the_o open_n of_o the_o five_o seal_n the_o soul_n under_o the_o altar_n cry_v to_o have_v their_o blood_n avenge_v 9_o and_o when_o he_o have_v open_v the_o five_o seal_n i_o see_v under_o the_o altar_n the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v slay_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o hold_v 10_o and_o they_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n say_v how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a do_v thou_o not_o judge_v and_o avenge_v our_o blood_n on_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n 11_o and_o white_a robe_n be_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o they_o &_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v rest_v yet_o for_o a_o little_a season_n until_o their_o fellow_n servant_n also_o and_o their_o brethren_n that_o shall_v be_v kill_v as_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v fulfil_v the_o commentary_n and_o when_o he_o have_v open_v the_o five_o seal_n hitherto_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o exposition_n of_o the_o preparation_n to_o the_o second_o vision_n viz._n the_o majesty_n of_o god_n with_o the_o attendance_n about_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o lamb_n take_v the_o book_n seal_v with_o seven_o seal_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v hear_v also_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o vision_n viz._n the_o open_n of_o four_o seal_n with_o the_o wonder_n follow_v thereupon_o namely_o the_o white_a red_z black_a and_o pale_a horse_n prefigure_v as_o we_o have_v show_v the_o future_a state_n and_o face_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n first_o white_a in_o faith_n then_o red_a in_o blood_n afterward_o black_a with_o heresy_n and_o at_o last_o pale_a through_o hypocrisy_n and_o apostasy_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o act_n of_o the_o vision_n in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o five_o seal_n which_o signify_v not_o as_o some_o have_v think_v new_a persecution_n but_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n both_o militant_a and_o triumphant_a it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o here_o shall_v begin_v a_o new_a act_n see_v john_n be_v not_o now_o bid_v by_o any_o one_o as_o before_o he_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o wonder_n of_o this_o five_o seal_n in_o it_o three_o thing_n be_v record_v first_o what_o he_o see_v at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o seal_n &_o the_o place_n where_o namely_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o martyr_n under_o the_o altar_n v._o 9_o secondlie_o what_o they_o say_v v._o 10._o and_o last_o the_o answer_n which_o they_o receive_v v._o 11._o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v to_o comfort_v the_o church_n against_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n special_o shadow_v out_o under_o the_o red_a horse_n for_o lest_o john_n shall_v have_v be_v to_o much_o daunt_v at_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o martyr_n blood_n or_o any_o of_o the_o faithful_a so_o offend_v thereat_o as_o may_v have_v weaken_v their_o faith_n and_o piety_n but_o rather_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o more_o happy_a state_n with_o a_o christian_a courage_n may_v endure_v the_o fury_n and_o force_n of_o their_o adversary_n therefore_o the_o bless_a condition_n of_o the_o martyr_n in_o heaven_n be_v here_o exhibit_v be_v full_a of_o many_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a for_o they_o who_o in_o this_o world_n have_v be_v before_o cruel_o murder_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o see_v of_o john_n under_o the_o protection_n of_o christ_n as_o glorious_a conqueror_n clothe_v with_o white_a robe_n the_o soul_n under_o the_o altar_n the_o soul_n depart_v out_o of_o the_o body_n be_v invisible_a to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n but_o john_n see_v they_o in_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v separable_a subsist_v in_o itself_o immortal_a and_o die_v not_o with_o the_o body_n of_o which_o matter_n aristotle_n albeit_o a_o heathen_a yet_o thus_o write_v and_o thus_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o essential_a power_n separable_a pure_a and_o free_a from_o passion_n and_o again_o as_o it_o be_v separable_a so_o also_o immortal_a and_o eternal_a nevertheless_o some_o have_v be_v find_v not_o only_a epicure_n but_o even_o teacher_n in_o israel_n as_o the_o saducee_v by_o name_n who_o have_v deny_v it_o now_o these_o brutish_a man_n christ_n plain_o refute_v in_o the_o gospel_n 10.28_o mat._n 10.28_o where_o he_o bid_v we_o not_o to_o fear_v they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n but_o he_o which_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v both_o etc._n etc._n the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v slay_v that_o be_v of_o the_o martyr_n but_o wherefore_o be_v they_o slay_v not_o for_o any_o evil_n commit_v but_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n viz._n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v for_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n which_o they_o open_o profess_v and_o seal_v with_o their_o blood_n here_o we_o see_v that_o not_o suffer_v but_o the_o cause_n of_o suffer_v make_v a_o martyr_n by_o the_o slay_v be_v mean_v not_o as_o alcazar_n suppose_v those_o that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o the_o jew_n neither_o they_o only_a who_o suffer_v under_o domitian_n until_o diocletian_a as_o lyra_n affirm_v but_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o martyr_n even_o from_o nero_n unto_o boniface_n the_o three_o the_o first_o antichrist_n who_o blood_n have_v be_v shed_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o some_o call_v they_o the_o twelve_o persecution_n ribera_n render_v it_o which_o have_v