settlement_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n though_o they_o infinite_o differ_v about_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a invitation_n to_o engage_v the_o curiosity_n of_o any_o that_o be_v concern_v for_o useful_a and_o important_a truth_n than_o that_o consideration_n the_o great_a variety_n of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o interpreter_n about_o these_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v man_n hope_n of_o a_o clear_a interpretation_n more_o than_o the_o same_o difference_n among_o they_o about_o almost_o every_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o do_v almost_o as_o general_o agree_v about_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o vision_n as_o about_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v less_o mystical_a the_o language_n of_o prophecy_n 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to_o we_o the_o first_o a_o universal_a tradition_n concern_v it_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n soon_o after_o the_o write_n of_o it_o and_o the_o other_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n concern_v it_o after_o some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n concern_v it_o and_o by_o both_o these_o way_n of_o assurance_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n secure_v two_o of_o the_o first_o writer_n after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeus_n justin_n martyr_n be_v contemporary_a with_o those_o who_o know_v the_o apostle_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v 160._o anno_fw-la 160._o and_o that_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o he_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n the_o jew_n pag._n 308._o quote_v the_o apostle_n st._n john_n about_o the_o thousand_o year_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o certain_a man_n among_o they_o who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n of_o christ_n speak_v of_o that_o matter_n in_o the_o 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speak_v of_o the_o number_n of_o antichrist_n he_o say_v that_o that_o number_n be_v in_o all_o the_o ancient_a and_o approve_a copy_n and_o that_o he_o have_v it_o also_o confirm_v to_o he_o by_o those_o who_o have_v see_v st._n john_n face_n to_o face_n there_o can_v hardly_o be_v give_v a_o more_o unquestionable_a or_o more_o particular_a testimony_n concern_v the_o true_a author_n of_o a_o book_n at_o any_o distance_n from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v write_v in_o than_o this_o be_v here_o be_v a_o particular_a search_n after_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o it_o soon_o after_o the_o write_n of_o it_o with_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o those_o who_o know_v the_o author_n himself_o and_o further_o to_o show_v the_o utter_a unlikelihood_n of_o any_o falsification_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o a_o little_a after_o speak_v of_o the_o name_n of_o antichrist_n know_v this_o say_v he_o that_o if_o his_o name_n ult_n lib._n 5._o sect_n ult_n be_v to_o have_v be_v open_o know_v at_o this_o present_a time_n it_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v express_v by_o he_o who_o see_v the_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o long_o ago_o since_o he_o see_v it_o but_o almost_o in_o this_o present_a age_n at_o the_o latter-end_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o domitian_n the_o little_a distance_n betwixt_o the_o time_n of_o irenaeus_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_v this_o book_n together_o with_o the_o care_n that_o he_o take_v to_o look_v into_o all_o the_o various_a copy_n of_o it_o and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o ear-witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n about_o it_o and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o own_o testimony_n in_o all_o this_o by_o die_v a_o martyr_n himself_o do_v silence_n all_o scruple_n about_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n but_o yet_o about_o 100_o year_n after_o the_o time_n of_o irenaeus_n dionysius_n of_o 2._o lib._n 2._o alexandria_n in_o his_o dispute_n against_o the_o millenaries_n of_o his_o time_n do_v affirm_v that_o many_o of_o his_o predecessor_n do_v reject_v this_o book_n but_o then_o he_o say_v it_o be_v because_o they_o see_v it_o obscure_v and_o full_a of_o too_o gross_a ignorance_n about_o the_o millenarian_a state_n not_o from_o any_o new_a knowledge_n they_o have_v get_v of_o the_o forgery_n of_o it_o and_o their_o ground_n be_v so_o small_a for_o it_o that_o though_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o the_o antimillinarian_a party_n yet_o he_o say_v he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v though_o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o style_n of_o it_o from_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n he_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v write_v by_o some_o other_o john_n contemporary_a with_o he_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o expression_n in_o the_o revelation_n so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o use_v by_o no_o other_o apostle_n that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o he_o himself_o or_o a_o very_a near_o friend_n of_o he_o that_o must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v the_o lamb_n the_o word_n the_o bear_a record_n or_o witness_v of_o the_o word_n they_o that_o pierce_v he_o shall_v see_v he_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o that_o overcome_v as_o i_o receive_v of_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o be_v athirst_a of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o and_o let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o which_o be_v all_o expression_n peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n st._n jerem_n indeed_o say_v that_o the_o greek_a church_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o but_o as_o baronius_n well_o observe_v about_o it_o an._n 96._o st._n jerom_n must_v necessary_o mean_v that_o only_a of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a part_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n for_o as_o he_o there_o show_v almost_o every_o one_o of_o the_o greek_a father_n do_v quote_v it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n and_o eusebius_n who_o relate_v the_o dissent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n about_o it_o and_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a antiquary_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n do_v name_n justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n melito_n of_o sardis_n theophilus_n antiochenus_fw-la origen_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n the_o chief_a writer_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n before_o he_o as_o asserter_n of_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o after-age_n we_o have_v the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n after_o it_o have_v be_v scruple_v by_o some_o which_o be_v the_o other_o way_n of_o assure_v the_o right_a tradition_n of_o a_o canonical_a book_n the_o three_o council_n
king_n who_o have_v the_o gold_n mine_n of_o america_n or_o the_o port_n that_o rule_v over_o the_o east_n we_o shall_v most_o assure_o conclude_v that_o no_o other_o king_n now_o or_o hereafter_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o it_o but_o the_o king_n of_o france_n or_o spain_n nor_o any_o other_o port_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o ottoman_a port_n or_o constantinople_n and_o it_o will_v be_v altogether_o incredible_a to_o we_o that_o any_o learned_a person_n some_o hundred_o of_o year_n hence_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o common_a use_n of_o those_o term_n in_o this_o age_n shall_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o think_v that_o this_o may_v be_v mean_v of_o any_o other_o christian_n or_o catholic_n king_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o or_o of_o some_o other_o great_a eastern_a port_n some_o hundred_o year_n hence_o the_o most_o satisfactory_a instance_n of_o the_o wild_a imagination_n of_o learned_a man_n on_o some_o occasion_n be_v the_o example_n that_o bellarmin_n have_v give_v we_o of_o it_o in_o the_o very_a case_n before_o we_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o be_v in_o express_a term_n repugnant_a to_o himself_o in_o two_o contradictory_n assertion_n about_o this_o thing_n for_o in_o his_o second_o book_n de_fw-fr pontifice_fw-la cap._n 2._o hill_n 2._o joannes_n in_o apocalypsi_fw-la romam_fw-la passim_fw-la vocat_fw-la babylonem_fw-la et_fw-la aperte_fw-la colligitur_fw-la ex_fw-la cap._n 17._o apocalyps_n alioqui_fw-la respondeat_fw-la nobis_fw-la vellenus_fw-la quaenam_fw-la est_fw-la illa_fw-la babylon_n quae_fw-la in_o apocalypsi_fw-la imperat_fw-la regibus_fw-la terrae_fw-la bellarm._n l._n 2._o de_fw-la pontifice_fw-la romano_n cap._n 2._o ibid._n nec_fw-la enim_fw-la alia_fw-la civitas_fw-la est_fw-la quae_fw-la joannes_n tempore_fw-la imperium_fw-la habuerit_fw-la super_fw-la reges_fw-la terrae_fw-la quam_fw-la roma_fw-la &_o notissimum_fw-la est_fw-la supra_fw-la septem_fw-la colle_n romam_fw-la aedificatam_fw-la esse_fw-la for_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o city_n in_o st._n john_n time_n that_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v everywhere_o know_v that_o rome_n be_v build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n he_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o 17_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n and_o show_v vellenus_fw-la his_o adversary_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n else_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o book_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 13._o when_o he_o come_v to_o state_n what_o babylon_n be_v in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o