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 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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
power_n who_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o the_o sentence_n all_o that_o the_o civil_a power_n do_v in_o it_o be_v but_o to_o follow_v the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o strike_v the_o last_o stroke_n only_o which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v make_v they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o it_o and_o tho'_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o secular_a part_n in_o it_o be_v that_o which_o do_v the_o most_o effectual_o persuade_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o beast_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n in_o that_o also_o because_o they_o overawe_v the_o civil_a power_n into_o compliance_n with_o they_o which_o do_v very_o natural_o answer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o image_n in_o the_o prophecy_n to_o cause_v all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o worship_v it_o to_o be_v kill_v the_o false-prophet_n be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o image_n and_o so_o be_v the_o chief_a manager_n of_o this_o church-tyranny_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o according_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o speak_v like_o a_o dragon_n or_o like_o that_o red_a dragon_n in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n just_o before_o and_o find_v to_o be_v the_o devil_n rage_v against_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb._n if_o any_o one_o shall_v question_v irenaeus_n question_v cornelius_n à _fw-la lapide_fw-la in_o c._n 13._o apoc._n v._n 11._o the_o two_o horn_n according_a to_o josephus_n acosta_n l._n 2._o de_fw-fr temporibus_fw-la noviss_n c._n 17._o be_v the_o ensign_n of_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n viz._n the_o mitre_n or_o the_o episcopal_a crown_n it_o shall_v seem_v therefore_o by_o this_o that_o this_o false_a prophet_n shall_v be_v some_o apostate_n bishop_n a_o great_a pretender_n to_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o mitre_n but_o some_o mitre_a apostate_n that_o be_v here_o set_v out_o who_o shall_v treacherous_o abuse_v these_o horn_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n to_o propagate_v the_o party_n of_o antichrist_n and_o before_o when_o he_o have_v reckon_v up_o the_o several_a opinion_n about_o the_o 2_o do_v beast_n in_o the_o four_o place_n say_v he_o the_o best_a opinion_n be_v that_o of_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n ribera_n viega_n and_o other_o who_o by_o this_o beast_n understand_v some_o eminent_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o forerunner_n and_o preacher_n up_o of_o antichrist_n viegas_n in_o c._n 13._o apoc._n v._n 11._o after_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o but_o andrea_n caesariensis_n and_o irenaeus_n to_o i_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v much_o more_o in_o the_o right_n who_o understand_v by_o the_o second_o beast_n some_o eminent_a preacher_n the_o forerunner_n of_o antichrist_n the_o armour-bearer_n of_o antichrist_n as_o irenaeus_n whether_o so_o dreadful_a a_o character_n of_o a_o beast_n speak_v like_o a_o dragon_n or_o like_o the_o devil_n can_v belong_v to_o a_o christian_a bishop_n of_o so_o great_a eminency_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v he_o may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v if_o he_o consider_v that_o by_o his_o description_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v nothing_o less_o than_o such_o a_o person_n for_o that_o he_o must_v be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o roman_a church_n extend_v over_o all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v show_v from_o his_o character_n of_o be_v a_o church-head_n over_o the_o same_o extent_n of_o dominion_n that_o the_o beast_n do_v rule_n in_o for_o he_o exercise_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o then_o that_o he_o must_v have_v the_o show_n of_o the_o chief_a head_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n appear_v from_o his_o have_v two_o horn_n like_o a_o lamb._n for_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o lamb_n all_o over_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v indeed_o have_v a_o more_o plain_a reference_n to_o the_o other_o mention_n of_o that_o word_n if_o it_o be_v say_v like_o the_o lamb._n but_o we_o have_v grotius_n authority_n for_o it_o upon_o this_o place_n which_o in_o criticism_n be_v of_o the_o best_a account_n when_o impartial_a that_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o scripture_n then_o to_o 5._o to_o ribera_n upon_o this_o place_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n after_o he_o have_v plead_v for_o the_o indefinite_a signification_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o article_n conclude_v but_o yet_o this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v of_o article_n be_v not_o always_o observe_v by_o the_o greek_n alcazar_n upon_o the_o same_o the_o article_n be_v want_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o lamb_n cap._n 5._o omit_v the_o article_n of_o reference_n before_o a_o word_n which_o shall_v denote_v its_o relation_n to_o the_o former_a mention_n of_o it_o where_o yet_o the_o sense_n do_v show_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v it_o appear_v then_o from_o the_o description_n of_o he_o that_o he_o must_v be_v as_o it_o be_v christ_n be_v malvenda_fw-la de_fw-la antichristo_fw-la pag._n 348._o quote_v irenaeus_n for_o make_v antichrist_n a_o pretender_n to_o be_v christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o lactantius_n affirm_v that_o he_o shall_v false_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v christ_n and_o pag._n 349._o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o father_n that_o antichrist_n shall_v take_v away_o idol_n and_o shall_v set_v himself_o