the_o testimony_n passivelie_o that_o be_v of_o they_o it_o be_v testify_v that_o they_o be_v true_a christian_n as_o 1_o tim._n 5.10_o a_o widow_n have_v a_o testimony_n for_o good_a work_n but_o in_o the_o greek_a it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o to_o be_v take_v activelie_o and_o be_v call_v martyr_n in_o give_v testimony_n unto_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o in_o the_o original_n signify_v to_o profess_v defend_v and_o holdfast_n whereby_o be_v show_v the_o great_a constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n who_o be_v terrify_v with_o no_o manner_n of_o torment_n but_o still_o hold_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n name_n thus_o in_o chap._n 12.17_o the_o dragon_n be_v say_v to_o make_v war_n with_o they_o which_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n &_o have_v that_o be_v constant_o maintain_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ._n but_o now_o where_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o martyr_n not_o under_o the_o robe_n of_o marry_o be_v where_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v as_o painter_n foolish_o represent_v it_o but_o under_o the_o altar_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v chap._n 8.3_o ribera_n here_o be_v to_o be_v hiss_v at_o who_o affirm_v that_o john_n in_o this_o speech_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o christian_n lay_v up_o the_o relic_n of_o saint_n under_o the_o altar_n for_o when_o say_v he_o a_o altar_n be_v build_v there_o be_v make_v under_o it_o a_o sepulchre_n for_o to_o keep_v the_o relic_n and_o the_o priest_n dip_v his_o finger_n in_o the_o chrism_n make_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n upon_o the_o four_o corner_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n say_v this_o sepulchre_n be_v consecrate_v and_o sanctify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n peace_n be_v unto_o this_o house_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o custom_n be_v meerelie_o superstitious_a and_o gross_a idolatry_n idle_o invent_v many_o age_n after_o for_o john_n see_v not_o any_o relic_n of_o bone_n or_o garment_n but_o the_o soul_n of_o martyr_n not_o in_o a_o sepulchre_n or_o under_o a_o altar_n of_o stone_n but_o under_o the_o heavenly_a altar_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 13.10_o we_o have_v a_o altar_n whereof_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o eat_v which_o serve_v the_o tabernacle_n this_o altar_n be_v christ_n as_o anselmus_fw-la and_o haymo_n do_v acknowledge_v under_o which_o he_o see_v as_o in_o a_o type_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o martyr_n that_o be_v under_o the_o safeguard_n and_o protection_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o first_o happiness_n which_o the_o martyr_n enjoy_v in_o the_o heaven_n be_v for_o the_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n of_o they_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v slay_v for_o however_o tyrant_n kill_v their_o body_n yet_o their_o soul_n immediate_o upon_o their_o depart_n be_v receive_v of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o steven_n the_o first_o martyr_n lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n and_o as_o christ_n promise_v the_o thief_n this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n the_o which_o benefit_n riberas_n gloss_n do_v both_o diminish_v and_o whole_o take_v away_o moreover_o here_o we_o be_v plain_o
to_o the_o saint_n through_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o more_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o this_o opinion_n in_o ver_fw-la 5.6_o these_o thing_n therefore_o shall_v suffice_v touch_v the_o term_n of_o the_o thousand_o year_n it_o follow_v iii_o what_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o godly_a first_o on_o earth_n afterward_o in_o heaven_n in_o these_o thousand_o year_n the_o explication_n of_o this_o question_n be_v contain_v in_o verse_n 4.5.6_o which_o now_o we_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o 4._o and_o i_o see_v throne_n beza_n then_o i_o see_v but_o it_o be_v better_a copulative_o and_o i_o see_v for_o also_o i_o see_v lest_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o be_v do_v after_o satan_n bind_v a_o thousand_o year_n for_o john_n see_v both_o satan_n bind_v in_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o throne_n set_v in_o heaven_n all_o at_o one_o time_n augustin_n do_v very_o well_o join_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o former_a and_o observe_v the_o scope_n although_o he_o vary_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o throne_n when_o say_v he_o he_o have_v say_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v bind_v a_o thousand_o year_n and_o afterward_o to_o be_v loose_v a_o little_a season_n by_o and_o by_o by_o recapitulate_v what_o in_o these_o thousand_o year_n the_o church_n do_v or_o be_v do_v in_o she_o and_o i_o see_v say_v he_o seat_n and_o they_o that_o sit_v upon_o they_o and_o judgement_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o we_o may_v not_o think_v this_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o last_o judgement_n thus_o far_o he_o say_v well_o but_o he_o add_v but_o seat_n or_o throne_n of_o the_o officer_n by_o who_o the_o church_n be_v now_o govern_v in_o this_o he_o stray_v from_o the_o scope_n for_o john_n intend_v to_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o godly_a what_o that_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n both_o corporal_o on_o earth_n and_o spiritual_o in_o heaven_n and_o indeed_o as_o for_o the_o corporal_a condition_n of_o such_o as_o among_o the_o gentile_n have_v receive_v the_o faith_n he_o see_v the_o same_o troublesome_a and_o bloody_a for_o he_o say_v they_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n that_o be_v both_o by_o