revelation_n revelation_n respondeo_fw-la 1o._o dici_fw-la posse_fw-la cum_fw-la augustino_n areta_n haymone_n beda_n raperto_n etc._n etc._n non_fw-la intelligi_fw-la romam_fw-la per_fw-la meretricem_fw-la sed_fw-la universam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la civitatem_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o scripturâ_fw-la saepe_fw-la voco_fw-la babylon_n bellarm._n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr pont._n romano_n cap._n 13._o this_o be_v before_o observe_v by_o malvenda_n p._n 226._o de_fw-la antichristo_fw-la mirati_fw-la impendio_fw-la sumus_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o do_v extreme_o wonder_v to_o find_v a_o new_a author_n i._n e._n bellarmine_n to_o think_v that_o this_o beast_n may_v be_v either_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o 15._o bellarm._n l._n 3._o de_fw-fr pont._n c._n 15._o the_o congregation_n of_o wicked_a man_n first_o say_v he_o it_o may_v be_v say_v with_o st._n augustine_n that_o it_o be_v not_o rome_n if_o so_o eminent_a a_o person_n can_v print_v such_o a_o express_a contradiction_n in_o plain_a word_n about_o a_o opinion_n which_o he_o can_v think_v to_o be_v necessary_o certain_a and_o clear_o express_v in_o the_o text_n at_o some_o time_n and_o that_o in_o a_o book_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o adversary_n and_o about_o so_o very_o remarkable_a a_o matter_n it_o can_v be_v at_o all_o strange_a to_o find_v learned_a man_n bare_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v apparent_o clear_a and_o certain_a and_o that_o remarkable_a observation_n of_o the_o jesuit_n ribera_n be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o this_o namely_o fornicariam_fw-la namely_o hoc_fw-la dicam_fw-la ambrose_n qui_fw-la prius_fw-la negaverat_fw-la tandem_fw-la in_o cap._n 17._o veritate_fw-la convictus_fw-la babylonem_fw-la romam_fw-la significare_fw-la confessus_fw-la est_fw-la ribera_n in_o cap._n 14._o apocalyps_n num_fw-la 30._o idem_fw-la in_o cap._n 17._o apoc._n v._n 16._o hîc_fw-la jam_fw-la nonnulli_fw-la scriptores_fw-la qui_fw-la aliter_fw-la interpretati_fw-la fuerint_fw-la veritate_fw-la ipsâ_fw-la coguntur_fw-la nobis_fw-la favere_fw-la nam_fw-la ambrose_n romam_fw-la dicit_fw-la esse_fw-la fornicariam_fw-la that_o such_o as_o have_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n in_o this_o point_n yet_o at_o last_o be_v force_v to_o change_v their_o opinion_n by_o the_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a instance_n that_o man_n of_o learning_n may_v hold_v out_o awhile_o against_o the_o clear_a truth_n and_o that_o therefore_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o to_o be_v weigh_v against_o any_o conclusion_n that_o do_v otherwise_o appear_v undoubted_o clear_a to_o one_o self_n and_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o judicious_a beside_o and_o now_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v unnecessary_o tedious_a in_o these_o last_o reflection_n but_o since_o i_o have_v find_v by_o long_a experience_n that_o the_o general_a prejudice_n to_o i_o and_o to_o most_o of_o the_o world_n beside_o against_o the_o clear_a thing_n in_o these_o vision_n be_v the_o strange_a different_a apprehension_n of_o very_a judicious_a man_n about_o they_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o stay_v long_o enough_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o insignificancy_n of_o that_o scruple_n to_o take_v off_o all_o the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o the_o future_a and_o this_o will_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o great_a use_n than_o it_o may_v at_o first_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v after_o this_o satisfaction_n about_o babylon_n the_o subject_a of_o the_o present_a proposition_n i_o find_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n that_o what_o be_v attribute_v to_o babylon_n in_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v unquestionable_a consent_n consent_n as_o it_o have_v also_o the_o general_a suffrage_n of_o the_o interpreter_n 1._o as_o namely_o first_o that_o it_o be_v there_o signify_v to_o be_v procon_n be_v grotius_n in_o cap._n 17._o apocal._n mulier_fw-la est_fw-la roma_fw-la sed_fw-la notandum_fw-la cum_fw-la urbe_fw-la simul_fw-la notari_fw-la imperium_fw-la vrbis_fw-la the_o woman_n be_v rome_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o together_o with_o the_o city_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o city_n a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n observe_v by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n when_o they_o return_v from_o their_o several_a government_n to_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n they_o use_v to_o lay_v down_o the_o ensign_n of_o their_o authority_n at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n before_o they_o enter_v the_o city_n lib._n ult_n de_fw-fr officio_fw-la procon_n in_o rule_n or_o to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o empire_n for_o it_o have_v all_o the_o ensign_n of_o majesty_n 5._o chap._n 17._o v._n 1._o 3_o 4_o 5._o array_v in_o purple_a and_o scarlet_a colour_n and_o sit_v upon_o a_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n interpret_v to_o be_v so_o many_o king_n and_o call_v babylon_n the_o great_a the_o great_a whore_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o idolatrous_a rule_n be_v assure_v from_o the_o name_n of_o a_o harlot_n and_o a_o whore_n and_o of_o fornication_n give_v it_o which_o among_o all_o the_o prophet_n do_v common_o signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o idolatry_n and_o apostasy_n when_o speak_v of_o a_o city_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v also_o a_o antichristian_a tyranny_n be_v plain_a from_o she_o be_v say_v to_o be_v see_v drunken_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n 6._o v._o 6._o of_o jesus_n chap._n ii_o xvii_o rev._n xvii_o the_o former_a proposition_n make_v the_o standard_n to_o judge_v what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v one_o sure_a of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o prophecy_n and_o four_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n draw_v from_o it_o the_o plainness_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o they_o i_o be_v not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v i_o have_v get_v much_o by_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o former_a proposition_n to_o give_v i_o any_o hope_n of_o much_o better_a satisfaction_n about_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o interpretation_n for_o in_o all_o my_o former_a perplexity_n about_o these_o thing_n i_o never_o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o and_o beside_o i_o see_v this_o to_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o yet_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o almost_o every_o thing_n else_o but_o however_o since_o this_o be_v the_o only_a certain_a truth_n that_o be_v then_o know_v about_o these_o thing_n it_o
time_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o the_o same_o four_o in_o both_o chapter_n for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v have_v be_v a_o plain_a ground_n lay_v down_o for_o a_o delusion_n in_o this_o chapter_n also_o about_o the_o most_o momentous_a thing_n that_o can_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v and_o therefore_o do_v we_o find_v a_o unanimous_a consent_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o consent_n consent_n interpreter_n that_o whatsoever_o these_o four_o kingdom_n be_v in_o particular_a yet_o that_o they_o must_v certain_o be_v the_o same_o kingdom_n in_o both_o chapter_n thus_o be_v we_o at_o last_o come_v to_o find_v not_o only_o that_o the_o five_o kingdom_n in_o each_o chapter_n be_v the_o same_o particular_a kingdom_n but_o also_o what_o they_o all_o be_v by_o name_n and_o thereby_o be_v it_o manifest_a that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o general_n do_v signify_v a_o rule_v nation_n and_o that_o the_o part_n of_o a_o beast_n signify_v dominion_n do_v denote_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o that_o nation_n which_o if_o they_o be_v represent_v as_o exist_v all_o at_o a_o time_n do_v signify_v the_o division_n of_o that_o empire_n into_o so_o many_o sovereignty_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o ten_o horn_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n according_a to_o the_o proposition_n at_o first_o lay_v down_o chap._n vii_o vii_o dan._n two_o &_o vii_o objection_n against_o the_o make_n the_o three_o kingdom_n in_o the_o 2_o d_o and_z seven_o of_o daniel_n the_o whole_a time_n of_o one_o rule_v nation_n answer_v it_o be_v unanimous_o agree_v among_o the_o interpreter_n of_o all_o party_n and_o interest_n that_o the_o four_o kingdom_n in_o the_o 2d_o and_o seven_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n be_v the_o same_o particular_a kingdom_n how_o differ_v soever_o they_o be_v from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o they_o it_o be_v also_o as_o general_o agree_v among_o they_o that_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o each_o chapter_n be_v the_o babylonian_a and_o persian_a monarchy_n but_o about_o the_o three_o kingdom_n in_o each_o chapter_n though_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o scheme_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o dominion_n there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o consent_n for_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o it_o at_o the_o first_o mention_n of_o a_o difference_n one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o admire_v what_o shall_v make_v any_o one_o sceptical_a in_o this_o matter_n who_o affirm_v the_o other_o two_o before_o this_o three_o to_o be_v know_v kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o the_o four_o do_v immediate_o succeed_v one_o another_o