this_o book_n second_o the_o time_n when_o he_o write_v it_o three_o the_o place_n where_o he_o receive_v it_o four_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o write_v it_o five_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o his_o writing_n this_o prophecy_n last_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o as_o touch_v the_o first_o it_o be_v agree_v upon_o among_o the_o sound_a divine_n that_o john_n the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n john_n the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v be_v the_o author_n and_o instrument_n of_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n as_o he_o himself_o testify_v 1.19_o apo._n 22.8_o apo._n 1.19_o say_v i_o be_o john_n which_o see_v these_o thing_n and_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o receive_v a_o commandment_n from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n that_o he_o shall_v write_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o set_v they_o all_o down_o together_o in_o a_o book_n now_o we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n 1.11_o apo._n 1.11_o though_o he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n for_o he_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o be_v firm_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o all_o that_o he_o speak_v he_o be_v a_o apostle_n a_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o he_o speak_v and_o utter_v nothing_o that_o be_v his_o own_o he_o be_v well_o know_v and_o approve_v for_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o what_o a_o apostle_n do_v utter_v he_o do_v utter_v it_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o can_v err_v for_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o be_v man_n only_o but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o certain_a instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o purpose_n choose_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o pen_n and_o publish_v the_o holy_a book_n of_o god_n this_o saint_n peter_n confirm_v say_v 21._o 2_o peâ—_n 1_o verse_n 21._o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o mere_a move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o apostle_n paul_n also_o affirm_v the_o same_o touch_v his_o gospel_n which_o say_v 1.12_o gal._n 1.12_o he_o be_v not_o after_o man_n neither_o receive_v he_o it_o of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n therefore_o when_o his_o our_o apostle_n say_v i_o be_o john_n which_o see_v these_o thing_n and_o hear_v they_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v both_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o care-witnesse_n he_o bring_v not_o matter_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v by_o uncertain_a report_n he_o deliver_v this_o book_n to_o the_o church_n they_o which_o receive_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n do_v know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o most_o faithful_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o a_o great_a apostle_n which_o deliver_v not_o any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o he_o testify_v â—hat_n he_o see_v and_o hear_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o â—e_n have_v write_v in_o this_o book_n moreover_o he_o testifi_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v call_v and_o authority_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o write_v this_o prophecy_n and_o do_v nothing_o herein_o of_o his_o own_o brain_n for_o say_v he_o i_o john_n hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o a_o trumpet_n say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n here_o we_o see_v how_o john_n be_v call_v by_o alpha_n and_o omega_n that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n to_o write_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v but_o may_v some_o man_n say_v be_v not_o john_n call_v before_o be_v he_o not_o one_o of_o the_o lamb_n 12._o apostle_n have_v he_o not_o many_o year_n execute_v the_o office_n of_o the_o apostleship_n must_v he_o now_o have_v a_o new_a call_n and_o a_o second_o call_v what_o needs_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n to_o be_v call_v and_o authorise_v again_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o matter_n now_o in_o hand_n be_v a_o new_a work_n and_o therefore_o require_v a_o new_a and_o special_a call_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o require_v a_o new_a authority_n to_o meddle_v in_o it_o for_o in_o this_o prophecy_n god_n deal_v with_o john_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o old_a prophet_n for_o when_o he_o will_v foreshow_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o especial_a matter_n he_o call_v they_o by_o glorious_a vision_n as_o we_o may_v read_v what_o a_o goodly_a vision_n esay_n have_v what_o a_o vision_n full_a of_o glory_n ezechiel_n and_o daniel_n have_v even_o in_o majesty_n like_a unto_o this_o of_o john_n thus_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v john_n now_o be_v as_o one_o of_o the_o old_a prophet_n to_o foreshow_v thing_n to_o come_v therefore_o the_o lord_n appear_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n and_o call_v he_o thereunto_o as_o he_o appear_v unto_o they_o and_o call_v they_o let_v this_o then_o suffice_v for_o a_o reason_n of_o john_n now_o call_v to_o his_o new_a work_n and_o office_n and_o thus_o much_o touch_v the_o first_o circumstance_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o circumstance_n which_o be_v the_o time_n when_o john_n receive_v this_o prophecy_n which_o be_v note_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n it_o be_v the_o day_n which_o s._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n call_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o which_o the_o church_n do_v meet_v for_o the_o holy_a exercise_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v also_o evident_a because_o he_o say_v they_o come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n now_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o seven_o day_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 20.7_o act_n 20.7_o even_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v natural_a moral_a and_o perpetual_a for_o god_n bless_v the_o seven_o day_n and_o sanctify_v it_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o think_v that_o although_o john_n now_o in_o his_o exile_n be_v absent_a in_o body_n from_o the_o church_n assembly_n yet_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o in_o spirit_n commend_v they_o most_o earnest_o unto_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v ravish_v in_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n so_o we_o read_v that_o the_o like_v befall_v unto_o daniel_n when_o he_o be_v prisoner_n in_o babylon_n the_o like_a befall_v unto_o ezechiel_n who_o be_v take_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n 10.10_o act._n 10.10_o and_o carry_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o like_a to_o peter_n the_o like_a to_o paul_n but_o the_o special_a reason_n of_o johns_n ravishment_n in_o the_o spirit_n at_o this_o time_n be_v that_o thereby_o he_o may_v be_v make_v more_o fit_a and_o capable_a to_o receive_v and_o understand_v all_o those_o great_a mystery_n and_o heavenly_a vision_n which_o now_o shall_v be_v show_v unto_o he_o and_o withal_o let_v we_o observe_v that_o all_o man_n be_v always_o most_o capable_a of_o heavenly_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v most_o in_o the_o spirit_n for_o god_n do_v evermore_o most_o reveal_v himself_o to_o such_o as_o be_v most_o in_o prayer_n reading_z and_o meditation_n and_o to_o such_o as_o make_v great_a conscience_n to_o spend_v his_o sabbath_n christianly_o and_o religious_o according_a to_o his_o great_a commandment_n and_o let_v we_o always_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o that_o the_o more_o fervent_a and_o zealous_a we_o be_v in_o religious_a duty_n the_o more_o familiar_a acquaintance_n we_o shall_v find_v with_o god_n and_o he_o will_v