heathenish_a tyrant_n and_o heretic_n in_o the_o first_o six_o hundred_o year_n of_o the_o thousand_o second_o they_o be_v slay_v by_o the_o beast_n because_o they_o will_v not_o worship_v he_o and_o his_o image_n nor_o receive_v his_o character_n this_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o godly_a upon_o earth_n represent_v the_o first_o act_n of_o this_o vision_n but_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n he_o see_v to_o be_v joyful_a and_o royal_a because_o these_o slay_v or_o behead_v however_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o ungodly_a thought_n to_o be_v miserable_a and_o that_o they_o perish_v yet_o sit_v on_o throne_n live_v and_o reign_v with_o christ_n those_o thousand_o year_n this_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o martyr_n in_o heaven_n exhibit_v the_o second_o act_n of_o this_o vision_n if_o this_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o four_o verse_n be_v well_o observe_v there_o will_v be_v little_a obscurity_n in_o the_o place_n otherwise_o most_o obscure_a for_o hence_o it_o appear_v as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o preface_n that_o in_o this_o verse_n be_v brief_o contain_v the_o first_o act_n of_o this_o vision_n touch_v the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o roman_a tyrant_n heretic_n and_o antichrist_n beginning_n to_o rage_n as_o also_o the_o second_o act_n touch_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o in_o those_o thousand_o year_n shed_v their_o blood_n for_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n john_n therefore_o expound_v what_o he_o see_v 1._o throne_n 2._o they_o that_o sit_v thereon_o 3._o their_o state_n and_o condition_n i_o see_v throne_n throne_n or_o seat_n be_v place_v either_o for_o rest_n for_o judgement_n or_o the_o kingdom_n before_o in_o chap._n 4.4_o he_o see_v four_o and_o twenty_o throne_n and_o so_o many_o elder_n sit_v on_o they_o that_o be_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n as_o also_o adorn_v with_o judiciary_n and_o royal_a dignity_n these_o throne_n may_v be_v understand_v as_o place_v for_o all_o the_o say_a end_n but_o proper_o for_o the_o kingdom_n as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n and_o they_o sit_v upon_o they_o kathizein_o be_v proper_o transitive_a to_o place_n or_o cause_n to_o sit_v thuryd_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d place_v his_o army_n often_o also_o neutral_o to_o sit_v because_o a_o action_n may_v pass_v into_o the_o actor_n himself_o or_o a_o man_n may_v place_v himself_o which_o be_v to_o sit_v this_o transition_n be_v express_v in_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o place_v himself_o in_o hithpael_n that_o be_v sit_z down_z so_o the_o transitive_a signification_n remain_v whether_o it_o be_v render_v they_o sit_v or_o place_v themselves_o upon_o they_o john_n therefore_o see_v throne_n not_o empty_a but_o have_v sitter_n on_o they_o but_o who_o be_v they_o by_o and_o by_o he_o name_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o soul_n of_o the_o slay_v with_o the_o sword_n but_o first_o he_o show_v what_o honour_n be_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o judgement_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o this_o judgement_n some_o understand_v active_o of_o power_n give_v to_o judge_v the_o adversary_n other_o passive_o of_o the_o judgement_n speak_v unto_o they_o against_o the_o adversary_n but_o nothing_o of_o such_o a_o judgement_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o text_n and_o augustine_n in_o the_o fore-alleadged_n place_n have_v right_o observe_v that_o here_o be_v not_o yet_o treat_v of_o the_o last_o judgement_n which_o shall_v at_o length_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n i_o therefore_o take_v this_o judgement_n to_o be_v the_o royal_a dignity_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o in_o psal_n 72.1_o o_o god_n give_v thy_o judgement_n to_o the_o king_n because_o by_o and_o by_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o they_o reign_v with_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n now_o he_o name_v those_o that_o he_o see_v sit_v on_o the_o throne_n the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o see_v and_o declarative_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sit_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o see_v soul_n sit_v on_o the_o throne_n as_o brightman_n and_o tossanus_n have_v well_o observe_v now_o he_o make_v two_o rank_n of_o such_o as_o sate_v martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o periphrasis_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n any_o kind_n of_o way_n these_o again_o he_o destinguish_v by_o the_o time_n from_o the_o distinct_a cause_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n for_o some_o be_v slay_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n other_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god._n the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n he_n mean_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o chap._n 19.10_o for_o the_o cause_n whereof_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n see_v they_o profess_v and_o testify_v the_o same_o with_o great_a zeal_n be_v trouble_v and_o murder_v by_o divers_a kind_n of_o torment_n throughout_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n by_o cruel_a tyrant_n in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n now_o he_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o these_o sit_v upon_o throne_n not_o indeed_o on_o earth_n but_o in_o heaven_n neither_o as_o yet_o restore_v to_o their_o body_n as_o the_o chiliast_n will_v have_v it_o but_o without_o they_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v i_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v but_o rather_o i_o see_v they_o that_o be_v behead_v the_o which_o augustine_n