up_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n have_v his_o own_o image_n put_v into_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o yet_o worship_v his_o own_o country_n god_n and_o obtrude_v they_o upon_o the_o jew_n he_o contend_v indeed_o that_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o which_o antichrist_n must_v sit_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o pererius_n the_o jesuit_n upon_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n quote_v theodoret_n damascene_fw-la and_o other_o of_o the_o father_n interpret_n it_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o that_o say_v he_o be_v the_o only_a true_a temple_n of_o god_n and_o then_o antichrist_n must_v be_v like_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pag._n 351._o malvenda_n show_v how_o antichrist_n shall_v pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v true_a god_n according_a to_o the_o agree_a sense_n of_o the_o father_n viz._n as_o nabuchadnezzar_n alexander_n the_o great_a and_o julius_n caesar_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o do_v certain_o do_v no_o more_o than_o order_n himself_o a_o like_a worship_n with_o the_o god_n and_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n who_o be_v make_v the_o type_n of_o antichrist_n do_v set_v up_o the_o statue_n of_o jupiter_n olympius_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o and_o be_v say_v by_o malvenda_n to_o have_v consecrate_a the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o jupiter_n olympius_n and_o the_o temple_n on_o mount_n gerizim_n to_o jupiter_n hospitalis_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o necessary_a according_a to_o malvenda_n that_o antichrist_n shall_v set_v himself_o up_o as_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n or_o christ_n irenaeus_n pag._n 483._o edit_fw-la erasmi_fw-la de_fw-la antichristo_fw-la of_o who_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 2d_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o he_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n enendeavour_v to_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v christ_n bellarmin_n also_o say_v lib._n 1._o de_fw-fr pontif._n cap._n 1._o that_o by_o the_o common_a agreement_n of_o all_o christian_n antichrist_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v some_o eminent_a false_a christ_n a_o vice-christ_n or_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o both_o of_o they_o be_v also_o the_o same_o with_o a_o antichrist_n beside_o this_o beast_n thus_o describe_v in_o one_o place_n with_o two_o horn_n like_o a_o lamb_n in_o the_o other_o chapter_n be_v call_v the_o false_a prophet_n to_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v but_o the_o outward_a show_n of_o the_o christian_a spirit_n so_o that_o if_o we_o put_v these_o two_o character_n of_o he_o together_o and_o then_o add_v the_o other_o of_o his_o speak_n like_o a_o dragon_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o dragon_n be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o this_o book_n and_o that_o it_o every_o where_o else_o relate_v to_o the_o representation_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n just_a before_o this_o as_o a_o rage_a red_a bloody_a dragon_n what_o can_v more_o manifest_o denote_v he_o to_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o inward_o a_o ravenous_a wolf_n how_o can_v this_o have_v be_v more_o clear_o express_v in_o a_o prophecy_n where_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o dragon_n be_v in_o a_o very_a peculiar_a manner_n and_o very_o common_o restrain_v to_o signify_v christ_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o what_o can_v more_o open_o show_v we_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o dragon_n in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n and_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o 13_o tho'_o both_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a
prophecy_n of_o the_o witness_n at_o the_o pass_v away_o of_o the_o six_o trumpet_n nor_o do_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o necessary_a that_o the_o forty_o two_o month_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o beast_n shall_v end_v before_o the_o last_o ruin_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o when_o it_o come_v only_o to_o be_v break_v which_o yet_o be_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o what_o he_o add_v to_o defend_v it_o the_o three_o synchronism_n betwixt_o babylon_n and_o the_o heal_v beast_n in_o the_o 13_o chap._n suppose_v the_o beast_n to_o be_v the_o same_o particular_a time_n and_o state_n of_o roman_a power_n without_o any_o proof_n and_o yet_o grotius_n and_o other_o suppose_v they_o quite_o different_a dr._n more_o endeavour_n to_o show_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_o the_o same_o by_o eighteen_o congruity_n of_o character_n which_o though_o i_o think_v i_o be_o sure_a that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o true_a yet_o be_v indeed_o sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o perfect_a identity_n of_o the_o two_o beast_n but_o they_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o do_v necessary_o determine_v they_o to_o the_o same_o particular_a state_n and_o time_n of_o roman_a reign_n and_o yet_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o the_o synchronism_n depend_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o supposition_n the_o four_o synchronism_n be_v the_o total_a contemporation_n of_o the_o 144000_o with_o the_o beast_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o state_n of_o mutual_a opposition_n from_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o mark_v follower_n of_o the_o beast_n but_o the_o utmost_a that_o this_o can_v prove_v be_v that_o they_o be_v contemporary_n from_o that_o time_n where_o they_o be_v mention_v together_o for_o the_o party_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v mark_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o seal_a company_n but_o the_o 