at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o more_o open-harted_n unto_o we_o and_o will_v hide_v nothing_o from_o we_o that_o may_v be_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o good_a for_o such_o as_o be_v much_o in_o heavenly_a contemplation_n he_o do_v reckon_v not_o among_o his_o servant_n 15.15_o joh._n 15.15_o but_o among_o his_o dear_a friend_n to_o who_o he_o will_v make_v know_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o father_n but_o now_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o circumstance_n the_o three_o circumstance_n be_v the_o place_n where_o john_n receive_v this_o prophecy_n and_o that_o be_v set_v down_o to_o be_v the_o isle_n of_o pathmos_n which_o as_o the_o geographer_n write_v be_v a_o little_a desert_a island_n lie_v in_o the_o aegean_a sea_n wherein_o it_o be_v report_v that_o john_n the_o apostle_n be_v banish_v by_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 96._o and_o there_o receive_v and_o write_v this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v where_o note_v by_o the_o way_n that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n so_o obscure_a or_o vast_a wherein_o a_o godly_a mind_n may_v not_o aspire_v up_o unto_o heaven_n
fade_v not_o that_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n will_v bring_v you_o my_o heart_n desire_v and_o prayer_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n that_o the_o year_n of_o your_o life_n be_v multiply_v your_o life_n may_v be_v full_a of_o honour_n to_o god_n profit_n to_o his_o church_n and_o comfort_n to_o your_o own_o soul_n your_o honour_n most_o deep_o bind_v ezekiel_n culverwell_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n be_v often_o request_v gentle_a reader_n and_o much_o importune_v by_o sundry_a both_o learned_a and_o godly_a to_o publish_v that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v which_o divers_a of_o they_o with_o lively_a voice_n hear_v public_o deliver_v i_o do_v at_o last_o upon_o my_o most_o mature_a deliberation_n yield_v unto_o their_o reasonable_a request_n i_o mean_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o request_n indeed_o i_o do_v ingenious_o confess_v that_o i_o be_o the_o unmeet_a of_o many_o which_o this_o age_n god_n be_v thank_v do_v afford_v to_o deal_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n or_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o so_o great_a and_o honourable_a a_o service_n as_o this_o be_v but_o if_o i_o do_v industrious_o use_v my_o small_a talon_n and_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o a_o little_a i_o hope_v it_o shall_v have_v both_o cheerful_a and_o comfortable_a acceptation_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o this_o i_o presume_v will_v be_v grant_v of_o all_o that_o he_o which_o have_v but_o a_o little_a strength_n and_o yet_o put_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o uttermost_a to_o do_v good_a withal_o be_v more_o to_o be_v commend_v than_o he_o which_o have_v thrice_o his_o strength_n and_o use_v it_o not_o to_o the_o help_n and_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o sundry_a worthy_a labour_n of_o divers_a excellent_a man_n upon_o the_o apocalypse_v be_v already_o extant_a so_o as_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o pour_v water_n into_o the_o sea_n or_o go_v about_o to_o mend_v the_o crow_n eye_n that_o will_v attempt_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o that_o which_o be_v already_o publish_v but_o know_v this_o o_o christian_n reader_n that_o the_o lord_n garden_n be_v so_o large_a and_o plentiful_a of_o all_o most_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a flower_n that_o where_o any_o one_o have_v gather_v a_o nosegay_n most_o fragrant_a and_o delectable_a another_o may_v come_v after_o and_o gather_v another_o not_o to_o be_v contemn_v for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v such_o a_o undraineable_a fountain_n and_o head-spring_n that_o where_o one_o have_v draw_v much_o before_o another_o may_v come_v happy_o and_o draw_v as_o much_o afterward_o yea_o though_o thousand_o do_v succeed_v yet_o can_v this_o fountain_n never_o be_v draw_v dry_a be_v it_o far_o from_o i_o to_o arrogate_v any_o thing_n to_o myself_o above_o other_o for_o i_o be_o privy_a enough_o to_o my_o own_o mean_n and_o do_v free_o confess_v that_o in_o this_o work_n i_o have_v receive_v much_o light_n from_o other_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o as_o a_o judge_n give_v sentence_n upon_o other_o man_n work_n but_o as_o one_o that_o will_v furnish_v the_o same_o feast_n bring_v in_o my_o dish_n among_o they_o or_o as_o one_o that_o in_o the_o same_o cause_n will_v come_v in_o as_o a_o three_o or_o a_o four_o witness_n to_o testify_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o very_o through_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n my_o simple_a purpose_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o give_v a_o lift_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o my_o power_n to_o further_a that_o which_o be_v already_o happy_o begin_v and_o to_o provoke_v other_o of_o great_a gift_n to_o come_v after_o with_o their_o great_a light_n and_o lantern_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o descry_v and_o discover_v whatsoever_o in_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o yet_o full_o see_v into_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o will_v not_o have_v this_o book_n meddle_v withal_o nor_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v expound_v among_o the_o common_a people_n because_o say_v they_o it_o be_v so_o dark_a and_o hard_a to_o understand_v but_o let_v all_o such_o leave_v their_o own_o opinion_n and_o hearken_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n etc._n etc._n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o or_o more_o effectual_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v and_o with_o all_o gladness_n to_o embrace_v this_o book_n then_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v be_v bless_v for_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n be_v no_o trifle_n they_o be_v not_o thing_n only_o for_o a_o show_n to_o move_v wonderment_n or_o to_o delight_v the_o curious_a mind_n of_o man_n but_o such_o as_o indeed_o do_v give_v true_a blessedness_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o they_o what_o thing_n be_v great_a then_o to_o be_v bless_v for_o evermore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o exceed_v dull_a yea_o even_o like_o stock_n and_o stone_n it_o must_v needs_o move_v we_o and_o stir_v we_o up_o for_o who_o will_v witting_o and_o willing_o lose_v his_o own_o blessedness_n or_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o when_o as_o he_o may_v have_v it_o if_o any_o will_v object_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v bless_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o book_n and_o that_o there_o be_v book_n enough_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o procure_v our_o blessedness_n without_o this_o and_o that_o thousand_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n which_o never_o know_v what_o this_o book_n mean_v i_o answer_v that_o all_o this_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v pronounce_v a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o those_o that_o read_v and_o study_v this_o book_n not_o because_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o it_o but_o because_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n which_o it_o minister_v unto_o we_o of_o this_o age_n and_o have_v minister_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o it_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o age_n and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o all_o the_o age_n since_o christ_n wherein_o be_v full_o show_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n thereof_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n according_a to_o his_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o mercy_n have_v never_o from_o the_o beginning_n leave_v