefore_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v premise_v in_o the_o first_o book_n in_o the_o do_n of_o this_o i_o have_v another_o aim_n which_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v of_o very_o useful_a importance_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o mr._n mede_n syncronism_n that_o be_v that_o the_o term_n of_o the_o beast_n all_o over_o the_o revelation_n do_v denote_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a state_n of_o it_o the_o want_n of_o a_o close_a proof_n of_o which_o give_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o grotian_n interpretation_n to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o his_o demonstration_n by_o take_v that_o term_n in_o various_a acceptation_n dr._n moor_n have_v indeed_o take_v great_a pain_n for_o this_o purpose_n but_o i_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v till_o i_o find_v it_o more_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o that_o term_n to_o be_v everywhere_o but_o the_o same_o particular_a state_n than_o his_o eighteen_o congruity_n or_o likeness_n do_v seem_v to_o make_v it_o the_o three_o book_n do_v apply_v the_o general_a notion_n in_o the_o two_o former_a to_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v general_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v on_o my_o whole_a process_n upon_o principle_n common_a to_o all_o the_o several_a way_n of_o protestant_a interpreter_n and_o have_v therefore_o offer_v i_o own_o particular_a apprehension_n about_o the_o application_n and_o first_o date_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o beast_n by_o way_n of_o query_n only_o that_o i_o may_v lay_v the_o stress_n of_o the_o business_n upon_o a_o foundation_n large_a enough_o to_o fit_v almost_o all_o the_o different_a judgement_n of_o protestant_a interpreter_n and_o not_o venture_v it_o upon_o the_o narrow_a bottom_n of_o one_o particular_a man_n fancy_n and_o method_n and_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o no_o authority_n to_o confirm_v any_o thing_n of_o moment_n but_o the_o consent_n of_o papist_n themselves_o and_o their_o consent_n about_o almost_o all_o the_o proposition_n in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o book_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o design_n be_v a_o very_a great_a confirmation_n to_o i_o of_o the_o strength_n and_o certainty_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v but_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o the_o strange_a and_o violent_a heat_n that_o the_o study_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v general_o possess_v all_o man_n with_o that_o engage_v in_o it_o that_o i_o must_v desire_v that_o justice_n of_o the_o reader_n not_o to_o be_v deter_v from_o the_o perusal_n of_o this_o performance_n by_o the_o confident_a censure_n of_o any_o that_o may_v observe_v some_o small_a conclusion_n here_o not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n for_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o admire_a in_o other_o part_n of_o learning_n have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o gross_a in_o their_o confident_a mistake_v about_o these_o matter_n nothing_o indeed_o do_v make_v man_n so_o obnoxious_a to_o mistake_v here_o as_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o quickness_n of_o part_n and_o of_o assurance_n from_o great_a improvement_n in_o other_o way_n if_o i_o have_v at_o all_o succeed_v in_o this_o attempt_n i_o must_v whole_o attribute_v it_o under_o god_n assistance_n to_o the_o peculiar_a scepticalness_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o the_o continual_a distrust_n of_o my_o own_o apprehension_n and_o performance_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o fix_v upon_o scarce_o any_o thing_n before_o i_o have_v by_o often_o repeat_v correction_n of_o my_o first_o thought_n about_o it_o make_v it_o appear_v not_o only_o clear_a but_o necessary_a to_o i_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o revive_v the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o present_a age_n for_o the_o examination_n of_o this_o attempt_n to_o reflect_v but_o upon_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o it_o if_o perform_v my_o design_n design_n the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o design_n be_v to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o necessary_a proof_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o great_a enemy_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v much_o the_o business_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o one_o very_o great_a advantage_n of_o this_o will_v be_v that_o it_o will_v cut_v off_o many_o voluminous_a and_o intricate_a dispute_n which_o take_v up_o so_o much_o of_o the_o choice_a time_n of_o the_o best_a men._n if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v here_o so_o open_o expose_v the_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o that_o church_n almost_o every_o one_o of_o bellarmin_n note_n of_o his_o church_n ought_v without_o any_o dispute_n to_o be_v grant_v he_o nay_o if_o that_o alone_o be_v
that_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v set_v up_o for_o the_o orthodox_n way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n in_o the_o second_o session_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n can._n 3._o viz._n that_o none_o shall_v presume_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n against_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n by_o which_o we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o chief_a adversary_n in_o our_o present_a case_n for_o the_o soundness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v this_o authority_n for_o it_o and_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o its_o member_n be_v hereby_o stop_v from_o oppose_v that_o which_o be_v so_o confirm_v for_o a_o clear_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o i_o will_v give_v the_o tradition_n of_o it_o from_o the_o several_a writer_n in_o every_o century_n of_o the_o first_o age_n after_o christ_n but_o for_o those_o that_o may_v account_v that_o either_o tedious_a or_o uncertain_a it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o hear_v what_o the_o modern_a author_n of_o all_o party_n have_v deliver_v as_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o have_v be_v particular_o show_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o my_o church_n judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o roman_a church_n second_o part_n that_o their_o best_a commentator_n malvenda_n viega_n alcazar_n pererius_n do_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o heat_n and_o zeal_n affirm_v that_o all_o find_v it_o unquestionable_a both_o jew_n and_o christian_n that_o it_o be_v common_o agree_v upon_o by_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a road_n and_o the_o king_n highway_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a that_o all_o do_v interpret_v it_o so_o viz._n that_o the_o four_o beast_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n be_v the_o roman_a empire_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o perfect_a madness_n and_o to_o show_v one_o self_n void_a of_o sense_n to_o think_v otherwise_o gaspar_n