144000_o be_v seal_v only_o to_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o trumpet_n which_o be_v nowhere_o prove_v necessary_a nor_o to_o begin_v before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o dr._n more_n do_v add_v nothing_o to_o show_v it_o necessary_a and_o yet_o the_o chief_a proof_n of_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n with_o the_o latter_a do_v depend_v upon_o this_o in_o the_o first_o synchronism_n of_o the_o second_o part._n i_o can_v but_o further_o add_v that_o mr._n mede_n and_o dr._n more_o be_v application_n of_o the_o seven_o and_o eight_o king_n do_v seem_v to_o render_v the_o synchronism_n altogether_o ineffectual_a for_o convince_a a_o papist_n for_o after_o they_o have_v make_v the_o essential_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o six_o first_o head_n or_o king_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o different_a title_n of_o the_o civil_a sovereign_a power_n of_o 4._o see_v judgement_n of_o god_n p._n 4._o rome_n they_o make_v the_o seven_o king_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o change_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o six_o king_n retain_v still_o the_o same_o title_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v his_o essential_a difference_n from_o that_o before_o he_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o six_o example_n in_o the_o same_o figure_n and_o to_o almost_o six_o time_n as_o many_o in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n a_o papist_n will_v therefore_o hold_v they_o to_o their_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o six_o head_n and_o then_o pretend_v that_o the_o imperial_a title_n do_v continue_v still_o as_o the_o six_o head_n and_o that_o the_o synchronism_n can_v therefore_o take_v place_n till_o that_o be_v change_v all_o this_o i_o mention_v only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v still_o want_v a_o clear_a evidence_n to_o make_v good_a that_o excellent_a design_n towards_o which_o mr._n mede_n do_v give_v the_o first_o great_a stroke_n and_o for_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o clear_a light_n that_o god_n give_v the_o world_n for_o the_o illustration_n of_o these_o dark_a mystery_n which_o now_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o worthy_a entertainment_n of_o the_o best_a and_o the_o most_o judicious_a understanding_n this_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o perfect_a but_o i_o must_v still_o acknowledge_v that_o though_o i_o think_v myself_o sure_a enough_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o method_n for_o it_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o that_o which_o be_v strict_o call_v demonstration_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o if_o i_o can_v proceed_v but_o upon_o such_o clear_a ground_n and_o go_v on_o in_o so_o close_a a_o coherence_n from_o they_o as_o to_o force_v the_o assent_n of_o all_o wary_a and_o impartial_a examiner_n of_o it_o with_o as_o little_a doubt_n concern_v it_o though_o not_o with_o so_o absolute_a a_o certainty_n of_o it_o as_o mathematical_a evidence_n use_v to_o do_v i_o dare_v however_o be_v confident_a for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o reader_n that_o if_o he_o have_v find_v any_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o protestant_a interpretation_n that_o other_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v abundant_o and_o mathematical_o certain_a of_o he_o will_v find_v they_o here_o much_o more_o cautious_o and_o strong_o secure_v and_o that_o the_o elegant_a systeme_n which_o have_v of_o late_a nouveau_fw-fr mounseur_fw-fr jurieu_fw-fr eclaircissemens_n oü_fw-la systeme_n nouveau_fw-fr much_o surprise_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o look_v into_o these_o thing_n have_v but_o a_o very_a blind_a and_o uncertain_a foundation_n without_o such_o a_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o they_o as_o be_v here_o attempt_v i_o think_v i_o may_v also_o safe_o venture_v to_o assure_v the_o friend_n of_o the_o grotian_n way_n that_o the_o least_o degreee_v of_o impartiality_n in_o they_o will_v make_v they_o see_v it_o here_o show_v to_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a church_n certain_a preface_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o the_o chief_a foundation_n of_o that_o interpretation_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o prophetical_a term_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o interpreter_n of_o all_o party_n in_o all_o age_n according_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o the_o romanist_n than_o it_o be_v 115._o be_v la_fw-fr veritable_a clef_fw-fr de_fw-fr l'_fw-fr apocalypse_n p._n 115._o that_o grotius_n be_v divine_o inspire_v preface_n inspire_v ibid._n preface_n and_o that_o mr._n baxter_n be_v the_o great_a man_n in_o england_n among_o the_o protestant_n for_o second_v he_o 115._o he_o ibid._n p._n 115._o or_o that_o they_o have_v make_v mr._n mede_n systeme_n appear_v so_o absurd_a that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v abhor_v according_a to_o the_o extravagant_a and_o hypocritical_a expression_n of_o a_o late_a incendiary_n of_o that_o church_n to_o inflame_v protestant_n against_o one_o another_o a_o table_n of_o proposition_n to_o be_v inspect_v when_o any_o proposition_n or_o corollary_n or_o rule_n be_v quote_v to_o avoid_v the_o trouble_n of_o turn_v to_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o book_n book_n i._n proposition_n rule_n and_o corollary_n proposit_n 1._o babylon_n revelat._n 17._o be_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o antichristian_a and_o idolatrous_a domination_n from_o hence_o be_v draw_v these_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n rule_n 1._o word_n of_o a_o plain_a signification_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o 17_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o that_o sense_n in_o which_o they_o be_v general_o take_v in_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o