his_o church_n without_o a_o prophecy_n for_o the_o great_a comfort_n thereof_o for_o we_o know_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n god_n himself_o for_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o his_o church_n do_v foretell_v and_o fore-prophesie_a long_o before_o of_o that_o restauration_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v by_o the_o mâ—ssias_n his_o son_n according_a as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n afterward_o he_o do_v foretell_v his_o people_n of_o isael_n 15_o genesis_n 3_o gen._n 15_o of_o their_o great_a servitude_n and_o intolerable_a bondage_n in_o egypt_n and_o also_o of_o the_o end_n and_o full_a determination_n therefore_o after_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o all_o this_o he_o foretell_v by_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n of_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o the_o full_a expiration_n thereof_o at_o the_o end_n and_o term_v of_o seventy_o year_n 2d_o jeremy_n 2d_o and_o yet_o further_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n of_o his_o people_n he_o foretold_v by_o daniel_n 3_o daniel_n 7_o ezech._n 3_o and_o ezechiel_n of_o the_o great_a affliction_n and_o trouble_n which_o his_o church_n shall_v endure_v by_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o divided_a greek_a empire_n i_o mean_v alexander_n posterity_n especial_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n and_o syria_n which_o descend_v of_o ptolomeus_n and_o seleucus_n 1â—_n daniel_n 8_o daniel_n 9_o daniel_n 1â—_n who_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o king_n of_o the_o north_n and_o of_o the_o south_n by_o the_o space_n of_o 194._o year_n and_o of_o the_o precise_a determination_n thereof_o at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o mâ—ssias_n 〈◊〉_d then_o what_o care_n god_n have_v have_v of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n before_o the_o come_n of_o his_o son_n in_o the_o flesh_n so_o to_o foretell_v both_o of_o the_o affliction_n itself_o and_o also_o of_o the_o just_a period_n and_o determination_n thereof_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v that_o god_n have_v the_o like_a care_n now_o for_o his_o church_n which_o then_o he_o have_v or_o have_v he_o not_o as_o great_a and_o provident_a care_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n since_o the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v actual_o exhibit_v as_o before_o yes_o assure_o and_o much_o more_o too_o for_o if_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n
be_v so_o great_a for_o his_o church_n be_v in_o her_o wardship_n and_o minority_n then_o much_o more_o now_o be_v come_v to_o her_o ripeness_n and_o full_a age_n if_o then_o it_o be_v less_o glorious_a then_o much_o more_o now_o be_v far_o more_o glorious_a therefore_o now_o unto_o we_o he_o foretell_v by_o his_o servant_n john_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o bless_v be_v he_o that_o hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n since_o it_o foretell_v of_o the_o church_n affliction_n in_o this_o age_n by_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o of_o the_o full_a end_n and_o determination_n thereof_o it_o show_v just_o and_o precise_o what_o the_o church_n have_v suffer_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o several_a age_n and_o what_o it_o shall_v suffer_v and_o also_o how_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o shall_v short_o be_v tread_v under_o foot_n what_o can_v be_v more_o joyful_a or_o comfortable_a to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o to_o know_v aforehand_o that_o babylon_n shall_v fall_v rome_n shall_v down_o antichrist_n the_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v utter_o confound_v and_o consume_v in_o this_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o plot_n and_o policy_n craft_n and_o device_n to_o the_o contraâ—y_n notwithstanding_o all_o force_n and_o â—_z cunning_o contrive_v and_o raise_v up_o against_o the_o church_n by_o seminary_n priest_n jesuit_n pope_n cardinal_n and_o king_n of_o spain_n for_o all_o these_o in_o this_o age_n do_v very_o busy_o bestir_v they_o and_o ransack_v all_o corner_n of_o their_o wit_n to_o repair_v the_o ruin_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o make_v up_o the_o breach_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o wall_n of_o babylon_n their_o great_a city_n but_o alas_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o it_o shall_v fall_v it_o shall_v fall_v it_o shall_v as_o dagon_n before_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o ark_n do_v what_o they_o can_v spite_n of_o their_o heart_n maugre_o their_o beard_n it_o shall_v without_o all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n for_o have_v the_o lord_n speak_v it_o and_o shall_v it_o not_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o any_o word_n of_o his_o ever_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n sith_o therefore_o the_o jesuit_n and_o secular_a priest_n do_v so_o fiske_n about_o and_o croak_v in_o every_o corner_n as_o great_o fear_v the_o fall_n of_o their_o babylon_n and_o the_o dry_n up_o of_o their_o euphrates_n it_o stand_v we_o all_o in_o hand_n to_o be_v of_o resolute_a for_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v for_o antichrist_n and_o as_o studious_a to_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v to_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a that_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o book_n and_o arm_v against_o they_o with_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o this_o prophecy_n for_o this_o book_n be_v a_o most_o precious_a jewel_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n in_o this_o last_o age_n and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v not_o better_o acquaint_v with_o it_o especial_o in_o these_o time_n for_o now_o in_o this_o age_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o very_a heat_n of_o the_o war_n and_o brunt_n of_o the_o battle_n betwixt_o papist_n and_o protestant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o belial_n betwixt_o the_o army_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o army_n of_o antichrist_n now_o this_o prophecy_n lay_v all_o open_a and_o plain_o tell_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o issue_n and_o success_n in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n which_o side_n shall_v have_v the_o victory_n and_o which_o side_n shall_v go_v down_o and_o therefore_o very_o needful_a it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v expound_v again_o and_o again_o and_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n make_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o it_o for_o in_o this_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v this_o prophecy_n can_v never_o be_v enough_o open_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o all_o good_a protestant_n may_v be_v arm_v with_o it_o against_o future_a time_n even_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o armour_n of_o proof_n saint_n john_n plain_o tell_v the_o people_n of_o his_o time_n even_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v bless_v by_o read_v and_o study_v this_o book_n because_o they_o shall_v thereby_o be_v forewarn_v and_o fore-armed_n against_o many_o eminent_a trouble_n and_o future_a danger_n for_o say_v he_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o be_v to_o say_v some_o thing_n be_v even_o then_o to_o be_v fulfil_v for_o some_o matter_n foretell_v in_o this_o book_n do_v begin_v to_o be_v fulfil_v even_o present_o after_o they_o be_v show_v unto_o john_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v even_o then_o begin_v to_o work_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v her_o conflict_n the_o ten_o great_a persecution_n begin_v even_o then_o to_o be_v raise_v up_o heresy_n short_o after_o begin_v to_o spring_n and_o sprout_v afterward_o by_o degree_n the_o great_a antichrist_n do_v approach_n towards_o his_o curse_a