as_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o party_n for_o all_o that_o seem_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v for_o such_o a_o one_o satisfaction_n be_v to_o desire_v he_o to_o inquire_v what_o kingdom_n it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n with_o the_o babylonian_a and_o persian_a monarchy_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o second_o that_o come_v immediate_o after_o the_o second_o of_o these_o kingdom_n or_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n since_o the_o second_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o to_o be_v the_o persian_a monarchy_n from_o the_o time_n of_o its_o first_o great_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n at_o its_o conquest_n of_o the_o babylonian_a who_o will_v not_o forthwith_o conclude_v that_o the_o three_o must_v be_v that_o whole_a monarchy_n which_o subdue_v the_o persian_a and_o succeed_v in_o its_o room_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a grecian_a monarchy_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o obvious_a determination_n about_o it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o read_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v from_o the_o know_a use_n of_o they_o in_o the_o context_n it_o will_v be_v imagine_v that_o there_o must_v certain_o be_v some_o very_a great_a appear_a necessity_n that_o can_v make_v grotius_n and_o some_o other_o of_o this_o last_o age_n to_o judge_v the_o three_o kingdom_n in_o both_o chapter_n to_o be_v of_o quite_o another_o nature_n than_o those_o before_o it_o be_v especial_o since_o it_o be_v against_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n who_o have_v be_v find_v from_o st._n jerom_n to_o have_v be_v general_o agree_v in_o make_v this_o three_o as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v the_o successive_a rule_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n the_o opinion_n of_o these_o innovator_n about_o the_o three_o kingdom_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o single_a reign_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o that_o the_o four_o kingdom_n in_o both_o chapter_n be_v the_o division_n of_o the_o greek_a monarchy_n among_o his_o ten_o captain_n immediate_o after_o he_o the_o reason_n that_o they_o rely_v upon_o for_o this_o new_a opinion_n against_o all_o the_o seem_a absurdity_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v chief_o these_o that_o follow_v 1._o because_o if_o the_o three_o kingdom_n in_o the_o 2d_o and_o seven_o of_o daniel_n be_v the_o whole_a greek_a monarchy_n than_o the_o four_o must_v be_v the_o roman_a which_o conquer_v the_o grecian_n and_o then_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n chap._n 7._o which_o come_v after_o the_o four_o kingdom_n there_o must_v not_o begin_v till_o after_o the_o end_n of_o all_o roman_a dominion_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v suppose_v to_o give_v too_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n jesus_n at_o his_o first_o appearance_n can_v not_o be_v the_o king_n messiah_n or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o his_o kingdom_n for_o he_o die_v about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o roman_a monarchy_n after_o the_o complete_a conquest_n of_o the_o grecian_a 2._o this_o objection_n will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v much_o strengthen_v from_o the_o prophecy_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v give_v out_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o seem_v to_o represent_v it_o to_o be_v the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n its_o enemy_n in_o that_o very_a age_n when_o those_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n if_o the_o four_o kingdom_n there_o before_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v the_o roman_a monarchy_n 3._o again_o if_o the_o four_o kingdom_n in_o daniel_n be_v the_o roman_a monarchy_n than_o the_o little_a horn_n in_o that_o kingdom_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o exact_a agreement_n of_o the_o character_n of_o they_o both_o compare_v together_o but_o it_o be_v think_v impossible_a that_o the_o little_a horn_n and_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o little_a horn_n be_v viii_o dan._n viii_o not_o to_o arise_v till_o the_o four_o kingdom_n be_v break_v into_o ten_o kingdom_n three_o of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o subdue_v dan._n 7._o 8._o whereas_o the_o time_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v soon_o after_o that_o that_o prophecy_n be_v give_v which_o be_v long_o before_o any_o such_o division_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n it_o be_v say_v both_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n that_o the_o time_n of_o those_o 3._o rev._n 1._o 1_o 3._o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o shall_v short_o be_v do_v and_o to_o make_v this_o unquestionable_a the_o 10._o rev._n 22._o 6_o 7_o 10._o prophet_n be_v command_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o prophecy_n not_o to_o seal_v the_o say_v of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o that_o book_n because_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n 4._o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o event_n and_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n to_o make_v the_o four_o kingdom_n to_o be_v the_o grecian_a monarchy_n in_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n successor_n for_o it_o have_v ten_o king_n arise_v out_o of_o it_o to_o signify_v that_o variety_n of_o kingdom_n that_o his_o captain_n do_v set_v up_o after_o his_o death_n and_o after_o these_o ten_o be_v there_o a_o little_a horn_n represent_v almost_o every_o way_n the_o same_o in_o every_o character_n of_o it_o with_o the_o little_a horn_n in_o the_o 8_o chapter_n which_o all_o agree_v to_o be_v antiochus_n epiphanes_n one_o of_o the_o successor_n of_o alexander_n captain_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o reason_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o force_v a_o answer_n man_n against_o what_o be_v but_o the_o most_o probable_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n much_o less_o what_o have_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o
name_n of_o king_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o further_o that_o this_o six_o king_n can_v be_v any_o single_a ruler_n or_o emperor_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n pretend_v to_o by_o those_o who_o will_v not_o have_v it_o to_o be_v the_o imperial_a government_n be_v most_o evident_a from_o this_o follow_a consideration_n viz._n that_o then_o the_o eight_o king_n which_o be_v the_o beast_n will_v have_v be_v the_o next_o single_a emperor_n but_o one_o after_o he_o for_o the_o three_o last_o king_n do_v immediate_o succeed_v one_o another_o by_o prop._n praece_v and_o then_o all_o the_o character_n and_o attendant_n of_o the_o beast_n must_v have_v be_v find_v verify_v of_o the_o next_o emperor_n but_o one_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o vision_n for_o by_o prop._n the_o 6_o corol._n 2._o prop._n 10._o the_o beast_n in_o all_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a state_n of_o it_o under_o one_o of_o its_o head_n there_o must_v then_o have_v be_v ten_o king_n that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o vision_n who_o be_v yet_o such_o master_n of_o so_o many_o kingdom_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o next_o emperor_n but_o one_o to_o it_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v their_o kingdom_n to_o that_o emperor_n rev._n 17._o 12_o 13._o rome_n must_v also_o have_v be_v so_o burn_v with_o fire_n that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v final_o ruin_v and_o have_v have_v all_o sovereignty_n take_v from_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o that_o emperor_n v._o 16._o but_o in_o history_n we_o meet_v with_o 3._o prop._n 3._o nothing_o like_o to_o this_o much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o account_n from_o history_n of_o the_o overcome_a of_o any_o emperor_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o christian_n 14._o v._o 14._o of_o those_o day_n nor_o that_o any_o ten_o king_n confederate_v with_o that_o emperor_n be_v conquer_v by_o they_o nor_o of_o any_o such_o emperor_n that_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o army_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o upon_o his_o 4._o rev._n 19_o 19_o 20._o rev._n 20._o 4._o death_n there_o be_v any_o such_o glorious_a reign_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n as_o be_v describe_v immeate_o to_o succeed_v it_o but_o history_n be_v very_o full_a of_o the_o account_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o persecute_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o those_o time_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o glorious_a description_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n immediate_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n beside_o that_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o that_o beast_n be_v to_o continue_v till_o the_o second_o come_n of_o christ_n corol._n 1._o prop._n 12._o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v well_o enough_o observe_v by_o those_o who_o will_v have_v the_o beast_n in_o the_o 17_o chapter_n to_o signify_v a_o single_a emperor_n and_o therefore_o to_o evade_v those_o confequence_n they_o be_v grotius_n grotius_n force_v to_o make_v two_o or_o three_o distinct_a state_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n at_o the_o several_a mention_n of_o he_o in_o chap._n 13._o chap._n 17._o chap._n 19_o but_o how_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o mention_n of_o that_o beast_n all_o over_o the_o revelation_n do_v signify_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_n of_o he_o under_o his_o last_o head_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o