something_o more_o clear_o know_v rule_n 2._o word_n of_o a_o mystical_a signification_n must_v follow_v the_o use_n of_o they_o among_o the_o prophet_n if_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o something_o more_o clear_o know_v rule_v 3_o the_o same_o word_n do_v signify_v the_o same_o thing_n all_o over_o the_o prophecy_n unless_o there_o be_v clear_a ground_n against_o it_o rule_n 4._o the_o different_a judgement_n of_o learned_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o weaken_v our_o assent_n to_o what_o appear_v sufficient_o clear_a after_o a_o impartial_a examination_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v common_o acknowledge_v proposit_n 2._o babylon_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n immediate_o before_o in_o and_o after_o the_o 17_o chapter_n corollary_n babylon_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o 14_o chapter_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o rest_n proposit_n 3._o the_o judgement_n of_o babylon_n in_o all_o chapter_n be_v the_o desolation_n of_o rome_n by_o fire_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o idolatrous_a antichristian_a domination_n corollary_n babylon_n can_v be_v rome-pagan_a proposit_n 4._o every_o one_o of_o the_o eight_o king_n revelat._n 17._o reckon_v up_o in_o order_n v._o 10_o 11._o be_v one_o of_o those_o call_v the_o seven_o king_n in_o general_n v._o 10._o corollary_n the_o eight_o king_n be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o king_n who_o have_v be_v in_o rule_n before_o and_o be_v
temple_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o word_n with_o those_o in_o the_o other_o verse_n that_o all_o thâ—se_a thing_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v before_o that_o generation_n 30._o v._o 30._o shall_v pass_v away_o which_o do_v follow_v present_o after_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o sign_n that_o shall_v begin_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o the_o prophecy_n as_o if_o it_o be_v whole_o restrain_v to_o they_o and_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o jesuit_n ribera_n and_o most_o other_o with_o he_o do_v determine_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o like_a expression_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n to_o be_v in_o both_o which_o place_n it_o be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o thing_n in_o that_o book_n that_o they_o be_v thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v or_o fulfil_v that_o be_v say_v ribera_n of_o those_o word_n thing_n that_o must_v short_o begin_v to_o be_v do_v which_o he_o say_v be_v a_o common_a way_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o sense_n all_o the_o thing_n mention_v in_o the_o 24_o of_o st._n matthew_n will_v be_v say_v to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o that_o generation_n though_o nothing_o but_o some_o very_a remarkable_a beginning_n of_o they_o have_v be_v then_o to_o be_v fulfil_v and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v less_o intelligible_a all_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o will_v be_v but_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v very_o much_o implicate_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n with_o his_o last_o come_n to_o judgement_n in_o that_o discourse_n for_o that_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n there_o mention_v be_v unquestionable_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n be_v manifest_a from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v more_o particular_o about_o it_o and_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v too_o inconsiderable_a to_o make_v it_o questionable_a whatever_o other_o mention_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n there_o may_v be_v that_o may_v seem_v to_o signify_v a_o soon_o appearance_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n can_v be_v of_o any_o moment_n against_o it_o for_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o proof_n from_o this_o place_n in_o st._n matthew_n lie_v upon_o the_o peculiar_a word_n and_o circumstance_n that_o it_o be_v describe_v by_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o exhortation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o person_n then_o live_v to_o watch_v against_o the_o day_n of_o this_o lord_n be_v come_v as_o if_o by_o that_o come_n be_v mean_v some_o come_n in_o that_o age_n but_o that_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n for_o it_o for_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o exhortation_n in_o place_n where_o by_o all_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o concern_v only_o the_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n as_o in_o st._n matthew_n 25._o 13._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51_o 52._o 1_o thess_n 4._o 15_o 17._o the_o reason_n and_o application_n of_o which_o in_o the_o thessalonian_o be_v give_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n follow_v from_o the_o one_a to_o the_o seven_o verse_n from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o season_n when_o that_o last_o come_n shall_v be_v wherefore_o there_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v at_o all_o considerable_a to_o make_v any_o maâ—_n question_n whether_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o this_o place_n of_o st._n matthew_n be_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o glory_n and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v advance_v to_o make_v it_o clear_a that_o our_o saviour_n do_v refer_v to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o daniel_n where_o there_o be_v the_o same_o word_n and_o circumstance_n of_o a_o glorious_a appearance_n with_o his_o angel_n at_o the_o time_n of_o a_o great_a judgement_n and_o of_o a_o universal_a dominion_n of_o the_o saint_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o doubt_v whether_o this_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o daniel_n be_v the_o same_o