seat_n and_o after_o all_o this_o saint_z john_n foretell_v how_o he_o shall_v take_v possession_n of_o his_o abominable_a and_o most_o execrable_a seat_n and_o sea_n of_o rome_n how_o he_o shall_v reign_v and_o rule_v for_o a_o time_n as_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n how_o he_o shall_v prevail_v against_o the_o church_n and_o make_v war_n against_o the_o saint_n how_o he_o shall_v reign_v but_o a_o short_a time_n and_o afterward_o come_v tumble_v down_o as_o fast_o as_o ever_o he_o rise_v up_o and_o decrease_v as_o fast_o as_o ever_o he_o increase_v therefore_o blessed_n be_v he_o say_v s._n john_n that_o diligent_o read_v and_o peruse_v this_o book_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v foresee_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v arm_v against_o they_o for_o as_o the_o heathen_a man_n say_v levius_n laedit_fw-la quicquid_fw-la previderis_fw-la ante_fw-la foresee_v danger_n do_v least_o hurt_n now_o to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o our_o time_n i_o say_v they_o be_v twice_o happy_a that_o be_v studious_a and_o painful_a in_o search_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o prophecy_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v against_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o papist_n our_o profess_a enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n and_o stick_v fast_o to_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n of_o god_n know_v for_o a_o certainty_n that_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n shall_v not_o long_o prevail_v 9.11_o apo._n 9.11_o the_o date_n of_o their_o reign_n be_v almost_o out_o and_o the_o time_n draw_v on_o apace_o wherein_o both_o they_o and_o their_o king_n abbadon_n shall_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n but_o i_o will_v now_o proceed_v to_o a_o new_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v but_o open_o preach_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o age_n my_o reason_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o 22._o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n verse_n 10._o in_o these_o word_n seal_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v a_o flat_a commandment_n from_o god_n that_o this_o book_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o may_v not_o be_v seal_v up_o that_o be_v to_o say_v keep_v close_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n people_n but_o it_o must_v lie_v always_o unseal_v that_o all_o man_n may_v open_v it_o read_v it_o and_o see_v what_o be_v in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o borrow_a speech_n take_v from_o seal_v of_o letter_n for_o we_o all_o know_v that_o woo_v letter_n be_v seal_v none_o may_v open_v they_o or_o read_v they_o but_o only_o those_o who_o it_o do_v concern_v but_o if_o they_o be_v of_o purpose_n leave_v unseal_v than_o any_o man_n may_v read_v they_o without_o danger_n so_o the_o lord_n will_v and_o command_v that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n shall_v of_o purpose_n be_v leave_v unseal_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v read_v it_o study_v it_o and_o know_v it_o if_o any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o the_o metaphor_n of_o seal_v be_v thus_o take_v in_o the_o scripture_n let_v he_o read_v the_o place_n quote_v in_o the_o margin_n and_o in_o all_o those_o place_n he_o shall_v find_v it_o take_v in_o this_o sense_n whereby_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o the_o mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o god_n be_v that_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v proclaim_v and_o publish_v in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n 10.4_o esa_n 29.11_o dan._n 1â—_n 9_o apoc_fw-la 4_o 1._o apo._n 10.4_o i_o hold_v that_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n stand_v bind_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o
the_o day_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o both_o those_o they_o do_v clear_o understand_v some_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v after_o their_o day_n as_o the_o rise_n and_o reign_v of_o the_o great_a antichrist_n which_o they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o see_v into_o hereupon_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o thing_n which_o unto_o they_o be_v very_o obscure_a be_v unto_o we_o most_o clear_a and_o manifest_a 〈◊〉_d be_v already_o fulfil_v insomuch_o that_o all_o which_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_v may_v see_v and_o understand_v they_o yea_o the_o most_o unlearned_a be_v not_o therefore_o discourage_v gentle_a reader_n at_o the_o darkness_n and_o difficulty_n of_o this_o book_n do_v not_o prejudicial_o resolve_v and_o set_v down_o with_o thyself_o that_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o this_o book_n can_v be_v give_v nor_o the_o tute_a meaning_n find_v out_o but_o that_o we_o must_v be_v fain_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v to_o rest_v in_o uncertain_a conjecture_n some_o follow_v one_o sense_n and_o some_o another_o as_o seem_v most_o like_a and_o profitable_a but_o no_o man_n can_v say_v confident_o and_o precise_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n oh_o be_v not_o of_o that_o mind_n good_a christian_a brother_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o undoubted_a certainty_n for_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o prophecy_n we_o be_v never_o the_o near_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o papist_n will_v drive_v we_o unto_o but_o know_v for_o a_o certainty_n that_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o be_v find_v out_o as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o to_o our_o uncertain_a conjecture_n and_o doubtful_a interpretation_n behold_v the_o merciful_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n who_o himself_o do_v expound_v the_o dark_a and_o most_o mystical_a thing_n in_o this_o prophecy_n or_o at_o least_o so_o many_o of_o they_o and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o rest_n be_v thereby_o lay_v open_a and_o make_v manifest_a the_o lord_n himself_o expound_v some_o thing_n in_o chap._n 1._o which_o give_v clear_a light_n to_o the_o first_o vision_n the_o angel_n expound_v divers_a other_o thing_n in_o the_o 17._o chapter_n which_o be_v the_o key_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o angel_n do_v of_o purpose_n open_a and_o interpret_v all_o the_o great_a doubt_n of_o this_o book_n as_o who_o be_v the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n who_o be_v the_o beast_n what_o be_v his_o seven_o head_n what_o be_v his_o ten_o horn_n what_o be_v the_o water_n which_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v the_o whore_n of_o rome_n sit_v upon_o moreover_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n we_o must_v note_v that_o the_o writing_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n unto_o which_o there_o be_v sundry_a allusion_n and_o from_o the_o which_o sundry_a thing_n be_v draw_v do_v clear_a divers_a thing_n in_o this_o revelation_n the_o knowledge_n of_o antiquity_n minister_v much_o aid_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o particular_a state_n thereof_o in_o divers_a age_n bring_v great_a light_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speech_n use_v by_o the_o old_a prophet_n do_v help_v also_o not_o a_o little_a the_o serious_a and_o deep_a weigh_v of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o confer_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o the_o consequent_n with_o the_o antecedent_n and_o the_o antecedent_n with_o the_o consequent_n further_v great_o for_o the_o bolt_n out_o of_o the_o true_a and_o natural_a sense_n and_o furthermore_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o prophecy_n so_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o it_o and_o do_v open_a and_o reveal_v it_o to_o all_o such_o as_o use_v all_o other_o good_a mean_n be_v earnest_a and_o humble_a suitor_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o