whole_a process_n of_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o 6_o seven_o 8_o 9th_o 10_o proposition_n the_o six_o king_n or_o head_n must_v therefore_o necessary_o be_v the_o imperial_a government_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v then_o unquestionable_a that_o the_o beast_n call_v the_o eight_o king_n be_v that_o change_n of_o roman_a government_n 20._o prop._n 20._o which_o be_v next_o but_o one_o to_o the_o imperial_a government_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o vision_n for_o the_o beast_n be_v the_o eight_o in_o immediate_a succession_n to_o the_o six_o which_o be_v the_o imperial_a government_n prop._n 19_o and_o it_o be_v the_o beast_n under_o one_o of_o its_o head_n which_o signify_v supreme_a government_n under_o the_o successive_a reign_n of_o many_o single_a person_n in_o that_o government_n prop._n 16._o therefore_o must_v the_o beast_n be_v the_o next_o roman_a government_n but_o one_o to_o the_o imperial_a that_o rule_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o vision_n by_o the_o precede_a proposition_n it_o appear_v what_o absurdity_n and_o inconsistency_n they_o must_v fall_v into_o who_o will_v have_v the_o time_n of_o the_o beast_n pass_v over_o almost_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o begin_v one_o will_v think_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a necessity_n that_o do_v force_n to_o these_o strait_n but_o the_o chief_a thing_n that_o be_v allege_v for_o it_o from_o this_o prophecy_n be_v that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v short_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o again_o at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o also_o that_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o must_v short_o be_v do_v and_o that_o the_o book_n shall_v not_o be_v seal_v because_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n but_o these_o thing_n have_v already_o be_v sufficient_o consider_v pag._n 114._o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o familiar_a in_o speech_n than_o to_o say_v of_o thing_n that_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n for_o the_o finish_v they_o that_o they_o d_o will_v short_o be_v instead_o of_o they_o reference_n see_v reference_n will_v short_o begin_v to_o be_v as_o one_o may_v say_v at_o easter_n all_o the_o summer_n work_n will_v short_o be_v upon_o we_o this_o play_n will_v be_v act_v present_o though_o it_o be_v five_o hour_n in_o act_v so_o about_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n all_o thing_n foretell_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v all_o the_o pretend_a necessity_n then_o come_v now_o to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o grotius_n can_v not_o have_v reflect_v more_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o roman_a interpreter_n than_o to_o think_v it_o to_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v long_o since_o past_a from_o such_o obvious_a ground_n as_o these_o and_o yet_o that_o this_o shall_v never_o be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v save_v they_o all_o that_o trouble_n that_o they_o have_v to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o their_o present_a church_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o which_o there_o will_v be_v no_o difficulty_n if_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v long_o since_o past_a and_o beside_o it_o will_v keep_v they_o from_o grant_v so_o much_o as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o their_o cause_n whereas_o in_o a_o concern_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v very_o unsafe_a to_o yield_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v grant_v especial_o since_o what_o they_o do_v yield_v to_o do_v force_v they_o to_o such_o contradiction_n to_o what_o they_o allow_v to_o be_v the_o know_a signification_n of_o a_o beast_n and_o its_o head_n or_o horn_n in_o other_o place_n as_o we_o see_v in_o ribera_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v against_o bellarmin_n prop._n 22._o who_o have_v grant_v so_o far_o as_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n chap._n iii_o xvii_o rev._n xvii_o the_o 21_o proposition_n what_o a_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v in_o distinction_n to_o a_o horn._n this_o determine_v by_o eleven_o argument_n what_o demonstrate_v a_o head_n to_o be_v at_o a_o end_n the_o six_o head_n at_o a_o end_n when_o another_o government_n be_v own_v at_o rome_n in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o to_o take_v away_o all_o dispute_n that_o may_v arise_v about_o the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o a_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o head_n when_o there_o be_v ten_o kingdom_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n at_o the_o same_o time_n signify_v by_o the_o ten_o horn_n this_o follow_a proposition_n be_v to_o distinguish_v a_o head_n from_o a_o horn._n a_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v that_o settle_a sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o roman_n 21._o prop._n 21._o who_o authority_n be_v own_v to_o be_v supreme_a by_o the_o government_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n 1._o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o settle_a sovereign_a power_n be_v confirm_v from_o all_o the_o example_n of_o daniel_n where_o there_o be_v no_o head_n or_o horn_n to_o signify_v the_o rule_v power_n of_o a_o
and_o galatinus_n that_o they_o reverence_v it_o almost_o as_o much_o as_o the_o text_n itself_o so_o that_o this_o may_v be_v very_o well_o account_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o day_n he_o have_v not_o indeed_o any_o comment_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n but_o in_o his_o paraphrase_n upon_o the_o four_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o zechariah_n the_o four_o horn_n there_o that_o scatter_v the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n he_o determine_v to_o be_v four_o kingdom_n captivate_v the_o jew_n and_o so_o also_o on_o the_o 6_o chapter_n v._o 5._o he_o mention_n the_o same_o four_o kingdom_n come_v after_o one_o another_o what_o he_o do_v particular_o understand_v by_o these_o four_o kingdom_n be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o paraphrase_n upon_o habakkuk_n 3._o 17._o concern_v the_o end_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o shall_v captivate_v the_o jew_n for_o say_v he_o the_o kingdom_n of_o babel_n shall_v not_o remain_v nor_o exercise_v dominion_n in_o israel_n the_o king_n of_o media_n shall_v be_v slay_v and_o the_o strong_a one_o of_o grecia_n shall_v not_o prosper_v the_o roman_n shall_v be_v root_v out_o nor_o shall_v they_o gather_v tribute_n at_o jerusalem_n now_o it_o be_v always_o agree_v that_o whatsoever_o the_o four_o kingdom_n in_o the_o 7_o of_o daniel_n be_v in_o particular_a yet_o that_o they_o be_v four_o successive_a monarchy_n that_o shall_v measure_v out_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o babylonian_a conquest_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o end_n of_o this_o captivity_n be_v to_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o little_a horn_n as_o it_o be_v also_o express_o say_v dan._n 12._o 7._o when_o therefore_o zechariah_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o next_o prophet_n to_o daniel_n in_o the_o captivity_n be_v by_o the_o paraphra_v determine_v to_o signify_v four_o successive_a kingdom_n captivate_v the_o jew_n or_o scatter_v they_o which_o be_v daniel_n own_o expression_n for_o it_o ibid._n and_o when_o the_o only_a conqueror_n and_o enslaver_v of_o that_o nation_n be_v mention_v by_o the_o same_o paraphra_v to_o be_v the_o babylonian_a persian_a grecian_a and_o roman_a monarchy_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o do_v thereby_o determine_v the_o four_o kingdom_n captivate_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n to_o be_v those_o four_o monarchy_n only_o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o last_o of_o the_o four_o be_v the_o roman_a monarchy_n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v it_o to_o be_v then_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n at_o that_o time_n that_o the_o four_o kingdom_n in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n be_v the_o roman_a monarchy_n and_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o time_n be_v make_v to_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n also_o in_o those_o day_n by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o to_o assure_v that_o four_o kingdom_n not_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o greek_a monarchy_n which_o be_v all_o the_o present_a concern_v in_o his_o prophecy_n everywhere_o about_o the_o kingdom_n and_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o have_v be_v find_v unquestionable_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n that_o in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n be_v also_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o saint_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o 13_o and_o 14_o proposition_n and_o then_o that_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v signify_v by_o christ_n not_o then_o to_o be_v come_v nor_o to_o be_v expect_v till_o at_o least_o some_o while_n after_o his_o death_n that_o be_v not_o till_o long_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o greek_a monarchy_n and_o yet_o be_v describe_v in_o daniel_n to_o come_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n or_o kingdom_n there_o do_v make_v it_o sure_a that_o that_o four_o beast_n and_o kingdom_n can_v not_o certain_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o greek_a empire_n and_o therefore_o must_v it_o be_v that_o which_o succeed_v the_o reign_n of_o the_o greek_n or_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o roman_n if_o the_o three_o beast_n before_o