in_o the_o say_a place_n have_v right_o observe_v invisible_a how_o john_n can_v see_v the_o soul_n which_o be_v invisible_a neither_o be_v we_o to_o inquire_v how_o he_o see_v these_o soul_n be_v invisible_a spirit_n for_o he_o see_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n not_o with_o his_o bodily_a eye_n now_o these_o soul_n to_o add_v this_o in_o a_o word_n for_o the_o great_a part_n be_v the_o same_o which_o john_n see_v under_o the_o altar_n in_o the_o second_o vision_n at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o five_o seal_n who_o require_v avengement_n of_o their_o blood_n have_v white_a robe_n give_v they_o and_o be_v bid_v to_o rest_v until_o etc._n etc._n here_o therefore_o he_o see_v the_o same_o sit_v or_o rest_v on_o throne_n touch_v the_o other_o rank_n of_o martyr_n he_o say_v and_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o tautology_n for_o the_o article_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v add_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o word_n
say_v that_o they_o be_v so_o in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o both_o as_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n before_o god_n in_o this_o he_o do_v not_o separate_v their_o worship_n from_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o high_a god_n and_o deride_v this_o vanity_n he_o speak_v further_a it_o be_v to_o foolish_a to_o believe_v that_o such_o god_n as_o be_v make_v by_o man_n shall_v more_o prevail_v with_o the_o god_n who_o god_n have_v make_v 24._o ibid._n cap._n 24._o than_o man_n themselves_o who_o god_n himself_o have_v also_o create_v let_v we_o therefore_o cast_v of_o popery_n as_o a_o heathenish_a worship_n derive_v from_o apuleius_n and_o plato_n the_o three_o act_n of_o vision_n ii_o the_o open_n of_o the_o sixth_o seal_n a_o great_a earthquake_n darken_v the_o light_n etc._n etc._n 12_o and_o i_o behold_v when_o he_o have_v open_v the_o sixth_o seal_n and_o lo_o there_o be_v a_o great_a earthquake_n &_o the_o sun_n become_v black_a as_o sackcloth_n of_o hair_n and_o the_o moon_n become_v as_o blood_n 13_o and_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n fall_v unto_o the_o earth_n even_o as_o a_o figtree_n cast_v her_o untimely_a fig_n when_o she_o be_v shake_v of_o a_o mighty_a wind_n 14_o and_o the_o heaven_n depart_v as_o a_o scroll_n when_o he_o be_v roll_v together_o and_o every_o mountain_n and_o island_n be_v move_v out_o of_o their_o place_n the_o commentary_n and_o i_o behold_v horrible_a wonder_n appear_v at_o the_o open_n of_o this_o sixth_o seal_n as_o earthquake_n shake_v of_o the_o heaven_n convulsion_n of_o the_o star_n subversion_n of_o mountain_n and_o island_n the_o explication_n whereof_o be_v difficult_a arethas_n understand_v it_o of_o the_o darkness_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n of_o the_o earthquake_n and_o rend_v of_o rock_n at_o christ_n suffering_n 27.51_o matt._n 27.51_o ambrose_n by_o a_o trope_n apply_v this_o horrible_a concussion_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o what_o use_n be_v there_o to_o reveal_v that_o unto_o john_n by_o obscure_a type_n which_o be_v already_o past_a and_o fresh_a in_o memory_n and_o by_o history_n former_o make_v know_v unto_o all_o lyra_n understand_v it_o figurative_o of_o the_o diocletian_a persecution_n more_o cruel_a than_o the_o former_a but_o the_o most_o cruel_a of_o all_o be_v the_o persecution_n yet_o to_o come_v namely_o under_o antichrist_n andrea_n therefore_o more_o probable_o refer_v it_o unto_o the_o time_n before_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n wherein_o the_o misery_n and_o persecution_n here_o speak_v of_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o most_o interpreter_n understand_v it_o of_o the_o very_a last_o persecution_n under_o antichrist_n of_o who_o mind_n i_o also_o be_o notwithstanding_o they_o err_v from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o history_n in_o their_o application_n for_o they_o follow_v the_o common_a opinion_n that_o some_o one_o particular_a antichrist_n shall_v oppress_v the_o church_n about_o the_o last_o four_o year_n of_o the_o world_n refer_v these_o earthquake_n and_o darken_n of_o the_o sun_n etc._n etc._n unto_o the_o foresay_a time_n nevertheless_o herein_o they_o agree_v not_o for_o ribera_n and_o other_o interpret_v it_o proper_o of_o the_o sign_n go_v before_o christ_n last_o come_v speak_v of_o matt._n 24._o luk._n 21._o but_o most_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o horrible_a confusion_n and_o calamity_n which_o by_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o whole_a earth_n but_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o understand_v this_o three_o act_n of_o the_o vision_n to_o shadow_v out_o the_o many_a and_o sore_a trial_n wherewith_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o more_o as_o history_n testify_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v exercise_v under_o antichrist_n now_o this_o act_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n part_n the_o three_o act_n of_o the_o second_o vision_n have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o treat_v of_o the_o great_a &_o more_o horrible_a confusion_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n under_o antichrist_n contain_v in_o the_o 12.13.14_o follow_v verse_n which_o be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o last_o three_o verse_n of_o the_o chap_a the_o reason_n whereof_o i_o will_v show_v by_o and_o by_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o act_n be_v more_o comfortable_a as_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o former_a trouble_n in_o which_o be_v propound_v unto_o the_o godly_a for_o their_o great_a consolation_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o their_o forehead_n in_o the_o first_o eight_o verse_n of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n