illumination_n thereof_o whereby_o they_o may_v all_o understand_v both_o this_o and_o other_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v god_n have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o all_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o knowledge_n of_o art_n tongue_n and_o the_o learned_a writing_n and_o interpretation_n of_o sundry_a excellent_a man_n which_o all_o do_v bring_v great_a furtherance_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n sith_o then_o there_o be_v so_o many_o help_n for_o the_o open_n and_o expound_v of_o this_o revelation_n why_o shall_v any_o be_v discourage_v from_o the_o read_n and_o study_v thereof_o but_o if_o any_o man_n demand_v a_o reason_n why_o saint_n john_n write_v this_o revelation_n in_o such_o mystical_a and_o allegorical_a manner_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o may_v be_v divers_a reason_n yield_v hereof_o first_o that_o the_o world_n be_v blind_v may_v fulfil_v the_o thing_n herein_o specify_v second_o because_o john_n be_v to_o publish_v this_o revelation_n in_o such_o manner_n and_o form_n as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v figurative_a and_o allegorical_a three_o because_o it_o be_v much_o more_o wisdom_n to_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o all_o that_o time_n bear_v the_o sway_n almost_o over_o all_o the_o world_n under_o covert_n and_o figurative_a speech_n then_o in_o plain_a term_n lest_o the_o roman_a prince_n shall_v rage_v more_o against_o the_o christian_n even_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o like_a also_o may_v be_v say_v for_o daniel_n dark_a manner_n of_o deliver_v his_o prophecy_n for_o if_o he_o have_v utter_v those_o thing_n in_o plain_a term_n which_o he_o speak_v dark_o and_o allegorical_o it_o may_v have_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n for_o the_o heathen_a enemy_n will_v never_o have_v endure_v to_o hear_v that_o all_o their_o empire_n glory_n and_o renown_n shall_v fall_v one_o after_o another_o and_o one_o by_o another_o and_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o only_a holy_a people_n who_o god_n do_v defend_v and_o to_o who_o in_o the_o end_n god_n will_v not_o only_o give_v a_o quiet_a possession_n of_o their_o own_o land_n and_o kingdom_n but_o also_o a_o kingdom_n everlasting_a and_o that_o through_o their_o messiah_n and_o great_a deliverer_n but_o to_o grow_v to_o a_o conclusion_n gentle_a reader_n thou_o shall_v find_v in_o this_o poor_a travel_n first_o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o first_o thirteen_o chapter_n unto_o the_o twenty_o reduce_v all_o to_o one_o head_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o five_o point_n propound_v and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o three_o chapter_n follow_v brief_o and_o plain_o expound_v if_o any_o through_o laziness_n will_v not_o or_o through_o want_n of_o leisure_n can_v read_v over_o this_o short_a travel_n yet_o for_o his_o comfort_n let_v he_o read_v choose_v thing_n only_o which_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n and_o thus_o christian_n reader_n hope_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o neglect_v that_o which_o may_v be_v for_o thy_o own_o good_a i_o commend_v there_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v further_o and_o to_o give_v thou_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v thou_o in_o the_o lord_n arthur_n dent._n upon_o the_o 14._o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n these_o five_o point_n be_v handle_v first_o that_o babylon_n in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v call_v rome_n second_o that_o rome_n shall_v fall_v and_o how_o three_o that_o rome_n shall_v fall_v final_o and_o come_v to_o utter_v desolation_n in_o this_o life_n before_o the_o last_o judgement_n four_o by_o who_o and_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v overthrow_v five_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o utter_a ruin_n and_o overthrow_v thereof_o apoc._n 18._o verse_n 4._o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v go_v out_o of_o heâ—_n my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n the_o rvine_n of_o rome_n or_o a_o exposition_n upon_o the_o revelation_n wherein_o be_v plain_o show_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o popish_a religion_n together_o with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o rome_n shall_v ebb_v and_o decay_v still_o more_o and_o more_o throughout_o all_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n and_o come_v to_o a_o utter_a overthrow_n even_o in_o this_o life_n before_o i_o enter_v into_o the_o exposition_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o handle_v six_o circumstantial_a point_n which_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o whole_a matter_n follow_v and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o the_o instrument_n that_o write_v
be_v writâ—en_v in_o a_o book_n this_o book_n be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v within_o and_o without_o for_o the_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o there_o be_v both_o many_o and_o great_a thing_n which_o shall_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o time_n that_o john_n receive_v the_o prophecy_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o book_n be_v seal_v with_o seven_o seal_n that_o be_v to_o say_v perfect_o seal_v because_o the_o thing_n contain_v herein_o be_v counsel_n and_o secret_n only_o know_v to_o god_n till_o it_o please_v hiâ—_n to_o reveal_v they_o to_o his_o church_n by_o his_o son_n the_o elect_a angel_n know_v nothing_o of_o the_o thing_n write_v in_o this_o book_n before_o the_o seal_n be_v open_v 2._o verse_n 2._o and_o i_o see_v a_o strong_a angel_n which_o proclaim_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n who_o be_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n and_o to_o loose_v the_o seal_v thereof_o here_o be_v proclamation_n make_v to_o all_o creature_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o manner_n of_o person_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n among_o man_n or_o angel_n that_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o open_v and_o expound_v this_o book_n that_o they_o shall_v comâ—_n forth_o and_o show_v themselves_o and_o be_v very_o willing_o and_o glad_o hear_v 3._o verse_n 3._o but_o alas_o the_o next_o verse_n do_v show_v that_o none_o in_o heaven_n oâ—_n earth_n be_v able_a to_o open_v the_o book_n and_o expound_v it_o whereupon_o john_n weep_v very_o much_o because_o no_o man_n be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v and_o interpret_v this_o book_n the_o cause_n of_o john_n weep_v and_o lament_v be_v for_o fear_v the_o church_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o such_o profitable_a and_o excellent_a thing_n as_o he_o know_v be_v contain_v in_o this_o book_n such_o be_v his_o love_n to_o the_o church_n such_o be_v his_o zeal_n and_o care_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o example_n worthy_a of_o all_o imitation_n to_o mourn_v and_o weep_v for_o the_o conceal_n of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o open_n of_o it_o but_o papist_n and_o atheist_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n for_o they_o rejoice_v in_o the_o conceal_n and_o keep_v close_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v much_o grieve_v with_o the_o open_n and_o reveal_v thereof_o because_o thereby_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o villainy_n be_v detect_v and_o discard_v upon_o this_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n say_v unto_o john_n 5._o verse_n 5._o weep_v not_o behold_v the_o lion_n which_o be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n the_o root_n of_o david_n have_v obtain_v to_o open_v the_o book_n and_o to_o loose_v the_o seal_v thereof_o here_o we_o see_v how_o john_n be_v comfort_v and_o cheer_v up_o by_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n be_v now_o very_o pensive_a and_o sad_a and_o be_v will_v to_o pluck_v up_o