it_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o greek_a empire_n as_o it_o be_v here_o by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v a_o still_o more_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o kingdom_n in_o daniel_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v that_o exact_a picture_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n and_o that_o also_o fix_v to_o rome_n as_o the_o seat_n of_o its_o empire_n see_v propos_fw-fr 15._o which_o all_o the_o ancient_n before_o constantine_n look_v upon_o to_o be_v so_o plain_o set_v out_o as_o a_o roman_a domination_n that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o last_a testimony_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n about_o it_o in_o those_o time_n and_o when_o st._n paul_n before_o this_o describe_v the_o last_o come_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o his_o kingdom_n 2_o thes_n 2._o he_o do_v it_o with_o just_a the_o same_o description_n of_o it_o and_o of_o that_o eminent_a opposer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n just_a before_o his_o come_v as_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v set_v out_o in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o little_a horn_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n which_o therefore_o can_v no_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o greek_a monarchy_n that_o be_v pass_v and_o then_o by_o his_o appeal_n to_o their_o knowledge_n of_o what_o it_o be_v that_o do_v then_o withhold_v that_o enemy_n from_o appear_v he_o plain_o intimate_v that_o that_o antichrist_n must_v come_v after_o the_o time_n of_o that_o rule_v power_n of_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v then_o reign_v this_o also_o do_v show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o commonly-known_a thing_n among_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n or_o kingdom_n that_o be_v next_o before_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o then_o past_a as_o the_o greek_a empire_n be_v and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostolical_a time_n about_o the_o four_o beast_n in_o daniel_n all_o these_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v still_o further_o confirm_v by_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o antiquity_n about_o they_o whether_o the_o four_o book_n of_o esdras_n be_v of_o so_o ancient_a a_o date_n as_o the_o first_o century_n or_o no_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v write_v not_o long_o after_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v from_o st._n ambrose_n quotation_n of_o it_o in_o several_a place_n as_o a_o book_n of_o ancient_a tradition_n in_o his_o time_n as_o in_o epist_n ad_fw-la horontian_n 2._o ad_fw-la lucam_fw-la commentar_n and_o especial_o in_o libro_fw-la de_fw-fr bono_n mortis_fw-la where_o he_o question_n whether_o that_o esdras_n be_v not_o old_a than_o plato_n and_o the_o four_o book_n of_o esdras_n do_v plain_o determine_v the_o four_o beast_n in_o daniel_n to_o be_v the_o roman_a empire_n 2_o esdr_n 12._o 11._o where_o the_o roman_a eagle_n be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v see_v by_o daniel_n and_o call_v chap._n 11._o 39_o 40._o the_o last_o remainder_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n etc._n etc._n century_n ii_o it_o be_v easy_a now_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o consent_n of_o almost_o every_o one_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n in_o daniel_n to_o the_o roman_a empire_n from_o their_o agreement_n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n for_o they_o general_o understand_v that_o of_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n jesus_n into_o the_o world_n must_v make_v the_o four_o beast_n or_o kingdom_n that_o it_o be_v there_o describe_v to_o destroy_v to_o continue_v till_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o certain_o not_o possible_a to_o be_v the_o greek_a monarchy_n and_o then_o since_o it_o be_v as_o manifest_v that_o the_o first_o of_o those_o four_o beast_n be_v say_v to_o be_v nebuchadnezzar_n 2._o dan._n 2._o 44._o &_o 7._o 2._o kingdom_n or_o the_o babylonian_n the_o four_o from_o thence_o must_v at_o far_a be_v the_o roman_n but_o i_o will_v only_o pick_v out_o those_o among_o they_o that_o have_v mention_v something_o relate_v to_o this_o four_o beast_n together_o with_o that_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man._n justin_n martyr_n be_v the_o next_o considerable_a remainder_n of_o antiquity_n after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o
these_o new_a interpreter_n do_v still_o prejudice_v any_o that_o be_v otherwise_o curious_a against_o these_o kind_n of_o inquiry_n here_o be_v all_o this_o to_o make_v they_o very_o uneasy_a under_o it_o viz._n that_o they_o rely_v upon_o such_o for_o it_o as_o the_o best_a judge_n among_o those_o who_o cause_n they_o most_o befriend_v by_o it_o do_v impartial_o cry_v out_o against_o as_o man_n void_a of_o common_a sense_n for_o the_o ground_n that_o they_o go_v upon_o for_o it_o and_o that_o they_o prefer_v the_o judgement_n of_o these_o man_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o and_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a and_o the_o most_o impartial_a defender_n of_o it_o almost_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o also_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n beside_o i_o do_v moreover_o here_o pretend_v to_o lay_v a_o sure_a and_o deep_a foundation_n for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o protestant_a application_n than_o have_v yet_o be_v offer_v which_o may_v make_v my_o endeavour_n for_o it_o at_o least_o worth_a the_o examine_n and_o for_o the_o better_a apprehend_v of_o the_o force_n of_o all_o i_o will_v here_o give_v a_o general_a idea_n of_o my_o whole_a process_n in_o it_o the_o chief_a foundation_n of_o my_o design_n be_v the_o constant_a usage_n of_o figure_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n for_o there_o be_v this_o great_a advantage_n from_o daniel_n figure_n that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o original_a copy_n of_o that_o in_o the_o revelation_n and_o have_v also_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o like_a scheme_n and_o be_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o fulfil_v before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o learned_a end_n see_v consent_n of_o the_o ancient_n at_o the_o end_n of_o almost_o all_o party_n and_o age_n agree_v upon_o this_o make_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o scheme_n of_o daniel_n to_o be_v certain_o determine_v and_o to_o be_v so_o many_o data_fw-la and_o rule_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o like_a but_o less_o know_v phrase_n in_o the_o revelation_n i_o have_v therefore_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o figure_n of_o daniel_n in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o i_o hope_v may_v bear_v the_o most_o critical_a examination_n which_o be_v never_o before_o clear_o do_v but_o be_v the_o most_o requisite_a of_o any_o thing_n for_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v i_o have_v reduce_v all_o the_o kind_n of_o scheme_n signify_v dominion_n to_o certain_a and_o uniform_a definition_n which_o be_v a_o much_o large_a basis_n to_o establish_v the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o mystery_n upon_o and_o which_o i_o find_v much_o want_v in_o mr._n mede_n and_o dr._n more_o be_v method_n the_o prophetical_a term_n in_o the_o revelation_n do_v by_o this_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o apostle_n before_o and_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o to_o contain_v in_o they_o so_o large_a a_o space_n of_o time_n as_o determine_v their_o accomplishment_n to_o many_o age_n after_o his_o time_n which_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o prophecy_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o the_o second_o book_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o nice_o and_o attentive_o examine_v but_o to_o make_v the_o demonstration_n of_o this_o the_o more_o secure_a i_o think_v it_o most_o convenient_a to_o make_v use_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o undoubted_a and_o acknowledge_v thing_n about_o babylon_n and_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n which_o do_v the_o most_o open_o and_o unquestionable_o determine_v the_o scene_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o one_o certain_a empire_n whereby_o the_o four_o beast_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n which_o be_v prove_v necessary_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v more_o certain_o make_v know_v and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o mention_v more_o unavoidable_o confine_v in_o their_o particular_a signification_n this_o therefore_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v premise_v in_o the_o first_o book_n in_o the_o do_n of_o this_o i_o have_v another_o aim_n which_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v of_o very_o useful_a importance_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o mr._n mede_n syncronism_n that_o be_v that_o the_o term_n of_o the_o beast_n all_o over_o the_o revelation_n do_v denote_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a state_n of_o it_o the_o want_n of_o a_o close_a proof_n of_o which_o give_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o grotian_n interpretation_n to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o his_o demonstration_n by_o take_v that_o term_n in_o various_a acceptation_n dr._n moor_n have_v indeed_o take_v great_a pain_n for_o this_o purpose_n but_o i_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v till_o i_o find_v it_o more_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o that_o term_n to_o be_v everywhere_o but_o the_o same_o particular_a state_n than_o his_o eighteen_o congruity_n or_o