with_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v secure_o conclude_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n be_v christ_n second_o come_v in_o glory_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o secure_v this_o with_o the_o great_a care_n because_o all_o hope_n of_o any_o certain_a determination_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o prophecy_n seem_v to_o depend_v upon_o it_o chap._n iii_o vii_o dan._n vii_o the_o 15_o proposition_n the_o four_o beast_n in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n this_o show_v in_o 13_o particular_n and_o make_v unquestionable_a from_o the_o three_o last_o the_o corollary_n of_o the_o 15_o proposition_n 1._o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n the_o same_o with_o the_o little_a horn_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n 2._o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n the_o same_o with_o the_o four_o beast_n in_o daniel_n 7._o 3._o the_o time_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n be_v not_o till_o after_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v divide_v into_o ten_o kingdom_n 4._o the_o reign_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n be_v not_o yet_o past_a grotius_n be_v opinion_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o his_o objection_n against_o these_o thing_n after_o the_o assurance_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v about_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o improve_v the_o knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n to_o determine_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o four_o kingdom_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n immediate_o before_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man._n and_o by_o compare_v that_o four_o kingdom_n with_o the_o character_n of_o that_o in_o the_o revelation_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o four_o beast_n in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n be_v the_o apocalypse_v the_o blas_n viega_n in_o cap._n 13._o apoc._n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n it_o be_v to_o be_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o like_a vision_n to_o this_o show_v to_o daniel_n in_o his_o seven_o chapter_n upon_o the_o explication_n of_o which_o this_o vision_n of_o we_o in_o this_o place_n do_v depend_v which_o beast_n of_o daniel_n according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a be_v the_o roman_a empire_n beside_o the_o father_n do_v general_o understand_v that_o place_n of_o antichrist_n alcazar_n in_o cap._n 13._o apoc._n sect_n 3._o in_o this_o place_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v a_o manifest_a relation_n to_o that_o in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n but_o the_o beast_n be_v the_o roman_a empire_n ibid._n sect_n 5._o negari_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o in_o that_o ten_o horn_a beast_n there_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o four_o beast_n of_o daniel_n which_o be_v very_o plain_o a_o figure_n and_o symbol_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n malvenda_fw-la de_fw-la antichristo_fw-la pag._n 257._o john_n do_v therefore_o call_v antichrist_n a_o beast_n more_o especial_o that_o he_o may_v express_v his_o kingdom_n and_o monarchy_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o write_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o daniel_n do_v and_o that_o he_o prophesy_v of_o the_o same_o beast_n which_o he_o also_o have_v foretell_v long_o before_o ribera_n in_o cap._n 12._o apocalyp_n numer_n 11._o for_o this_o or_o a_o very_a like_o beast_n do_v daniel_n see_v in_o his_o seven_o chapter_n after_o this_o say_v he_o these_o therefore_o be_v the_o ten_o king_n which_o daniel_n foretell_v in_o those_o word_n and_o which_o john_n do_v here_o foretell_v ibidem_fw-la numer_n 12._o we_o see_v that_o irenaeus_n make_v they_o ten_o king_n after_o he_o have_v quote_v irenaeus_n for_o affirm_v that_o daniel_n and_o john_n do_v speak_v of_o the_o same_o ten_o king_n and_o that_o the_o ten_o horn_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n of_o daniel_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o ten_o horn_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o apocalypse_v same_o 15._o prop._n 15._o thing_n with_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n for_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o that_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n have_v scarce_o a_o property_n belong_v to_o he_o which_o may_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o four_o beast_n of_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o such_o very_a peculiar_a mark_n in_o each_o of_o they_o as_o show_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_o the_o peculiar_a property_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o example_n 1._o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n have_v a_o very_a strange_a and_o peculiar_a 2._o revel_v 13._o 2._o make_v
east_n where_o the_o prophecy_n be_v give_v the_o he_o goat_n indeed_o in_o that_o chapter_n at_o the_o first_o mention_n of_o the_o angel_n interpretation_n of_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v but_o a_o single_a person_n for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o king_n of_o greece_n but_o 22._o v._o 21_o 22._o when_o we_o see_v a_o first_o king_n in_o he_o and_o then_o four_o kingdom_n after_o he_o represent_v by_o the_o several_a horn_n of_o that_o beast_n it_o be_v altogether_o unquestionable_a that_o the_o he_o goat_n himself_o be_v something_o that_o belong_v in_o common_a to_o all_o his_o horn_n or_o rule_v power_n represent_v by_o they_o and_o that_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n or_o the_o rule_v time_n of_o the_o greek_n the_o beginning_n of_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o rule_v monarchy_n of_o the_o persian_n that_o be_v before_o it_o by_o alexander_n the_o great_a call_v here_o the_o great_a horn_n and_o the_o