now_o unless_o this_o be_v observe_v howbeit_o many_o thing_n i_o confess_v in_o a_o general_a way_n may_v be_v true_o learned_o &_o pious_o treat_v of_o touch_v this_o earthquake_n darken_v of_o the_o sun_n &_o other_o prodigious_a thing_n as_o misery_n to_o befall_v the_o world_n yet_o in_o deed_n these_o general_n tend_v but_o to_o the_o darken_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o sixth_o seal_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v recourse_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o east_n and_o western_a kingdom_n both_o from_o the_o time_n that_o popery_n be_v first_o establish_v in_o the_o west_n and_o mahumetism_n in_o the_o east_n as_o also_o diligent_o consider_v the_o state_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o present_a time_n touch_v all_o which_o a_o word_n or_o two_o in_o general_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n six_o hundred_o after_o that_o the_o church_n have_v obtain_v some_o rest_n &_o be_v free_v from_o the_o persecution_n of_o open_a enemy_n she_o immediate_o begin_v to_o be_v rend_v asunder_o by_o division_n corrupt_v with_o diverse_a heresy_n yea_o at_o length_n pagan_a worship_n under_o the_o cloak_n of_o christianity_n and_o humane_a tradition_n so_o prevail_v as_o that_o she_o become_v pale_a and_o sick_a even_o unto_o the_o death_n for_o than_o arise_v the_o hot_a contention_n between_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n &_o byzantium_n about_o the_o monarchical_a primatie_fw-mi over_o all_o other_o bishop_n and_o church_n hereupon_o the_o emperor_n mauritius_n much_o favour_a jovinian_a his_n metropolitan_a make_v way_n for_o he_o to_o obtain_v the_o primacy_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o where_o the_o principal_a seat_n of_o the_o empire_n be_v there_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a chair_n of_o the_o church_n now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n gregory_n bishop_n of_o rome_n invy_v this_o honour_n of_o universality_n and_o power_n in_o his_o corrival_n 34.36.37.39_o lib._n 6._o epist_n 10._o lib._n 4._o epist_n 34.36.37.39_o affirm_v that_o this_o title_n be_v wicked_a perverse_a proud_a profane_a foolish_a and_o frivolous_a neither_o aught_o there_o to_o be_v any_o such_o scandal_n raise_v among_o the_o bishop_n at_o last_o he_o thus_o conclude_v i_o say_v he_o do_v confident_o affirm_v that_o whosoever_o either_o call_v himself_o or_o desire_v to_o be_v call_v the_o universal_a priest_n see_v herein_o out_o of_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o heart_n he_o lift_v himself_o up_o above_o his_o fellow_n brethren_n be_v the_o fore_a runner_n of_o antichrist_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o gregory_n make_v the_o title_n of_o universal_a to_o be_v the_o true_a badge_n of_o antichrist_n and_o indeed_o he_o so_o much_o prevail_v with_o the_o emperor_n as_o at_o that_o time_n the_o pride_n of_o jovinian_a his_o corrival_n be_v repress_v but_o mauritius_n a_o while_n after_o be_v wicked_o murder_v by_o phocas_n and_o gregory_n die_v about_o the_o year_n 604._o pope_n sabinian_n his_o successor_n thirst_v after_o the_o foresay_a tyranny_n burn_v the_o writing_n of_o gregory_n and_o make_v void_a his_o decree_n however_o he_o attain_v not_o what_o he_o aim_v at_o be_v prevent_v the_o year_n after_o by_o a_o infamous_a death_n after_o he_o succeed_v boniface_n the_o three_o who_o by_o phocas_n the_o usurper_n be_v proclaim_v universal_a bishop_n &_o prince_n of_o priest_n notwithstanding_o the_o clergy_n &_o most_o of_o the_o italian_a bishop_n oppose_v the_o same_o thus_o he_o declare_v himself_o unto_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v that_o antichrist_n and_o the_o first_o as_o platina_n and_o other_o writer_n affirm_v that_o establish_v his_o tyranny_n by_o these_o insolent_a expression_n as_o thus_o we_o will_v and_o command_v we_o appoint_v and_o charge_n we_o will_v and_o require_v etc._n etc._n from_o that_o time_n the_o christian_a world_n begin_v to_o be_v shake_v with_o a_o horrible_a motion_n for_o now_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v obscure_v the_o moon_n of_o the_o church_n turn_v into_o blood_n the_o star_n fall_v from_o heaven_n bishop_n become_v secular_a prince_n heaven_n or_o the_o open_a book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n roll_v up_o the_o mountain_n king_n &_o prince_n stand_v in_o jeopardy_n of_o their_o power_n to_o be_v short_a the_o island_n be_v remoove_v out_o of_o there_o place_n by_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o romish_a tyranny_n then_o say_v
himself_o 144000._o seal_a one_o who_o shall_v true_o invocate_v the_o name_n of_o god_n like_v as_o of_o old_a in_o the_o corrupte_v time_n of_o israel_n he_o reserve_v 7000._o worshipper_n who_o bow_v not_o their_o knee_n to_o baal_n second_o howsoever_o antichrist_n have_v a_o long_a time_n suppress_v the_o church_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o christ_n will_v at_o length_n purge_v the_o same_o by_o his_o angel_n or_o minister_n the_o which_o he_o have_v true_o do_v in_o our_o age_n three_o howsoever_o these_o thousand_o year_n and_o more_o antichrist_n have_v oppress_v by_o horrible_a punishment_n and_o condemn_v such_o as_o heretic_n who_o will_v not_o adore_v his_o image_n yet_o they_o be_v most_o bless_a martyr_n and_o enjoy_v rest_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n in_o heaven_n last_o howsoever_o antichrist_n no_o way_n lessen_v his_o fury_n but_o go_v on_o to_o persecute_v still_o in_o a_o hostile_a manner_n the_o gospel_n and_o minister_n thereof_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v terrify_v by_o he_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a manful_o oppose_v he_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o in_o the_o last_o harvest_n and_o vintage_n he_o shall_v be_v abolish_v by_o