likeness_n do_v seem_v to_o make_v it_o the_o three_o book_n do_v apply_v the_o general_a notion_n in_o the_o two_o former_a to_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v general_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v on_o my_o whole_a process_n upon_o principle_n common_a to_o all_o the_o several_a way_n of_o protestant_a interpreter_n and_o have_v therefore_o offer_v i_o own_o particular_a apprehension_n about_o the_o application_n and_o first_o date_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o beast_n by_o way_n of_o query_n only_o that_o i_o may_v lay_v the_o stress_n of_o the_o business_n upon_o a_o foundation_n large_a enough_o to_o fit_v almost_o all_o the_o different_a judgement_n of_o protestant_a interpreter_n and_o not_o venture_v it_o upon_o the_o narrow_a bottom_n of_o one_o particular_a man_n fancy_n and_o method_n and_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o no_o authority_n to_o confirm_v any_o thing_n of_o moment_n but_o the_o consent_n of_o papist_n themselves_o and_o their_o consent_n about_o almost_o all_o the_o proposition_n in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o book_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o design_n be_v a_o very_a great_a confirmation_n to_o i_o of_o the_o strength_n and_o certainty_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v but_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o the_o strange_a and_o violent_a heat_n that_o the_o study_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v general_o possess_v all_o man_n with_o that_o engage_v in_o it_o that_o i_o must_v desire_v that_o justice_n of_o the_o reader_n not_o to_o be_v deter_v from_o the_o perusal_n of_o this_o performance_n by_o the_o confident_a censure_n of_o any_o that_o may_v observe_v some_o small_a conclusion_n here_o not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n for_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o admire_a in_o other_o part_n of_o learning_n have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o gross_a in_o their_o confident_a mistake_v about_o these_o matter_n nothing_o indeed_o do_v make_v man_n so_o obnoxious_a to_o mistake_v here_o as_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o quickness_n of_o part_n and_o of_o assurance_n from_o great_a improvement_n in_o other_o way_n if_o i_o have_v at_o all_o succeed_v in_o this_o attempt_n i_o must_v whole_o attribute_v it_o under_o god_n assistance_n to_o the_o peculiar_a scepticalness_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o the_o continual_a distrust_n of_o my_o own_o apprehension_n and_o performance_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o fix_v upon_o scarce_o any_o thing_n before_o i_o have_v by_o often_o repeat_v correction_n of_o my_o first_o thought_n about_o it_o make_v it_o appear_v not_o only_o clear_a but_o necessary_a to_o i_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o revive_v the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o present_a age_n for_o the_o examination_n of_o this_o attempt_n to_o reflect_v but_o upon_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o it_o if_o perform_v my_o design_n design_n the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o design_n be_v to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o necessary_a proof_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o great_a enemy_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v much_o the_o business_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o one_o very_o great_a advantage_n of_o this_o will_v be_v that_o it_o will_v cut_v off_o many_o voluminous_a and_o intricate_a dispute_n which_o take_v up_o so_o much_o of_o the_o choice_a time_n of_o the_o best_a men._n if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v here_o so_o open_o expose_v the_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o that_o church_n almost_o every_o one_o of_o bellarmin_n note_n of_o his_o church_n ought_v without_o any_o dispute_n to_o be_v grant_v he_o nay_o if_o that_o alone_o be_v
of_o carthage_n after_o the_o time_n of_o these_o scruple_n of_o the_o antimillenarians_n and_o before_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v apply_v by_o protestant_n viz._n before_o the_o year_n 400_o do_v in_o its_o 47th_o canon_n ordain_v the_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n as_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o this_o provincial_a council_n be_v confirm_v to_o oblige_v the_o universal_a church_n both_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a by_o the_o six_o synod_n in_o trullo_n at_o constantinople_n can._n 2._o anno_fw-la 707._o but_o it_o be_v unquestionable_o a_o decree_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n where_o the_o apocalypse_n have_v alone_o be_v scruple_v but_o the_o most_o authentic_a evidence_n of_o this_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o four_o council_n of_o toledo_n when_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v any_o interest_n of_o the_o then_o rule_v party_n of_o the_o church_n to_o plead_v for_o the_o apocalypse_n but_o may_v possible_o enough_o endanger_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 640._o after_o the_o time_n that_o the_o protestant_n application_n of_o that_o book_n do_v general_o date_n the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o so_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o council_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o adversary_n to_o the_o general_n consent_v of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o tradition_n of_o this_o book_n the_o word_n of_o it_o be_v these_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o council_n and_o the_o synodical_a decree_n 640._o council_n toletan_n 4._o can._n 16._o about_o the_o year_n 640._o of_o the_o holy_a bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v determine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v among_o the_o book_n divine_o inspire_v and_o because_o there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o for_o authentic_a and_o scorn_v to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o any_o one_o for_o the_o future_a shall_v refuse_v to_o receive_v it_o or_o to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o mass_n from_o easter_n to_o whitsuntide_n he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o this_o it_o do_v appear_v how_o the_o apocalypse_n come_v to_o lose_v its_o authenticalness_n among_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v it_o seem_v so_o disuse_v in_o the_o church_n that_o it_o pass_v for_o a_o useless_a book_n the_o interpretation_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o be_v either_o so_o fanciful_a or_o so_o little_a concern_v the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v neglect_v that_o it_o pass_v among_o they_o for_o a_o kind_n of_o book_n of_o dream_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o concern_v and_o which_o none_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o and_o this_o can_v much_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o little_a regard_n be_v have_v to_o these_o revelation_n even_o in_o these_o day_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v by_o the_o best_a learned_a among_o we_o judge_v to_o belong_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n for_o the_o church_n to_o know_v but_o as_o for_o that_o suggestion_n that_o cerinthus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n which_o be_v always_o the_o most_o current_a ground_n among_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o there_o be_v assurance_n enough_o of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o out_o of_o irenaeus_n for_o he_o be_v the_o scholar_n of_o polycarp_n who_o be_v the_o disciple_n and_o companion_n of_o st._n john_n to_o who_o irenaeus_n everywhere_o attribute_n 18._o euseb_n l._n 5._o eccles_n histor_n c._n 18._o the_o apocalypse_n and_o write_v against_o cerinthus_n and_o report_n from_o polycarp_n the_o great_a detestation_n that_o st._n john_n have_v against_o cerinthus_n and_o how_o absurd_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o irenaeus_n after_o so_o diligent_a so_o long_o and_o familiar_a a_o conversation_n with_o polycarp_n the_o companion_n of_o st._n john_n as_o he_o particular_o mention_n of_o himself_o shall_v make_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o author_n 3._o lib._n 3._o contra_fw-la haeres_fw-la cap._n 3._o of_o a_o book_n which_o be_v real_o write_v by_o his_o worst_a adversary_n to_o propagate_v his_o error_n whatever_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o prophecy_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o book_n of_o scripture_n have_v have_v a_o more_o express_a and_o unexceptionable_a tradition_n of_o its_o apostolical_a authority_n since_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o learned_a martyr_n soon_o after_o the_o write_n of_o it_o who_o also_o have_v search_v into_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o it_o and_o be_v confirm_v in_o it_o by_o those_o who_o be_v conversant_a with_o the_o apostle_n himself_o that_o write_v it_o and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a time_n that_o it_o be_v scruple_v it_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v authentical_a by_o all_o the_o eminently-learned_n father_n of_o those_o day_n and_o that_o after_o the_o time_n that_o it_o have_v be_v scruple_v it_o be_v own_v by_o the_o general_n consent_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o premise_v for_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v altogether_o sceptical_a in_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o these_o interpretation_n but_o the_o romanist_n who_o whole_a concern_v it_o be_v to_o make_v every_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_a dubious_a do_v agree_v with_o all_o other_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o time_n about_o the_o