establishment_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n from_o that_o establishment_n of_o it_o under_o the_o four_o settle_a kingdom_n of_o macedonia_n syria_n egypt_n and_o thrace_n or_o pergamus_n which_o be_v the_o same_o be_v show_v by_o the_o four_o horn_n come_v up_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o first_o horn_n that_o be_v break_v for_o though_o there_o be_v more_o kingdom_n than_o four_o soon_o after_o alexander_n death_n yet_o they_o be_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a change_n and_o rather_o a_o tumultuous_a scuffle_n of_o his_o captain_n than_o any_o determinate_a number_n of_o kingdom_n till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o those_o four_o so_o that_o till_o then_o the_o whole_a monarchy_n can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o particular_a form_n in_o it_o beside_o that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o that_o scuffle_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o or_o other_o of_o alexander_n line_n remain_v who_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o first_o horn._n but_o after_o that_o the_o monarchy_n settle_v in_o the_o four_o mention_a division_n till_o the_o roman_a conquest_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o little_a horn_n say_v to_o come_v out_o of_o one_o of_o the_o four_o but_o 9_o v._o 9_o by_o that_o expression_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o can_v well_o be_v take_v for_o any_o thing_n else_o than_o for_o a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_v time_n of_o the_o same_o horn_n which_o it_o come_v out_o of_o and_o therefore_o be_v it_o general_o judge_v to_o the_o single_a reign_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n by_o both_o these_o figure_n in_o the_o 8_o chapter_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o rule_v part_n of_o a_o figure_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v the_o several_a government_n in_o the_o nation_n but_o also_o the_o succession_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a person_n in_o that_o form_n of_o government_n as_o the_o four_o horn_n signify_v the_o succession_n of_o all_o the_o king_n in_o those_o kingdom_n and_o the_o two_o horn_n of_o the_o ram_n all_o the_o line_n of_o the_o median_a and_o persian_a king_n of_o this_o the_o 11_o chapter_n be_v still_o a_o further_a confirmation_n 4._o dan._n 11._o 3_o 4._o where_o after_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n there_o be_v the_o mention_n of_o the_o realm_n of_o greece_n and_o of_o a_o mighty_a king_n who_o shall_v have_v a_o kingdom_n which_o shall_v be_v break_v and_o divide_v towards_o the_o four_o wind_n of_o heaven_n just_a as_o in_o the_o other_o the_o four_o horn_n be_v say_v to_o come_v up_o towards_o the_o four_o wind_n of_o heaven_n 8._o dan._n 8._o 8._o and_o a_o kingdom_n break_v and_o divide_v towards_o the_o four_o wind_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o fourfold_a kingdom_n according_a as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o other_o that_o the_o great_a horn_n be_v break_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first_o king_n four_o kingdom_n shall_v stand_v up_o in_o the_o nation_n and_o then_o two_o of_o these_o division_n according_a to_o the_o point_n of_o the_o wind_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o 11_o chapter_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o north_n and_o the_o king_n of_o the_o south_n which_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o signify_v but_o two_o single_a king_n yet_o be_v indeed_o a_o succession_n of_o many_o king_n in_o each_o division_n and_o at_o last_o one_o of_o this_o succession_n be_v there_o set_v out_o as_o much_o more_o considerable_a for_o his_o villainy_n than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n just_a as_o the_o little_a horn_n be_v in_o the_o 8_o chapter_n which_o be_v there_o say_v to_o come_v out_o of_o one_o of_o the_o four_o horn_n to_o denote_v he_o to_o be_v a_o single_a king_n of_o that_o division_n and_o that_o all_o these_o expression_n be_v very_o clear_a signification_n of_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n and_o of_o the_o change_n in_o it_o till_o about_o the_o end_n of_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n than_o that_o scoff_n of_o porphyry_n the_o philosopher_n mention_v by_o st._n jerom_n who_o deride_v this_o part_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n with_o a_o great_a assurance_n that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v write_v after_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v because_o of_o the_o exact_a agreement_n of_o it_o with_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n which_o it_o foretell_v from_o these_o two_o chapter_n may_v it_o also_o be_v see_v that_o king_n b._n n._n b._n and_o kingdom_n be_v promiscuous_o use_v for_o any_o intimation_n of_o rule_n whether_o in_o a_o rule_v nation_n or_o in_o a_o single_a person_n when_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o kingdom_n as_o we_o ordinary_o use_v the_o term_n of_o the_o king_n of_o france_n or_o of_o spain_n to_o signify_v the_o whole_a monarchy_n of_o that_o nation_n for_o all_o the_o time_n that_o it_o continue_v in_o power_n and_o the_o term_n of_o england_n and_o france_n for_o the_o action_n of_o the_o king_n of_o those_o place_n for_o example_n the_o king_n of_o france_n and_o spain_n have_v be_v always_o at_o war_n england_n be_v the_o king_n of_o france_n friend_n there_o be_v then_o assurance_n enough_o of_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o general_n proposition_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o 8_o chapter_n together_o a_o theodoret_n in_o cap._n 7._o daniel_n utraque_fw-la cornua_fw-la because_o the_o mede_n be_v also_o call_v persian_n foreign_a writer_n do_v also_o join_v they_o promiscuous_o together_o chap._n v._n vii_o dan._n two_o &_o vii_o all_o interpreter_n agree_v that_o the_o five_o kingdom_n in_o the_o 2_o d_o and_z seven_o chapter_n be_v the_o