the_o glorious_a come_n of_o christ_n and_o eternal_o punish_v in_o the_o lake_n of_o god_n wrath_n the_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n be_v three_o i._o touch_v the_o lamb_n stand_v on_o mount_n zion_n in_o the_o five_o first_o verse_n ii_o of_o three_o angel_n preach_v against_o babylon_n and_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o beast_n unto_o v._o 14._o iii_o concern_v the_o harvest_n and_o vintage_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o the_o end_n the_o first_o part_n concern_v the_o lamb_n stand_v on_o mount_n zion_n with_o 144000._o seal_a one_o verse_n 1_o ii_o a_o mutual_a song_n of_o the_o dweller_n in_o heaven_n be_v hear_v vers_fw-la 2.3_o iii_o seven_o worthy_a title_n of_o the_o seal_a one_o be_v declare_v 1._o their_o teachablenesse_n that_o they_o alone_o can_v learn_v this_o heavenly_a song_n vers_n 3._o 2._o chastity_n they_o be_v virgin_n and_o be_v not_o defile_v with_o woman_n 3._o society_n with_o the_o lamb_n who_o inseparable_a companion_n they_o be_v ibid._n 4._o liberty_n they_o be_v redeem_v from_o among_o man_n ibid._n 5._o their_o prerogative_n they_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n and_o holy_a to_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n ibid._n 6._o integrity_n they_o be_v without_o guile_n vers_fw-la 5._o 7._o innocency_n they_o be_v without_o fault_n before_o the_o throne_n ibid._n in_o the_o second_o part_n the_o three_o preach_a angel_n be_v describe_v the_o first_o angel_n be_v describe_v 1._o by_o his_o gesture_n and_o place_n he_o fly_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n vers_n 6._o 2._o his_o habit_n he_o hold_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n ibid._n 3._o his_o office_n he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n ibid._n 4._o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v publish_v viz._n a_o threefold_a exhortation_n 1._o that_o they_o fear_v god_n 2._o that_o they_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o 3._o adore_v the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n insert_v a_o persuasive_a reason_n from_o a_o infort_a cause_n for_o the_o hour_n of_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n verl_n 7._o the_o second_o angel_n publish_v the_o ruin_n of_o babylon_n vers_fw-la 8._o with_o a_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o merit_a cause_n because_o she_o have_v mingle_v the_o wine_n of_o her_o fornication_n unto_o the_o gentile_n ibid._n the_o preach_v of_o the_o three_o angel_n be_v comminatory_a and_o here_o be_v show_v 1._o who_o he_o threaten_v viz._n the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o his_o image_n etc._n etc._n v._n 9_o 2._o what_o he_o threaten_v two_o thing_n 1._o they_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o wine_n of_o god_n wrath_n vers_fw-la 10.2_o be_v torment_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n ibid._n this_o he_o amplify_v 1._o from_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o punishment_n v._o 11._o 2._o that_o it_o be_v continual_a without_o any_o intermission_n ibid._n 3._o by_o a_o hortatory_n conclusion_n he_o stir_v up_o the_o saint_n to_o constancy_n v._o 12._o here_o be_v patience_n and_o he_o comfort_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o saint_n oppose_v unto_o the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o the_o wicked_a ver_fw-la 13._o in_o the_o three_o part_n be_v represent_v 1._o christ_n the_o judge_n on_o a_o white_a cloud_n with_o a_o reap_v sickle_n ver_fw-la 14._o 2._o he_o be_v require_v to_o gather_v in_o the_o harvest_n by_o a_o reason_n from_o the_o conveniency_n because_o the_o harvest_n be_v ripe_v vers_n 15._o 3._o the_o execution_n which_o be_v the_o reap_v of_o the_o earth_n v._o 16._o 4._o the_o say_a judge_n with_o a_o sharp_a sickle_n to_o cut_v the_o vine_n ver_fw-la 17._o he_o be_v bid_v to_o vintage_n the_o earth_n by_o reason_n as_o before_o of_o the_o ripeness_n ver_fw-la 18.6_o the_o gather_v the_o vintage_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o tread_v down_o the_o winepress_v of_o god_n wrath_n with_o the_o effect_n viz._n exceed_v much_o blood_n flow_v thence_o vers_fw-la 19.20_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n touch_v the_o lamb_n stand_v on_o mount_n zion_n with_o 144000_o seal_v once_o as_o also_o a_o sist_z apparition_n of_o unknown_a harper_n chap._n fourteen_o 1._o and_o i_o look_v and_o lo_o a_o lamb_n stand_v on_o the_o mount_n zion_n and_o with_o he_o a_o hundred_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o have_v his_o father_n name_n write_v in_o their_o forehead_n 2._o and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n as_o the_o voice_n of_o many_o water_n and_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o great_a thunder_n and_o i_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o harper_n harp_v with_o their_o harp_n 3_o and_o they_o sing_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a song_n before_o the_o throne_n and_o before_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o no_o man_n can_v learn_v the_o song_n but_o the_o hundred_o and_o forty_o &_o four_o thousand_o which_o be_v redeem_v from_o the_o earth_n 4_o these_o be_v they_o to_o hich_v be_v not_o defile_v with_o woman_n for_o they_o be_v virgin_n these_o be_v they_o which_o follow_v the_o lamb_n whethersoever_o he_o go_v these_o be_v redeem_v from_o among_o man_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o the_o lamb._n 5_o and_o in_o their_o mouth_n be_v find_v no_o guile_n for_o they_o be_v without_o fault_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n the_o commentary_n and_o i_o look_v and_o lo_o a_o lamb_n the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o three_o act_n be_v touch_v antichrist_n rage_n against_o the_o church_n here_o follow_v the_o latter_a of_o the_o church_n preservation_n and_o reformation_n