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whereby_o he_o intimate_v that_o the_o interpretation_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o deliver_v be_v so_o order_v that_o none_o but_o a_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a man_n can_v apprehend_v it_o then_o beginning_n to_o declare_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n whereon_o the_o woman_n sit_v he_o say_v that_o the_o seven_o head_n be_v both_o seven_o mountain_n whereon_o the_o woman_n sit_v which_o description_n the_o wise_a and_o learned_a know_v denote_v rome_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o seven_o mountain_n and_o also_o seven_o king_n so_o the_o roman_a emperor_n be_v elsewhere_o style_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o jew_n john_n 19.15_o say_v we_o have_v no_o king_n but_o caesar_n and_o that_o he_o here_o mean_v roman_a king_n or_o emperor_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o they_o be_v couple_v with_o the_o seven_o mountain_n of_o rome_n and_o represent_v as_o they_o before_o have_v be_v by_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n of_o which_o king_n five_a namely_o claudius_n nero_n galba_n otho_n vitellius_n be_v fall_v that_o be_v be_v take_v away_o by_o a_o violent_a death_n thus_o david_n 2_o sam._n 4_o 38._o say_v to_o the_o israelite_n concern_v abner_n who_o joab_n have_v slay_v know_v you_o not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o great_a man_n fall_v this_o day_n in_o israel_n and_o god_n say_v to_o the_o murmur_a israelite_n against_o who_o his_o hand_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o destroy_v they_o from_o among_o the_o host_n until_o they_o be_v consume_v as_o for_o you_o your_o carcase_n shall_v fall_v in_o this_o wilderness_n number_n 14.32_o but_o one_o be_v namely_o vespasian_n the_o other_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o when_o he_o come_v he_o must_v continue_v but_o a_o little_a while_n that_o be_v titus_n the_o elder_a son_n of_o vespasian_n who_o reign_v after_o his_o father_n continue_v but_o two_o year_n two_o month_n and_o twenty_o day_n as_o suetonius_n in_o his_o life_n witness_v and_o the_o beast_n that_o be_v and_o be_v not_o even_o he_o be_v the_o eight_o and_o be_v of_o the_o seven_o and_o go_v into_o perdition_n this_o be_v mean_v of_o domitian_n the_o young_a son_n of_o vespasian_n who_o be_v the_o eight_o king_n or_o emperor_n from_o claudius_n if_o you_o consider_v he_o as_o reign_v after_o the_o death_n of_o his_o father_n and_o his_o elder_a brother_n but_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o reign_v in_o the_o absence_n of_o his_o father_n who_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v out_o of_o the_o eastern_a part_n unto_o rome_n to_o manage_v the_o empire_n he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o king_n from_o claudius_n namely_o the_o six_o for_o that_o domitian_n after_o the_o death_n of_o vitellius_n the_o emperor_n do_v in_o the_o absence_n of_o his_o father_n reign_v at_o rome_n as_o emperor_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o word_n of_o tacitus_n hist_o lib._n 3._o cap._n ult_n domitianum_fw-la postquam_fw-la nihil_fw-la hostile_a metuebatur_fw-la ad_fw-la deuce_n partium_fw-la progressum_fw-la &_o caesarem_fw-la consalutatum_fw-la mile_n frequens_fw-la utque_fw-la erat_fw-la in_o armis_fw-la in_fw-la paternos_fw-la penates_fw-la deduxit_fw-la that_o be_v domitian_n when_o no_o further_a hostility_n be_v fear_v present_v himself_o to_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o party_n and_o be_v salute_v cesar_n that_o be_v emperor_n for_o this_o be_v the_o title_n of_o all_o the_o roman_a emperor_n after_o julius_n cesar_n be_v bring_v by_o the_o soldiery_n in_o their_o arm_n to_o his_o father_n house_n and_o lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o nomen_fw-la sedemque_fw-la caesaris_fw-la domitianus_n acceperat_fw-la that_o be_v domitian_n have_v assume_v to_o himself_o both_o the_o title_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o cesar_n ib._n cap._n 4._o ipsi_fw-la consulatus_fw-la cum_fw-la tito_n filio_fw-la proetura_fw-la
so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o divine_a by_o way_n of_o excellency_n for_o so_o john_n of_o right_n be_v style_v as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o deserve_v a_o rank_n among_o sober_a writer_n neither_o be_o i_o a_o little_a trouble_v when_o i_o see_v man_n thus_o to_o dally_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o no_o fit_a a_o subject_n whereon_o to_o vent_v their_o folly_n than_o this_o incomparable_a prophecy_n i_o have_v the_o more_o large_o insist_v upon_o the_o history_n of_o the_o two_o witness_n because_o of_o the_o frequent_a injury_n offer_v to_o that_o part_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o revelation_n for_o if_o some_o christian_a state_n or_o potentate_n crush_v any_o party_n whatsoever_o pretend_v to_o religion_n or_o some_o eminent_a person_n of_o the_o same_o than_o it_o be_v present_o give_v out_o by_o the_o favourer_n of_o that_o party_n that_o now_o the_o the_o beast_n be_v rise_v have_v slay_v the_o witness_n thus_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v