sanctius_n give_v a_o remarkable_a reason_n to_o this_o purpose_n why_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o name_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_n of_o this_o opinion_n and_o that_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o body_n that_o say_v otherwise_o and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o romanist_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o unquestionable_a because_o they_o can_v make_v no_o advantage_n of_o it_o by_o affirm_v it_o but_z on_o the_o contrary_a do_v thereby_o grant_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o their_o adversary_n application_n of_o the_o revelation_n to_o their_o church_n which_o make_v their_o judgement_n about_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o impartial_a mr._n mede_n may_v be_v more_o reasonable_o suspect_v of_o partiality_n because_o of_o his_o particular_a engagement_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n but_o yet_o never_o do_v we_o find_v his_o integrity_n question_v for_o misrepresent_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o author_n that_o he_o quote_v and_o thus_o do_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o four_o kingdom_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n pag._n 964._o this_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o this_o last_o saeculum_fw-la and_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o and_o at_o our_o saviour_n time_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o roman_a empire_n rabbi_n abarbenel_n testimony_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o 1._o comment_fw-fr in_o dan._n pag._n 42._o col._n 1._o jewish_a writer_n be_v know_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o their_o nation_n our_o master_n say_v he_o be_v right_a in_o their_o tradition_n that_o the_o four_o beast_n do_v signify_v the_o roman_a emperor_n whereby_o it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o common_a tradition_n of_o the_o learned_a jew_n here_o then_o have_v we_o the_o most_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a modern_n of_o all_o party_n jew_n and_o christian_n that_o both_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o the_o ancient_a rabbi_n be_v all_o unanimous_a in_o this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n but_o the_o most_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o this_o be_v that_o of_o st._n jerom_n who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o diligent_a in_o his_o search_n into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o his_o time_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr scriptoribus_fw-la ecclesiasticis_fw-la in_o his_o explication_n of_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n after_o he_o have_v animadvert_v upon_o porphyry_n opinion_n as_o a_o perfect_a madness_n who_o will_v have_v the_o four_o beast_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n he_o conclude_v thus_o let_v we_o therefore_o affirm_v that_o which_o all_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o that_o about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v to_o be_v destroy_v there_o shall_v be_v ten_o king_n who_o shall_v divide_v the_o roman_a empire_n among_o themselves_o and_o there_o shall_v arise_v after_o they_o a_o eleven_o small_a king_n etc._n etc._n where_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o by_o the_o beast_n its_o self_n be_v universal_o understand_v the_o roman_a empire_n this_o he_o affirm_v to_o have_v be_v a_o universal_a tradition_n of_o church-writer_n before_o he_o and_o what_o be_v there_o almost_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o have_v a_o more_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a tradition_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o this_o be_v further_a confirm_v by_o the_o general_a custom_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n lest_o the_o ruin_n of_o that_o shall_v bring_v on_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o tertullian_n do_v affirm_v of_o they_o in_o that_o know_a place_n of_o his_o apology_n and_o lactantius_n theophylact_fw-mi st._n jerome_n and_o oecumenius_n be_v cite_v by_o bellarmin_n in_o confirmation_n 5._o lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr pontif._n cap._n 5._o of_o the_o same_o general_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o aftertime_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_a from_o all_o the_o mention_n of_o antichrist_n among_o the_o father_n that_o they_o make_v he_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o little_a horn_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n which_o show_v that_o they_o make_v the_o four_o beast_n to_o be_v certain_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o greek_a monarchy_n because_o the_o end_n of_o it_o with_o the_o little_a horn_n be_v to_o bring_v on_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o do_v erasmus_n in_o his_o comment_n upon_o cap._n 29._o lib._n 20._o augustin_n ad_fw-la marcellin_n reckon_v up_o lactantius_n with_o st._n jerom_n to_o affirm_v that_o all_o writer_n have_v agree_v in_o that_o opinion_n that_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n be_v to_o be_v after_o the_o division_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o it_o be_v set_v out_o by_o the_o ten_o king_n and_o little_a horn_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n these_o testimony_n about_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n of_o all_o church_n about_o this_o point_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o their_o judgement_n about_o it_o but_o because_o some_o of_o late_a very_a *_o eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o ingenuity_n have_v fancy_v another_o interpretation_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o especial_o because_o one_o of_o they_o †_o as_o much_o fame_v for_o a_o antiquary_n as_o any_o of_o they_o have_v positive_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o four_o beast_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o the_o roman_n it_o may_v be_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o set_v down_o here_o the_o tradition_n of_o every_o century_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n concern_v this_o almost_o ever_o since_o the_o roman_n come_v to_o be_v that_o four_o beast_n at_o their_o conquest_n of_o the_o greek_a monarchy_n chap._n ii_o the_o particular_a tradition_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o every_o century_n since_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o application_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o roman_n first_o century_n the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v on_o the_o prophet_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a evidence_n but_o scripture_n what_o be_v the_o current_a opinion_n of_o the_o time_n near_o our_o saviour_n about_o the_o four_o monarchy_n of_o daniel_n for_o he_o both_o live_v about_o those_o time_n and_o his_o exposition_n be_v always_o reverence_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o of_o so_o unquestionable_a authority_n that_o none_o ever_o dare_v to_o contradict_v it_o say_v lyranus_fw-la in_o comment_n on_o cap._n 8._o isai_n