of_o doctrine_n under_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o preservation_n be_v type_v out_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o reformation_n in_o the_o second_o the_o author_n of_o this_o preservation_n be_v the_o lamb_n christ_n the_o lamb_n be_v christ_n that_o be_v christ_n as_o appear_v both_o by_o what_o we_o have_v already_o hear_v and_o by_o the_o thing_n follow_v see_v chap._n 5.6_o and_o 6.1.16_o &_o 7.9.17_o &_o 19.17_o etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o lamb_n by_o a_o sacramental_a metonymy_fw-la because_o he_o be_v praefigure_v by_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o beast_n and_o by_o a_o metaphor_n because_o of_o his_o innocence_n hence_o the_o baptist_n behold_v say_v he_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o lamb_n without_o a_o article_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o greek_n often_o omit_v article_n speak_v of_o a_o know_a thing_n stand_v on_o mount_n zion_n that_o be_v mount_n why_o he_o stand_v on_o a_o mount_n in_o the_o church_n which_o stand_v firm_o as_o mount_n zion_n against_o all_o the_o device_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o the_o beast_n wherefore_o sit_v he_o not_o but_o stand_v same_o say_v because_o he_o be_v slay_v and_o rise_v again_o other_o because_o he_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o avenger_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o come_v forth_o afterward_o as_o the_o judge_n sit_v on_o the_o cloud_n vers_fw-la 14._o here_o therefore_o he_o stand_v as_o a_o watchman_n on_o the_o tower_n watch_v for_o the_o church_n safety_n as_o isay_n 21.8_o and_o he_o cry_v a_o lion_n my_o lord_n i_o stand_v continual_o upon_o the_o watch_n tower_n in_o the_o day_n time_n 2.1_o hab._n 2.1_o and_o i_o be_o set_v in_o my_o ward_n whole_a right_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v stand_v upon_o my_o watch_n neither_o stand_v he_o alone_o but_o with_o 144000_o seal_v in_o their_o for_o thead_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v wherefore_o the_o lamb_n appear_v here_o stand_v on_o the_o mount_n with_o so_o many_o seal_v once_o
persecution_n under_o trajan_n affirm_v that_o he_o and_o his_o instrument_n in_o put_v to_o death_n the_o christian_n by_o sword_n famine_n wild_a beast_n etc._n etc._n be_v this_o horse_n say_v to_o be_v pale_a from_o the_o effect_n for_o he_o that_o be_v slay_v look_n pale_a death_n be_v the_o rider_n because_o they_o kill_v many_o thousand_o of_o christian_n hell_n follow_v not_o to_o devour_v the_o saint_n be_v slay_v but_o those_o that_o have_v kill_v they_o howsoever_o they_o think_v that_o none_o will_v take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o for_o so_o great_a a_o wickedness_n they_o kill_v four_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o so_o the_o latin_a version_n read_v it_o that_o be_v in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o empire_n or_o according_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_n a_o four_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o if_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v slay_v shall_v have_v be_v reckon_v the_o number_n will_v have_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o four_o part_n of_o man_n then_o live_v in_o those_o province_n or_o else_o say_v to_o be_v a_o four_o part_n because_o the_o city_n of_o their_o habitation_n wherein_o they_o be_v disperse_v by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n be_v the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o these_o interpretation_n can_v stand_v for_o undoubted_o the_o three_o foresay_a persecution_n be_v set_v forth_o under_o the_o red_a horse_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o john_n see_v the_o bloody_a face_n of_o the_o church_n after_o her_o blackness_n but_o in_o order_n of_o time_n it_o go_v before_o that_o which_o ribera_n pretend_v be_v without_o all_o show_n of_o reason_n as_o if_o by_o the_o red_a horse_n shall_v be_v note_v such_o persecution_n as_o the_o godly_a suffer_v by_o their_o treacherous_a confederate_n but_o we_o know_v how_o under_o the_o emperor_n they_o have_v neither_o polity_n weapon_n or_o confederate_n moreover_o he_o himself_o before_o interpret_v the_o red_a horse_n to_o be_v persecution_n under_o tyrant_n a_o certain_a nameless_a interpreter_n who_o many_o follow_v understand_v by_o the_o pale_a horse_n hypocrite_n and_o false_a brethren_n who_o disfigure_v their_o face_n that_o they_o may_v appear_v unto_o man_n to_o fast_o matt._n 6.16_o these_o carry_v death_n that_o be_v bring_v death_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o by_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o deceit_n hell_n follow_v they_o that_o be_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o damn_a who_o follow_v the_o devil_n they_o slay_v the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v very_o many_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o false_a accusation_n &_o slander_n hunger_n that_o be_v want_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n beast_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v with_o brutist_n and_o unreasonable_a lust_n &_o last_o with_o death_n that_o be_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o mischievous_a practice_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v something_o in_o what_o be_v here_o say_v however_o their_o apply_v it_o to_o hypocrite_n be_v too_o general_a and_o obscure_a for_o indeed_o i_o very_o believe_v beside_o the_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o tyrant_n &_o black_a blasphemy_n of_o heretic_n there_o be_v here_o another_o evil_n of_o the_o church_n shadow_v out_o therefore_o this_o pale_a horse_n in_o kind_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o three_o former_a but_o of_o another_o colour_n for_o howbeit_o it_o signify_v the_o same_o