unquestionableness_n of_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o now_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o concern_v to_o inquire_v with_o diligence_n after_o the_o best_a understanding_n that_o we_o can_v get_v of_o this_o prophecy_n when_o we_o consider_v what_o press_v motive_n there_o be_v to_o it_o more_o in_o this_o book_n than_o in_o any_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n beside_o in_o the_o beginning_n blessed_n be_v he_o that_o read_v 9_o rev._n 1._o 3._o &_o 13._o 9_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o again_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o revelation_n that_o god_n give_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n to_o show_v 1._o chap._n 1._o 1._o unto_o his_o servant_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v add_v to_o or_o take_v 19_o chap._n 22._o 18_o 19_o from_o the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n above_o any_o other_o shall_v have_v the_o plague_n of_o god_n add_v to_o he_o or_o his_o part_n of_o eternal_a life_n take_v away_o the_o first_o book_n the_o uniform_a constant_a notion_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o beast_n all_o over_o the_o revelation_n chap._n i._n the_o ground_n of_o the_o method_n here_o use_v the_o first_o proposition_n that_o babylon_n be_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o antichristian_a and_o idolatrous_a reign_n scruple_n move_v against_o it_o the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o from_o the_o text_n confirm_v by_o general_a consent_n none_o can_v be_v more_o dispose_v to_o the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o study_n of_o the_o revelation_n than_o i_o be_v at_o the_o time_n that_o i_o first_o engage_v in_o those_o thing_n i_o have_v till_o then_o be_v so_o almost_o whole_o confine_v to_o such_o inquiry_n as_o be_v the_o close_a exercise_n of_o ratiocination_n upon_o clear_a and_o sure_a ground_n that_o i_o be_v come_v to_o have_v a_o natural_a aversion_n against_o all_o such_o loose_a conjecture_n as_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o vision_n be_v general_o repute_v to_o be_v but_o mr._n mede_n synchronism_n and_o his_o offer_n at_o demonstration_n in_o they_o which_o i_o light_v on_o by_o chance_v some_o year_n since_o in_o a_o solitary_a retirement_n do_v tempt_v my_o curiosity_n to_o inquire_v what_o can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o confidence_n in_o one_o of_o so_o know_v a_o character_n for_o a_o cautious_a and_o imparial_a judgement_n in_o scriptural_a xvii_o rev._n xvii_o exposition_n at_o the_o first_o cursory_a view_n of_o his_o performance_n i_o be_v extreme_o surprise_v to_o see_v such_o fair_a ground_n of_o a_o clear_a explication_n about_o so_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a a_o subject_a and_o though_o upon_o a_o more_o critical_a examination_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o they_o i_o find_v most_o of_o his_o synchronism_n far_o short_a of_o a_o close_a and_o cogent_a proof_n in_o they_o yet_o i_o can_v not_o but_o think_v that_o the_o subject_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o more_o certain_a determination_n to_o the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o aim_v at_o i_o do_v thereupon_o set_v myself_o upon_o a_o particular_a search_n after_o a_o close_a demonstration_n of_o that_o application_n that_o he_o have_v make_v
beast_n here_o be_v represent_v as_o consist_v of_o these_o kingdom_n as_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n which_o if_o it_o have_v any_o reference_n to_o the_o roman_a state_n at_o the_o particular_a rise_n of_o the_o beast_n with_o justinian_n must_v signify_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v that_o particular_a roman_a power_n which_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o greece_n babylon_n and_o persia_n or_o that_o part_n of_o asia_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o babylonian_n and_o persian_n and_o then_o it_o do_v very_o clear_o signify_v that_o the_o rise_v of_o the_o beast_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o eastern_a empire_n to_o the_o government_n of_o rome_n and_o do_v not_o that_o suit_n well_o enough_o with_o justinian_n conquest_n of_o italy_n this_o will_v tempt_v one_o to_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o this_o be_v design_v as_o a_o very_a plain_a character_n to_o know_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o beast_n by_o since_o there_o be_v no_o such_o mention_n of_o any_o of_o the_o part_n of_o these_o beast_n in_o the_o dragon_n in_o the_o chapter_n just_o before_o which_o yet_o be_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o figure_n with_o this_o and_o be_v know_v to_o signify_v the_o roman_a 12._o chap._n 12._o state_n a_o long_a time_n after_o that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o possession_n of_o greece_n and_o asia_n and_o one_o will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o judge_v that_o what_o be_v represent_v as_o particular_a to_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o 13_o chapter_n and_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o dragon_n which_o yet_o be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o roman_a empire_n must_v be_v add_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o distinction_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o if_o other_o will_v have_v this_o mark_n of_o the_o three_o beast_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o beast_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o roman_a conquest_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o greek_a monarchy_n it_o will_v not_o prejudice_v my_o opinion_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o as_o this_o beast_n do_v signify_v the_o particular_a state_n of_o it_o under_o its_o last_o rule_v head_n so_o this_o character_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o do_v most_o exact_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o i_o make_v to_o be_v the_o last_o rule_v head_n at_o its_o first_o rise_n in_o distinction_n to_o all_o other_o state_n of_o the_o beast_n the_o rise_n of_o the_o beast_n out_o of_o the_o sea_n be_v know_v to_o signify_v that_o it_o 1._o rev._n 13._o 1._o shall_v arise_v out_o of_o great_a commotion_n and_o by_o great_a war_n and_o tumult_n for_o so_o be_v many_o water_n interpret_v by_o the_o angel_n himself_o to_o signify_v in_o this_o prophecy_n chap._n 17._o 15._o multitude_n and_o peoples_n 8._o isa_n 8._o 7._o &_o 17._o 12._o jer._n 46._o 8._o and_o tongue_n and_o nation_n which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o water_n in_o the_o sea_n do_v determine_v it_o to_o signify_v great_a commotion_n of_o those_o multitude_n and_o nation_n and_o certain_o this_o do_v very_o well_o suit_n with_o that_o strange_a bustle_n which_o justinian_n make_v in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o war_n with_o the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n and_o persian_n and_o with_o his_o conquest_n of_o those_o people_n at_o his_o take_a possession_n of_o the_o western_a empire_n the_o ascend_v of_o the_o beast_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n rev._n 17._o 8._o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v usual_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o abyss_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o word_n here_o use_v for_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n i_o can_v never_o meet_v with_o any_o satisfactory_a account_n from_o any_o other_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o date_n of_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o the_o beast_n why_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o its_o continuance_n both_o in_o daniel_n 14._o dan._n 7._o 25._o rev._n 13._o 5._o &_o chap._n 12._o 14._o and_o the_o revelation_n shall_v be_v express_v by_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a a_o time_n or_o 4â—_n month_n which_o be_v the_o same_o coral_n 2._o prop._n 24._o for_o one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o year_n that_o alcasar_n notat_fw-la 4._o ad_fw-la v._o 2._o cap._n 11._o all_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v set_v out_o by_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a refer_v to_o a_o week_n and_o on_o chap._n 12._o we_o have_v see_v that_o by_o 1260_o day_n be_v signify_v three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a according_a to_o the_o grecian_a and_o jewish_a account_n we_o have_v also_o there_o see_v that_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a be_v to_o be_v take_v mystical_o and_o that_o by_o it_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o a_o week_n of_o seven_o year_n the_o three_o and_o a_o half_a in_o that_o expression_n must_v have_v a_o reference_n to_o some_o seven_o as_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o it_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a be_v in_o itself_o so_o precise_a and_o unusual_a a_o determination_n of_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o whole_a number_n seven_o so_o common_o use_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o signify_v the_o whole_a of_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n that_o it_o must_v be_v think_v to_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o be_v here_o refer_v to_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o number_n seven_o be_v very_o frequent_o in_o use_n all_o over_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n alcazar_n have_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o there_o no_o less_o than_o forty_o time_n epist_n dedicat._n comment_fw-fr in_o apocalyp_n the_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a of_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o these_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a be_v say_v to_o allude_v be_v also_o in_o the_o 