give_v to_o a_o far_o better_a purpose_n must_v interess_n itself_o in_o our_o private_a quarrel_n and_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v as_o we_o stand_v affect_v but_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v here_o object_v that_o i_o who_o be_o so_o ready_a to_o observe_v the_o strange_a gloss_n that_o other_o man_n impose_v on_o the_o history_n of_o the_o two_o witness_n seem_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o take_v notice_n how_o uncouth_a my_o own_o opinion_n be_v concern_v the_o beast_n that_o slay_v they_o while_o i_o hold_v he_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o shall_v arise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o reign_v before_o he_o embru_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o say_a witness_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o my_o tenet_n be_v strange_a as_o to_o the_o apprehension_n that_o man_n general_o have_v touch_v the_o beast_n yet_o be_v it_o very_o facile_a and_o obvious_a if_o you_o respect_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o for_o see_v the_o angel_n explain_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o beast_n chap._n 17.9_o 10_o 11._o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n when_o john_n say_v of_o the_o two_o witness_n chap._n 11.7_o that_o the_o beast_n which_o ascend_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n shall_v slay_v they_o what_o other_o sense_n can_v rational_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o word_n than_o that_o the_o king_n which_o be_v decipher_v by_o the_o beast_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a shall_v kill_v the_o witness_n and_o into_o what_o absurdity_n must_v he_o plunge_v himself_o that_o go_v about_o to_o fasten_v another_o meaning_n on_o the_o place_n but_o of_o this_o matter_n i_o discourse_n at_o large_a in_o the_o ensue_a exposition_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n therein_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o exotic_a interpretation_n that_o be_v usual_o force_v upon_o the_o reve_n ation_n i_o will_v now_o open_v the_o original_a cause_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v reduce_v they_o to_o three_o head_n namely_o that_o man_n think_v the_o whole_a book_n to_o be_v a_o allegory_n and_o to_o contain_v a_o prediction_n of_o that_o which_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o have_v for_o its_o principal_a scope_n the_o discovery_n of_o antichrist_n to_o the_o first_o of_o which_o three_o particular_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o revelation_n can_v be_v a_o mere_a allegory_n see_v it_o be_v fraught_v with_o evangelical_n precept_n promise_n and_o threat_n and_o also_o with_o sundry_a clear_a and_o evident_a passage_n touch_v the_o exaltation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o christ_n the_o universal_a judgement_n and_o the_o glorification_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o last_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o all_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o less_o than_o three_o time_n confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n partly_o of_o angel_n and_o partly_o of_o god_n himself_o which_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o say_n record_v concern_v the_o same_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a which_o as_o i_o afterward_o evince_v in_o my_o exposition_n be_v no_o other_o than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v they_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o plain_a and_o to_o be_v take_v as_o the_o word_n sound_v to_o the_o second_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v presumption_n for_o we_o to_o devise_v with_o ourselves_o how_o much_o it_o be_v meet_v for_o god_n to_o discover_v touch_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o so_o to_o change_v day_n into_o year_n and_o year_n into_o age_n and_o particular_a man_n into_o a_o succession_n of_o man_n continue_v throughout_o many_o generation_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o interpreter_n to_o do_v we_o ought_v rather_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o what_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o plain_a doctrine_n thereof_o as_o know_v that_o if_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o foretell_v but_o one_o remarkable_a event_n which_o be_v to_o happen_v in_o all_o the_o intermediate_v space_n between_o the_o pen_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o great_a favour_n and_o which_o we_o can_v not_o have_v require_v of_o he_o how_o much_o more_o than_o do_v it_o become_v we_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v and_o thank_v almighty_a god_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v so_o many_o choice_a secret_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o book_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o future_a time_n whosever_fw-fr therefore_o shall_v consider_v well_o the_o six_o chapter_n where_o the_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o happen_v after_o the_o day_n of_o domitian_n who_o tyranny_n have_v be_v hint_v chap._n 