christian_a church_n yet_o be_v far_o otherwise_o to_o look_v on_o then_o before_o as_o have_v now_o her_o white_a red_a &_o black_a estate_n turn_v into_o a_o mortal_a paleness_n &_o be_v sick_a even_o unto_o death_n through_o the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n she_o be_v whole_a and_o sound_a in_o the_o white_a horse_n cover_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n in_o the_o red_a horse_n spread_v over_o with_o heresy_n in_o the_o black_a but_o now_o so_o infirm_a weak_a &_o sickly_a as_o that_o she_o have_v death_n on_o her_o back_n and_o be_v near_o to_o death_n and_o hell_n for_o a_o four_o part_n perish_v with_o the_o sword_n famine_n death_n or_o pestilence_n and_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o these_o be_v the_o four_o sore_a plague_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o punish_v jerusalem_n for_o her_o apostasy_n ezech._n 14.21_o to_o which_o place_n he_o here_o allude_v by_o a_o allegory_n signify_v those_o pernicious_a doctrine_n of_o heretic_n and_o hypocrite_n which_o tend_v to_o death_n and_o destruction_n and_o make_v way_n for_o antichrist_n but_o whence_o come_v this_o deadly_a disease_n and_o paleness_n unto_o the_o church_n church_n when_o and_o how_o this_o paleness_n befall_v the_o church_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v by_o accident_n occasion_v by_o constantine_n that_o good_a emperor_n his_o excessive_a bounty_n to_o christian_a bishop_n by_o which_o indeed_o he_o enrich_v but_o no_o way_n better_v the_o church_n for_o as_o to_o much_o indulgence_n of_o parent_n spoil_v the_o child_n so_o this_o liberal_a emperor_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o draw_v bishop_n to_o pride_n luxury_n idleness_n security_n &_o other_o vice_n for_o after_o he_o first_o have_v restore_v peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o heap_v up_o honour_n &_o wealth_n upon_o bishop_n but_o special_o enlarge_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o rome_n present_o follow_v such_o a_o decline_a &_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n &_o discipline_n as_o infect_v the_o church_n with_o a_o deadly_a poison_n bring_v upon_o she_o i_o say_v a_o spiritual_a sickness_n in_o so_o much_o as_o the_o pest_n of_o antichrist_n begin_v now_o to_o enter_v into_o her_o very_a heart_n and_o bowel_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v report_v that_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n be_v hear_v say_v to_o day_n venom_n be_v pour_v forth_o into_o the_o church_n malchi_n sylvestri_fw-la legenda_fw-la in_o vita_fw-la malchi_n and_o jerome_n even_o in_o his_o time_n complain_v that_o after_o prince_n become_v to_o be_v christian_n the_o church_n indeed_o be_v great_a in_o power_n and_o riches_n but_o less_o in_o virtue_n the_o remote_a cause_n of_o this_o so_o great_a a_o evil_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v the_o guile_n &_o malice_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n the_o devil_n who_o labour_v to_o supplant_v the_o church_n through_o the_o ease_n and_o pomp_n of_o bishop_n be_v otherwise_o not_o able_a to_o overthrow_v it_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o tyrant_n but_o the_o near_a cause_n be_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o superstitious_a monk_n with_o the_o pomp_n luxury_n &_o avarice_n of_o ambitious_a prelate_n hereby_o make_v way_n for_o antichrist_n oppression_n of_o the_o church_n and_o truth_n see_v clemanges_n touch_v the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n cap._n 3._o the_o original_n of_o monk_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o persecution_n of_o decius_n original_a the_o monk_n original_a for_o some_o then_o to_o avoid_v his_o tyranny_n among_o who_o be_v paulus_n thebaeus_n &_o one_o antonius_n flee_v into_o desert_n where_o they_o endure_v a_o while_n the_o hardship_n of_o a_o solitary_a life_n this_o kind_n of_o life_n by_o other_o be_v afterward_o imitate_v &_o at_o length_n new_a order_n and_o religion_n foolish_o devise_v wherein_o they_o boast_v of_o perfection_n &_o merit_n of_o supererogation_n hereupon_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o monk_n as_o a_o sink_n of_o mischief_n overspread_v the_o church_n by_o who_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o holiness_n be_v soon_o oppress_v for_o now_o such_o as_o desire_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n be_v send_v not_o unto_o christ_n but_o unto_o hermit_n &_o to_o the_o den_n of_o monk_n and_o hence_o come_v this_o paleness_n &_o mortal_a wound_n upon_o the_o church_n hereby_o draw_v more_o thousand_o of_o soul_n to_o death_n &_o hell_n then_o either_o the_o four_o sore_a plague_n mention_v in_o ezech_n 14._o or_o the_o sword_n of_o tyrant_n or_o the_o black_a famine_n of_o heretic_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o punishment_n wherewith_o christian_n be_v bring_v unto_o their_o end_n moreover_o the_o riot_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o clergy_n mighty_o increase_v this_o pale_a disease_n for_o now_o infinite_a ceremony_n and_o humane_a tradition_n be_v establish_v as_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o dead_a image_n the_o observation_n of_o holy_a day_n order_n rite_n and_o solemnity_n of_o pagan_n forge_v by_o the_o devil_n himself_o the_o name_n only_o alter_v be_v forcible_o impose_v upon_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utter_a abolish_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o the_o four_o seal_n be_v open_v the_o church_n appear_v languish_v with_o a_o deadly_a paleness_n for_o about_o three_o year_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o gregory_n boniface_n the_o three_o be_v create_v pope_n sit_v on_o the_o chair_n of_o universal_a pestilence_n &_o begin_v to_o establish_v monarchical_a tyranny_n the_o ii_o act_n of_o vision_n ii_o