9th_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n last_o verse_n make_v to_o be_v a_o reference_n to_o half_a a_o week_n of_o year_n with_o this_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o other_o two_o famous_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v everywhere_o make_v the_o scheme_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o first_o about_o the_o 70_o year_n captivity_n by_o jeremiah_n and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o 70_o week_n captivity_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v mention_v with_o the_o former_a in_o the_o 9th_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n they_o both_o have_v the_o number_n seven_o for_o their_o denominator_fw-la and_o common_a measure_n and_o from_o jacob_n seven_o year_n service_n for_o 2._o gen._n 29._o &_o chap._n 21._o 2._o leah_n and_o rachel_n and_o from_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o hebrew_n servant_n at_o the_o end_n of_o seven_o year_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o space_n of_o seven_o year_n be_v the_o know_a space_n of_o time_n for_o servitude_n among_o the_o jew_n where_o the_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v and_o the_o seven_o year_n that_o we_o be_v now_o inquire_v after_o to_o fix_v the_o half_a of_o they_o to_o must_v be_v some_o seven_o year_n of_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o church_n though_o with_o some_o lightsome_a interval_n as_o this_o do_v make_v it_o very_o likely_a that_o the_o time_n time_n and_o a_o half_a of_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o little_a horn_n or_o beast_n over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v certain_o refer_v to_o some_o whole_a number_n of_o seven_o time_n so_o be_v it_o now_o worth_a the_o inquire_n to_o what_o particular_a seven_o prophetical_a time_n they_o be_v refer_v this_o difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v find_v myself_o determine_v to_o by_o the_o prophecy_n be_v easy_o resolve_v for_o if_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v at_o justinian_n conquest_n of_o italy_n the_o time_n time_n and_o half_a of_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o revelation_n and_o little_a horn_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o daniel_n be_v just_a as_o long_o a_o space_n of_o time_n as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o assyrian_n who_o be_v much_o the_o same_o 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etc._n be_v by_o the_o imperial_a authority_n the_o church-rights_a be_v still_o indeed_o preserve_v for_o a_o while_n in_o election_n church-goods_a etc._n etc._n but_o the_o whole_a external_n government_n of_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o the_o imperial_a authority_n in_o almost_o as_o absolute_a a_o manner_n as_o the_o civil_a government_n canon_n government_n council_n milevitan_n see_v note_n c_o of_o this_o chapter_n &_o ibid._n canon_n 17._o they_o desire_v a_o imperial_a law_n to_o enforce_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n upon_o contemner_n the_o emperor_n marcian_n in_o action_n 6._o council_n chalcedon_n after_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n by_o the_o holy_a synod_n we_o have_v think_v it_o just_a and_o expedient_a to_o take_v away_o all_o dispute_n and_o contention_n about_o it_o for_o the_o future_a and_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n where_o he_o proceed_v to_o the_o inflict_a punishment_n upon_o the_o several_a offender_n against_o the_o canon_n they_o 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whatever_o principis_fw-la c._n de_fw-fr offic._n principis_fw-la the_o prince_n declare_v to_o be_v his_o pleasure_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n upon_o which_o it_o follow_v wherefore_o whatever_o the_o emperor_n do_v appoint_v by_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o decree_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n or_o do_v public_o declare_v by_o word_n or_o do_v command_v by_o edict_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o law_n where_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o act_n of_o council_n become_v law_n of_o the_o empire_n only_o by_o the_o emperor_n will_n in_o council_n and_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o to_o enforce_v they_o upon_o those_o who_o will_v dissent_v from_o the_o council_n as_o erroneous_a 16._o erroneous_a sozomen_n l._n 3._o c._n 10._o by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o two_o emperor_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o each_o party_n shall_v meet_v at_o a_o set_a day_n at_o sardica_n a_o city_n of_o illiricum_n the_o synodical_a epistle_n of_o that_o council_n say_v the_o same_o so_o also_o balsamon_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o that_o council_n and_o socrat._v l._n 2._o c._n 16._o before_o the_o emperor_n command_n for_o it_o we_o do_v according_o see_v what_o effect_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o imperial_a authority_n have_v upon_o the_o council_n themselves_o for_o all_o the_o council_n assemble_v under_o arrian_n emperor_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o the_o emperor_n that_o call_v they_o and_o if_o some_o shall_v think_v that_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o must_v then_o allow_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v real_o arrian_n and_o sincere_o orthodox_n within_o the_o space_n of_o less_o than_o thirty_o year_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o arrian_n council_n of_o ariminum_n be_v more_o than_o twice_o as_o numerous_a as_o the_o big_a general_n council_n beside_o the_o council_n indeed_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o the_o emperor_n that_o call_v they_o and_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o observe_n how_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n divide_v at_o the_o sardican_a council_n about_o the_o business_n of_o athanasius_n according_a to_o the_o different_a mind_n bishop_n mind_n see_v note_n c_o and_o f_o of_o this_o chapter_n constantine_n universal_a bishop_n of_o constantius_n and_o constans_n who_o send_v they_o thither_o by_o this_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o imperial_a authority_n do_v from_o its_o first_o own_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n look_v so_o big_a in_o the_o church_n that_o those_o of_o the_o high_a character_n in_o it_o do_v bow_v down_o to_o its_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o when_o withal_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v under_o this_o roman_a government_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o proper_a appellative_a of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o roman_a church_n because_o roman_a and_o catholic_n be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v roman_a and_o the_o principle_n of_o political_a unity_n among_o they_o all_o which_o make_v they_o one_o body_n and_o one_o church_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n be_v their_o own_v the_o roman_a emperor_n with_o his_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n or_o general_a council_n for_o their_o supreme_a ruler_n and_o governor_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o imperial_a power_n be_v the_o supreme_a authority_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n general_a council_n be_v but_o his_o senate_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o the_o wrong_n it_o be_v his_o consent_n that_o give_v they_o their_o 19_o their_o baronius_n anno_fw-la 418._o about_o the_o schism_n of_o boniface_n and_o eulalius_n for_o the_o papacy_n symmachus_n governor_n of_o the_o city_n write_v to_o the_o emperor_n honorius_n because_o it_o belong_v to_o your_o piety_n to_o determine_v it_o i_o think_v i_o ought_v forthwith_o to_o consult_v your_o majesty_n about_o it_o thereupon_o honorius_n write_v back_o we_o command_v by_o our_o positive_a order_n that_o boniface_n do_v forthwith_o leave_v the_o place_n and_o obey_v the_o celestial_a command_n that_o be_v the_o imperial_a order_n idem_fw-la anno_fw-la 419._o which_o be_v obey_v so_o be_v it_o ordain_v by_o athalaricus_n king_n of_o italy_n after_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o western_a empire_n that_o in_o case_n of_o wrong_n the_o clergy_n shall_v appeal_v to_o the_o secular_a court_n cassiodor_n variar_n l._n 8._o ep._n 24._o &_o l._n 9_o ep._n 15._o so_o also_o do_v justinian_n novel_a 123._o command_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o execute_v a_o order_n of_o his_o jubemus_fw-la episcopum_fw-la romanum_fw-la see_v dr._n barrow_n supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n from_o page_n 324_o to_o 372._o instance_n of_o emperor_n appeal_v to_o in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n pope_n not_o intermeddle_v the_o donatist_n appeal_v from_o the_o council_n of_o arles_n to_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n after_o two_o council_n appoint_v by_o he_o to_o decide_v the_o difference_n who_o do_v thereupon_o assign_v they_o to_o meet_v at_o the_o council_n of_o milan_n s._n augustin_n contra_fw-la crescon_n l._n 3._o c._n 71._o and_o ep._n 162._o &_o 68_o and_o flavian_n bishop_n of_o constantinople_n be_v beat_v and_o banish_v for_o appeal_n to_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o synod_n at_o ephesus_n petau._n ratio_fw-la temp._n part_n 1._o l._n 6._o c._n 19_o actual_a force_n for_o a_o general_a outward_a compliance_n and_o without_o this_o imperial_a assent_n we_o find_v scarce_o any_o symbol_n of_o faith_n or_o canon_n of_o discipline_n public_o or_o universal_o enjoin_v after_o the_o emperor_n be_v become_v christian_n but_o after_o the_o decree_n of_o either_o of_o those_o kind_n be_v conclude_v upon_o in_o council_n it_o be_v the_o emperor_n sanction_n and_o edict_n that_o give_v they_o the_o effectual_a force_n of_o a_o law_n to_o the_o