a_o good_a heart_n and_o to_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n for_o he_o can_v tell_v he_o good_a news_n to_o wit_n of_o one_o that_o can_v open_v and_o expound_v this_o book_n and_o all_o the_o secret_n in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a revealer_n of_o secret_n and_o only_a expounder_n of_o all_o riddle_n and_o hide_a mystery_n as_o before_o have_v be_v speak_v jesus_n christ_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n because_o he_o be_v lineal_o descend_v of_o that_o tribe_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v compare_v unto_o a_o lion_n by_o allusion_n unto_o jacob_n word_n in_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n concern_v judah_n namely_o that_o he_o shall_v couch_v as_o a_o lion_n and_o as_o a_o lioness_n and_o none_o shall_v stir_v he_o he_o be_v fit_o compare_v to_o a_o lion_n for_o his_o great_a and_o admirable_a power_n and_o strength_n for_o he_o reign_v and_o must_v reign_v over_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n till_o he_o have_v tread_v all_o his_o enemy_n under_o his_o foot_n he_o be_v call_v the_o root_n of_o david_n both_o here_o and_o also_o in_o the_o 22._o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n verse_n 16._o because_o he_o spring_v out_o of_o david_n the_o son_n of_o ishai_n as_o a_o branch_n out_o of_o his_o root_n as_o the_o prophet_n do_v foretell_v that_o a_o rod_n shall_v come_v forth_o of_o the_o stock_n of_o ishai_n and_o a_o graft_n shall_v grow_v out_o of_o his_o root_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n then_o say_v john_n i_o behold_v and_o lo_o 6._o verse_n 6._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n stand_v a_o lamb_n as_o though_o he_o have_v be_v kill_v which_o have_v seven_o horn_n and_o seven_o eye_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n send_v into_o all_o the_o world_n here_o john_n take_v a_o view_n and_o sight_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o the_o elder_n christ_n do_v not_o appear_v about_o the_o throne_n as_o do_v the_o saint_n and_o angel_n which_o be_v but_o minister_n and_o minister_a spirit_n but_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o four_o beast_n etc._n etc._n because_o he_o be_v god_n everlasting_a coequal_a and_o coeternall_a with_o the_o father_n in_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a or_o essential_o and_o here_o afterward_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o honour_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o both_o by_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n which_o before_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n the_o father_n christ_n be_v here_o compare_v to_o a_o lamb_n for_o his_o innocency_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o be_v a_o sheep_n dumb_a before_o his_o shearer_n he_o be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o lion_n for_o his_o great_a and_o incomparable_a strength_n in_o conquer_a hell_n death_n and_o damnation_n and_o all_o infernal_a power_n and_o to_o a_o lamb_n because_o he_o have_v dispatch_v all_o this_o upon_o the_o cross_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o once_o offer_v for_o he_o do_v never_o more_o lively_a show_n forth_o his_o lion-like_a power_n then_o when_o he_o be_v as_o a_o lamb_n slay_v and_o sacrifice_v upon_o the_o cross_n this_o lamb_n christ_n be_v here_o say_v to_o have_v seven_o horn_n which_o signify_v his_o manifold_a power_n or_o fullness_n of_o power_n or_o perfect_a power_n according_a as_o this_o metaphor_n or_o borrow_a speech_n of_o horn_n be_v usual_o so_o take_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n this_o lamb_n also_o be_v say_v to_o have_v seven_o eye_n which_o be_v interpret_v to_o be_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o manifold_a grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o his_o church_n now_o then_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n for_o asmuch_o as_o the_o number_n of_o seven_o in_o this_o book_n be_v a_o number_n of_o perfection_n and_o always_o note_v perfection_n therefore_o by_o christ_n seven_o horn_n and_o seven_o eye_n we_o may_v and_o that_o sound_o understand_v his_o perfect_a power_n and_o his_o perfect_a sight_n and_o knowledge_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o his_o seven_o eye_n be_v so_o take_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o zachary_n where_o it_o be_v say_v a_o upon_o one_o stone_n shall_v be_v seven_o eye_n mean_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o corner_n stone_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o eye_n to_o look_v out_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o other_o for_o he_o be_v the_o life_n and_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o come_v and_o take_v the_o book_n out_o of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n 7._o ver._n 7._o here_o jesus_n christ_n take_v the_o book_n out_o of_o his_o father_n hand_n purpose_v both_o to_o open_v it_o and_o expound_v it_o for_o he_o be_v the_o only_a expounder_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o father_n will_n hereupon_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o four_o beast_n 8._o verse_n 8._o and_o 24._o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o lamb_n to_o testify_v their_o thankfulness_n and_o inward_a joy_n and_o rejoice_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v take_v upon_o he_o this_o office_n which_o none_o other_o will_v or_o can_v perform_v moreover_o by_o their_o fall_n down_o and_o worship_v he_o they_o do_v plain_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v god_n over_o all_o to_o be_v
all_o the_o former_a judgement_n for_o now_o after_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o martyr_n for_o vengeance_n god_n the_o avenger_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o righteous_a do_v show_v himself_o from_o heaven_n and_o declare_v his_o wrath_n in_o more_o fearful_a manner_n then_o before_o even_o to_o the_o great_a astonishment_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o horrible_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o christian_n for_o now_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o god_n hear_v the_o cry_n of_o his_o martyr_n and_o come_v as_o a_o giant_n or_o a_o arm_a man_n to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n for_o 116.15_o psal_n 116.15_o precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o he_o be_v much_o move_v with_o the_o cry_n of_o their_o blood_n as_o here_o we_o see_v and_o therefore_o now_o threaten_v to_o hold_v a_o general_a assize_n wherein_o he_o will_v make_v inquisition_n after_o blood_n and_o arraign_v and_o condemn_v all_o such_o as_o be_v find_v guilty_a thereof_o according_a as_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n and_o many_o other_o do_v find_v and_o feel_v by_o woeful_a experience_n for_o if_o god_n be_v angry_a but_o a_o little_a who_o may_v endure_v it_o now_o although_o the_o story_n do_v report_n that_o in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v above_o 300._o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o fearful_a earthquake_n in_o divers_a nation_n and_o city_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o earthquake_n here_o speak_v of_o can_v be_v take_v literal_o nor_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n here_o mention_v for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o time_n neither_o be_v it_o mention_v in_o any_o chronicle_n that_o ever_o the_o sun_n be_v as_o black_a as_o sack_v cloth_n of_o hair_n or_o the_o moon_n turn_v into_o blood_n or_o the_o star_n fall_v from_o heaven_n or_o the_o heaven_n roll_v together_o like_o a_o scroll_n or_o that_o mountain_n and_o land_n be_v move_v out_o of_o their_o place_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n all_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v metaphorical_o that_o be_v that_o god_n do_v in_o so_o strange_a and_o fearful_a a_o manner_n manifest_v his_o wrath_n from_o heaven_n by_o tumult_n commotion_n