same_o kingdom_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o particular_a this_o attempt_v to_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o character_n of_o each_o of_o they_o in_o both_o chapter_n the_o four_o and_o five_o in_o each_o of_o those_o chapter_n prove_v to_o be_v necessary_o the_o same_o particular_a kingdom_n there_o be_v now_o good_a ground_n to_o apprehend_v that_o the_o figure_n in_o daniel_n be_v design_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o exact_a conformity_n among_o they_o in_o the_o general_a signification_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o character_n in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o as_o the_o exact_a agreement_n of_o the_o two_o figure_n in_o the_o 8_o chapter_n in_o the_o same_o general_a signification_n of_o a_o monarchy_n and_o the_o several_a change_n of_o the_o rule_v power_n of_o that_o monarchy_n have_v be_v show_v to_o be_v very_o plain_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o excite_v one_o curiosity_n to_o a_o more_o particular_a examination_n of_o the_o other_o figure_n of_o that_o book_n which_o tho'_o they_o have_v no_o such_o plain_a determination_n of_o their_o signification_n as_o the_o former_a in_o express_a word_n yet_o be_v there_o such_o peculiar_a description_n of_o they_o in_o the_o explication_n that_o be_v give_v of_o they_o as_o upon_o the_o first_o serious_a reflection_n will_v make_v one_o very_o confident_a that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n either_o to_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o they_o or_o to_o find_v they_o conformable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o present_a proposition_n it_o be_v a_o considerable_a encouragement_n to_o our_o hope_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o unanimous_o agree_v upon_o by_o all_o the_o several_a party_n of_o interpreter_n that_o the_o other_o figure_n in_o the_o 2d_o and_o seven_o chapter_n be_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o four_o famous_a monarchy_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n himself_o till_o some_o universal_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o end_n of_o they_o let_v we_o consider_v they_o both_o according_a to_o their_o description_n in_o each_o chapter_n in_o the_o seven_o
represent_v by_o the_o false_a prophet_n can_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o beast_n viz._n because_o the_o beast_n be_v real_o nothing_o but_o a_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n which_o by_o consequence_n the_o 6_o chap._n 3._o do_v denote_v 6._o prop._n 6._o a_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o roman_n whereas_o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v describe_v as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o that_o civil_a power_n see_v revelat._n 13_o 12_o 14._o but_o yet_o they_o may_v very_o well_o agree_v that_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n may_v be_v use_v promiscuous_o to_o signify_v the_o real_o distinct_a action_n of_o one_o another_o because_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o one_o confederacy_n and_o the_o name_n of_o any_o confederate_n or_o partner_n in_o any_o thing_n be_v common_o use_v to_o express_v the_o action_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o common_a design_n so_o primasius_n upon_o the_o 13_o of_o the_o revelation_n concern_v they_o both_o both_o of_o they_o say_v he_o be_v everywhere_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o conjunction_n and_o present_o after_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o both_o the_o beast_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n of_o man_n and_o exercise_v the_o same_o wicked_a worship_n so_o that_o the_o first_o be_v say_v to_o fight_v for_o the_o false_a show_n of_o the_o second_o thus_o i_o have_v draw_v down_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o general_n consent_v of_o the_o ancient_n to_o my_o own_o particular_a opinion_n concern_v the_o first_o date_n of_o the_o rise_v of_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o particular_a roman_a power_n that_o be_v now_o signify_v by_o that_o term._n but_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o general_n confirmation_n of_o the_o conclusion_n in_o which_o almost_o all_o protestant_n agree_v in_o be_v that_o if_o it_o be_v sure_a as_o may_v appear_v from_o the_o four_o query_n that_o the_o six_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v the_o imperial_a government_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o vision_n than_o there_o need_v nothing_o be_v grant_v to_o prove_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n to_o be_v the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o present_a but_o only_o to_o demonstrate_v from_o history_n that_o there_o have_v certain_o be_v two_o change_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o roman_n since_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n for_o they_o do_v agree_v that_o antichrist_n from_o his_o first_o appearance_n must_v continue_v chap._n four_o agreement_n chap._n 3._o 3d_o agreement_n this_o chap._n till_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o next_o change_n of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o roman_n but_o one_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o vision_n must_v be_v the_o eight_o king_n or_o the_o beast_n and_o antichrist_n and_o therefore_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o last_o of_o those_o two_o change_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_n since_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n must_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n have_v begin_v whensoever_o that_o do_v appear_v from_o history_n to_o have_v happen_v and_o whatsoever_o the_o father_n have_v deliver_v contrary_a to_o this_o concern_v the_o time_n time_n and_o half_a a_o time_n of_o the_o beast_n as_o but_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a must_v have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o