sedition_n and_o alteration_n of_o kingdom_n as_o if_o these_o thing_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n have_v be_v visible_o represent_v to_o the_o eye_n a_o earthquake_n in_o this_o book_n and_o other_o book_n also_o of_o the_o scripture_n do_v by_o a_o borrow_a speech_n signify_v commotion_n of_o commonwealth_n trouble_n tumult_n uproar_n and_o great_a alteration_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n the_o darken_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o roll_v together_o of_o the_o heaven_n do_v by_o a_o metaphor_n in_o the_o scripture_n signify_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o endure_v be_v say_v here_o to_o blush_v at_o to_o cover_v themselves_o to_o hide_v themselves_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o themselves_o to_o remove_v out_o of_o their_o place_n no_o more_o to_o do_v their_o office_n etc._n etc._n for_o as_o bird_n do_v hide_v themselves_o and_o thrust_v their_o head_n into_o bush_n when_o the_o eagle_n come_v abroad_o and_o as_o all_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n do_v tremble_v and_o couch_v in_o their_o den_n when_o the_o lion_n roar_v and_o as_o the_o subject_n do_v hide_v himself_o and_o dare_v not_o show_v his_o head_n with_o who_o the_o king_n be_v displease_v so_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a earth_n do_v tremble_v and_o all_o the_o celestial_a creature_n be_v amaze_v and_o confound_v with_o behold_v the_o angry_a face_n of_o god_n against_o the_o world_n in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v draw_v a_o canopy_n over_o they_o hide_v themselves_o under_o a_o cloud_n and_o surcease_v to_o do_v their_o office_n the_o darken_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n in_o the_o second_o or_o joel_n and_o also_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o there_o god_n promise_v and_o foretell_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n he_o will_v abundant_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o plentiful_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o abundance_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v with_o the_o same_o add_v that_o for_o the_o contempt_n of_o so_o great_a grace_n and_o mercy_n he_o will_v show_v wonder_n in_o heaven_n above_o and_o token_n in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o blood_n and_o fire_n and_o the_o vapour_n of_o smoke_n the_o sun_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n and_o the_o moon_n into_o blood_n before_o that_o great_a and_o notable_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v as_o peter_z also_o do_v expound_v it_o 2._o act_n 2._o that_o god_n from_o heaven_n will_v show_v such_o apparent_a sign_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o the_o world_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v no_o less_o amaze_v then_o if_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o nature_n be_v invert_v and_o this_o be_v perform_v when_o as_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o contempt_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n be_v most_o miserable_o destroy_v by_o the_o roman_n even_o so_o here_o under_o the_o open_n of_o the_o sixth_o seal_n god_n do_v threaten_v that_o for_o the_o murder_a of_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o innumerable_a christian_n he_o will_v bring_v strange_a judgement_n and_o extraordinary_a calamity_n upon_o the_o world_n according_a as_o all_o story_n do_v show_v that_o those_o time_n be_v full_a of_o bloodshed_n commotion_n famine_n pestilence_n and_o misery_n of_o all_o sort_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o darken_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o star_n from_o heaven_n be_v sometime_o in_o this_o book_n put_v for_o the_o obscurity_n and_o corruption_n of_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o sincerity_n and_o zeal_n but_o in_o this_o place_n the_o circumstance_n will_v not_o bear_v that_o sense_n first_o because_o here_o the_o darken_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n etc._n etc._n be_v join_v with_o a_o earthquake_n the_o roll_a together_o of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o move_n of_o mountain_n and_o island_n out_o of_o their_o place_n which_o argue_v a_o most_o horrible_a confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n second_o because_o afterward_o in_o the_o eight_o chap._n he_o do_v of_o purpose_n speak_v of_o the_o corrupt_a of_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o minister_n refer_v it_o to_o that_o chapter_n as_o his_o proper_a place_n three_o because_o the_o king_n and_o captain_n of_o the_o earth_n here_o immediate_o mention_v will_v never_o have_v be_v cast_v into_o any_o such_o perplexity_n and_o horror_n upon_o any_o corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o ministry_n as_o here_o we_o read_v of_o for_o common_o man_n be_v not_o any_o whit_n touch_v or_o move_v with_o that_o or_o such_o like_a thing_n last_o of_o all_o because_o the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n under_o the_o open_n of_o this_o sixth_o seal_n be_v to_o describe_v corporal_a not_o spiritual_a visible_a not_o invisible_a judgement_n for_o he_o do_v orderly_a and_o of_o purpose_n handle_v they_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n now_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o last_o three_o verse_n that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o chief_a captain_n 15.16.17_o ver._n 15.16.17_o and_o the_o mighty_a man_n and_o every_o bondman_n and_o every_o freeman_n hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n and_o among_o the_o rock_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o say_v to_o the_o rock_n and_o mountain_n fall_v on_o we_o etc._n etc._n the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o these_o visible_a judgement_n shall_v be_v so_o horrible_a and_o extraordinary_a that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n then_o live_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v even_o wish_v themselves_o bury_v quick_a or_o that_o they_o may_v run_v into_o a_o mousehole_n or_o awg_a hole_n to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o be_v both_o outward_o terrify_v with_o the_o sensible_a judgement_n and_o inward_o gripe_v and_o torment_v with_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o be_v at_o no_o hand_n able_a to_o endure_v it_o chap._n vii_o this_o chapter_n do_v whole_o appertain_v unto_o the_o open_n of_o the_o sixth_o seal_n it_o show_v general_o how_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o broil_n which_o happen_v under_o the_o open_n of_o the_o sixth_o seal_n yet_o do_v preserve_v his_o own_o church_n and_o merciful_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o people_n this_o
notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o world_n 11.12.13_o ver_fw-la 11.12.13_o in_o persecute_v they_o to_o death_n god_n shall_v not_o only_o receive_v their_o soul_n to_o glory_n but_o also_o raise_v up_o other_o endue_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o shall_v preach_v profess_v and_o witness_v the_o same_o truth_n constant_o and_o continual_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n last_o it_o show_v etc._n ver_fw-la 14._o etc._n etc._n that_o after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n some_o good_a time_n in_o this_o last_o age_n the_o seven_o angel_n shall_v blow_v the_o trumpet_n and_o the_o world_n shall_v end_v and_o there_o be_v give_v unto_o i_o a_o reed_n like_o unto_o a_o rod_n and_o the_o angel_n stand_v by_o say_v arise_v 1._o verse_n 1._o and_o measure_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o alar_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n therein_o here_o jesus_n christ_n give_v a_o reed_n unto_o john_n like_v unto_o a_o rod_n and_o hereupon_o he_o be_v command_v by_o a_o angel_n to_o go_v about_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o altar_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o measure_n with_o a_o reed_n like_o a_o rod_n