to_o contradict_v their_o general_n agreement_n in_o other_o thing_n more_o plain_a and_o from_o experience_n which_o they_o often_o mention_v as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o determine_v the_o meaning_n of_o some_o mystical_a expression_n that_o regard_v future_a time_n they_o will_v have_v learn_v that_o those_o time_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o mystical_a sense_n and_o not_o as_o they_o ordinary_o signify_v according_a to_o the_o frequent_a example_n in_o scripture_n of_o such_o a_o mystical_a signification_n of_o part_n of_o 2._o see_v corol._n 1_o prop._n 23._o rule_n 2._o time_n and_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n in_o such_o like_a case_n for_o a_o clear_a satisfaction_n about_o the_o contrariety_n and_o inconsistency_n of_o some_o of_o the_o particular_a opinion_n of_o the_o father_n with_o the_o conclusion_n in_o which_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o unanimous_a judgement_n of_o the_o rest_n it_o may_v be_v convenient_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o their_o paradoxical_a fancy_n about_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n which_o contradict_v the_o general_n agreement_n about_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o beast_n and_o its_o rule_v part_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n for_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a observation_n of_o the_o learned_a grotius_n that_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v not_o add_v at_o first_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n apocal._n in_o praefat._n ad_fw-la apocal._n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v afterward_o give_v ground_n for_o question_v the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o do_v so_o open_o point_v at_o the_o roman_a government_n as_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o god_n that_o it_o lay_v conceal_v in_o a_o few_o hand_n among_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o time_n for_o fear_v of_o exasperate_a the_o roman_n against_o they_o this_o do_v st._n chrysostome_n and_o augustine_n make_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n why_o st._n paul_n speak_v so_o mysterious_o about_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o thess_n in_o 2._o ep._n thess_n his_o prophecy_n about_o antichrist_n 2_o thess_n 2._o 6._o when_o he_o say_v and_o now_o you_o know_v what_o do_v withhold_v the_o reason_n they_o give_v for_o it_o be_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v open_o name_v the_o roman_n they_o will_v have_v account_v he_o and_o all_o the_o faithful_a very_o pestilent_a member_n of_o their_o government_n this_o fear_n of_o the_o then_o rule_v power_n together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o character_n of_o antichrist_n because_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o time_n as_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v very_o reasonable_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o little_a care_n that_o the_o father_n take_v to_o be_v wary_a in_o the_o interpretation_n that_o they_o give_v of_o this_o book_n for_o they_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v both_o a_o dangerous_a study_n and_o also_o relate_v to_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v not_o well_o judge_v of_o and_o also_o to_o future_a time_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v not_o share_v and_o may_v therefore_o as_o chrysostome_n and_o augustine_n do_v express_o say_v bring_v themselves_o unnecessary_o into_o great_a danger_n and_o jerom_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o 11._o q._n ad_fw-la algasiam_fw-la and_o primasius_n upon_o 2_o thess_n 2._o 6._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n this_o account_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v allow_v from_o the_o general_a neglect_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n even_o in_o this_o age_n to_o which_o the_o chief_a thing_n in_o etc._n mr._n mede_n bp._n usher_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v by_o the_o severe_a examiner_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n judge_v to_o belong_v so_o as_o to_o be_v even_o lay_v aside_o out_o of_o the_o calendar_n for_o 316._o *_o homily_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n p._n 69_o and_o p._n 316._o the_o daily_a reading_n of_o scripture_n by_o protestant_n themselves_o †_o who_o nevertheless_o do_v give_v the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n the_o name_n of_o babylon_n it_o be_v then_o no_o great_a wonder_n that_o irenaeus_n and_o hippolytus_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o father_n whilst_o the_o roman_a government_n continue_v pagan_a shall_v be_v so_o willing_a to_o make_v the_o beast_n in_o general_a to_o be_v the_o world_n and_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o it_o to_o be_v seven_o wicked_a age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o sum_n or_o recapitulation_n as_o irenaeus_n call_v it_o of_o all_o the_o apostate_n time_n for_o in_o that_o way_n the_o sixth_z head_n say_v in_o the_o prophecy_n to_o be_v then_o in_o be_v be_v not_o more_o apply_v to_o the_o roman_n than_o to_o all_o the_o other_o wicked_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o the_o last_o head_n call_v the_o beast_n will_v not_o concern_v the_o than_o roman_a empire_n because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o come_v till_o after_o the_o end_n of_o that_o present_a reign_v age._n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o take_v this_o safe_a way_n may_v make_v they_o easy_a to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o small_a ground_n as_o these_o for_o it_o viz._n 1._o that_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n be_v signify_v chap._n 13._o 2._o to_o 23._o 1._o dan._n 2._o 40._o and_o 7._o 7_o 23._o contain_v all_o the_o four_o beast_n of_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n in_o his_o own_o