be_v signify_v the_o restore_n and_o build_v up_o of_o god_n house_n which_o now_o be_v great_o ruinate_v and_o run_v into_o decay_n through_o the_o long_o prevail_v of_o popery_n measure_v with_o a_o reed_n be_v take_v for_o the_o build_n up_o of_o god_n church_n after_o the_o decay_a estate_n thereof_o both_o in_o ezekiel_n zachary_n and_o this_o prophecy_n john_n in_o the_o person_n of_o all_o faithful_a minister_n have_v this_o measure_v rod_n give_v he_o because_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v restore_v and_o build_v up_o by_o the_o minister_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v measure_v be_v the_o temple_n the_o altar_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n therein_o this_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o legal_a worship_n whereby_o our_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v represent_v for_o by_o the_o material_a temple_n be_v mean_v the_o spiritual_a temple_n or_o church_n of_o god_n by_o the_o altar_n of_o stone_n be_v mean_v the_o spiritual_a worship_n by_o they_o that_o worship_n therein_o with_o carnal_a sacrifice_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n now_o then_o both_o the_o church_n the_o true_a worship_n and_o worshipper_n be_v all_o to_o be_v measure_v repair_v and_o build_v up_o by_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o all_o be_v decay_v and_o almost_o lay_v waste_n by_o the_o pope_n tyranny_n but_o the_o court_n which_o be_v without_o the_o temple_n cast_v out_o and_o measure_v it_o not_o 2._o verse_n 2._o for_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o holy_a city_n shall_v they_o tread_v under_o their_o foot_n two_o and_o forty_o month_n john_n be_v here_o forbid_a to_o measure_v and_o build_v up_o the_o court_n which_o be_v without_o the_o temple_n whereby_o be_v mean_v all_o heretic_n hypocrite_n worldling_n and_o all_o such_o as_o have_v a_o place_n in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n this_o phrase_n of_o speech_n be_v take_v from_o the_o old_a shadowish_a worship_n as_o the_o rest_n before_o for_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o outward_a court_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a the_o holy_a place_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o the_o holy_a of_o holy_a or_o most_o holy_a place_n where_o none_o may_v come_v but_o the_o high_a priest_n only_o here_o be_v a_o reason_n add_v why_o the_o lord_n god_n refuse_v all_o papist_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o all_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o outward_a court_n only_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o outward_a court_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v to_o all_o false_a christian_n and_o counterfeit_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o invisible_a these_o be_v compare_v to_o gentile_n in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o prophanesse_n for_o they_o be_v as_o profane_a as_o the_o heathen_a second_o in_o respect_n of_o persecute_v the_o truth_n for_o hypocrite_n and_o atheist_n be_v as_o forward_o in_o persecute_v the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n which_o persecute_v the_o church_n by_o the_o space_n of_o 300._o year_n all_o come_v in_o this_o that_o when_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v gather_v and_o build_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n will_v have_v all_o papist_n atheist_n and_o hypocrite_n shut_v out_o moreover_o here_o be_v the_o second_o reason_n yield_v why_o the_o outward_a court_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o not_o measure_v to_o wit_n because_o they_o shall_v tread_v the_o holy_a city_n under_o foot_n forty_o and_o two_o month_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v persecute_v the_o church_n all_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v for_o forty_o two_o month_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o 1260._o day_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a verse_n 9_o and_o time_n time_n and_o half_o a_o time_n in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n the_o fourteen_o verse_n and_o 1260._o day_n the_o twelve_o chapter_n the_o six_o verse_n do_v signify_v all_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o short_a reign_n of_o antichrist_n for_o these_o month_n these_o day_n and_o these_o time_n do_v every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o forty_o two_o month_n make_v just_a three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a and_o that_o 1260._o day_n make_v even_o so_o much_o also_o and_o by_o time_n he_o mean_v a_o year_n bytimes_o two_o year_n and_o by_o half_a a_o time_n half_o a_o year_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o antichrist_n reign_n be_v number_v by_o day_n month_n and_o half_a time_n and_o all_o amount_v but_o to_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a be_v to_o note_v the_o short_a continuance_n thereof_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o in_o sundry_a place_n of_o this_o prophecy_n where_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o plain_a word_n that_o antichrist_n shall_v reign_v but_o a_o short_a time_n for_o what_o be_v five_o or_o six_o hundred_o year_n in_o comparison_n of_o eternity_n but_o here_o the_o papist_n do_v show_v themselves_o most_o sottish_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o that_o they_o will_v gather_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o antichrist_n for_o say_v they_o antichrist_n shall_v reign_v but_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a but_o the_o pope_n have_v reign_v many_o year_n therefore_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o antichrist_n now_o to_o answer_v the_o proposition_n of_o their_o argument_n take_v from_o this_o place_n first_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o this_o place_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o but_o mystical_o as_o many_o other_o thing_n in_o this_o book_n second_o here_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n put_v for_o a_o uncertain_a a_o definite_a number_n for_o a_o indefinite_a which_o also_o be_v usual_a in_o this_o book_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o concern_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o every_o tribe_n 12000._o which_o make_v 144000._o now_o no_o man_n be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o think_v there_o be_v just_a so_o many_o seal_v and_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o three_o here_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o daniel_n week_n and_o other_o prophetical_a computation_n wherein_o sometime_o a_o day_n be_v put_v for_o a_o year_n a_o week_n for_o seven_o year_n as_o in_o daniel_n seven_n and_o a_o month_n for_o thirty_o year_n so_o then_o i_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_a folly_n to_o interpret_v this_o place_n literal_o the_o curious_a and_o frivolous_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n and_o such_o like_a in_o this_o book_n by_o some_o writer_n i_o do_v of_o purpose_n omit_v as_o matter_n untrue_a unsound_a and_o unjudiciall_a for_o i_o only_o in_o this_o book_n seek_v the_o sense_n that_o be_v and_o not_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v not_o as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o 3._o verse_n 3._o but_o i_o will_v give_v power_n unto_o my_o two_o witness_n and_o they_o shall_v prophesy_v 1260._o day_n clothe_v in_o sackcloth_n have_v set_v down_o how_o antichrist_n and_o his_o company_n be_v those_o gentile_n which_o possess_v the_o outward_a court_n shall_v tread_v down_o the_o holy_a city_n that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o a_o short_a time_n now_o he_o come_v to_o show_v that_o even_o in_o the_o height_n and_o pride_n of_o the_o pope_n power_n and_o government_n yet_o the_o church_n be_v not_o utter_o extinct_a god_n do_v never_o utter_o forsake_v it_o but_o in_o all_o age_n and_o at_o all_o time_n god_n raise_v up_o one_o or_o other_o to_o withstand_v