3.10_o do_v begin_v and_o compare_v it_o with_o history_n shall_v find_v that_o it_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o constantine_n the_o great_a likewise_o the_o thing_n foretell_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o nineteenth_o be_v all_o save_o somewhat_o that_o shall_v happen_v before_o the_o death_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n of_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n to_o be_v accomplish_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v a_o touch_n in_o the_o follow_a exposition_n so_o that_o from_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n unto_o the_o age_n aforesaid_a be_v a_o vast_a gap_n without_o the_o intimation_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o shall_v intervene_v to_o the_o three_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o john_n in_o pen_v the_o revelation_n have_v intend_v to_o detect_v antichrist_n he_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v name_v he_o else_o how_o can_v he_o expect_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o fathom_n his_o meaning_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n which_o reason_n be_v the_o more_o forceible_a in_o that_o we_o see_v he_o so_o frequent_o make_v mention_n of_o antichrist_n in_o his_o epistle_n and_o will_v there_o think_v you_o have_v be_v so_o deep_a silence_n concern_v he_o throughout_o the_o revelation_n have_v john_n there_o design_v to_o paint_v he_o out_o more_o full_o than_o before_o but_o as_o man_n have_v be_v too_o quick_a sight_v in_o spy_v antichrist_n where_o he_o be_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v find_v so_o have_v they_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_o purblind_a when_o they_o come_v to_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o open_a view_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v at_o length_n attain_v to_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o antichrist_n let_v we_o mark_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o john_n do_v not_o by_o antichrist_n intend_v any_o particular_a person_n but_o many_o deceiver_n to_o which_o purpose_n let_v we_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v 1_o epistle_n 4.3_o 4._o this_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n whereof_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v and_o even_o now_o already_o be_v it_o in_o the_o world_n you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n and_o have_v overcome_v they_o the_o word_n they_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v by_o examine_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n have_v no_o other_o antecedent_n but_o antichrist_n and_o therefore_o no_o single_a person_n be_v mean_v by_o he_o but_o if_o this_o allegation_n shall_v seem_v to_o any_o one_o to_o carry_v some_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n with_o it_o the_o seven_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n will_v soon_o remove_v all_o scruple_n and_o clear_o prove_v our_o assertion_n for_o it_o be_v there_o say_v many_o deceiver_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v the_o deceiver_n so_o the_o greek_a have_v it_o
and_o the_o antichrist_n in_o the_o next_o place_n see_v it_o be_v now_o manifest_a that_o by_o the_o antichrist_n many_o deceiver_n be_v understand_v let_v we_o search_v out_o what_o manner_n of_o deceiver_n they_o must_v be_v to_o who_o this_o appellation_n agree_v if_o we_o consult_v with_o interpreter_n and_o observe_v how_o various_o they_o define_v the_o antichrist_n we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n concern_v that_o which_o we_o seek_v after_o only_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o so_o order_v the_o business_n as_o that_o if_o they_o have_v a_o spite_n against_o any_o man_n upon_o a_o religious_a account_n they_o can_v transform_v he_o into_o antichrist_n at_o their_o pleasure_n wherefore_o leave_v they_o let_v we_o betake_v ourselves_o again_o to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o truth_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o see_v how_o it_o define_v antichrist_n john_n the_o only_a sacred_a writer_n that_o be_v to_o guide_v we_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o particular_n describe_v antichrist_n chap._n 2._o of_o this_o first_o epistle_n verse_n 22._o do_v if_o his_o word_n be_v exact_o render_v according_a to_o the_o greek_a speak_v thus_o who_o be_v the_o liar_n but_o he_o that_o deni_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o antichrist_n that_o deni_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o chap_n 4.3_o he_o say_v thus_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o epist_n 2.7_o which_o place_n be_v before_o quote_v to_o another_o purpose_n he_o say_v many_o deceiver_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v the_o deceiver_n and_o the_o antichrist_n from_o which_o testimony_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o only_o he_o who_o deni_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v a_o antichrist_n what_o peevishness_n be_v it_o then_o that_o they_o who_o make_v the_o same_o confession_n touch_v christ_n and_o his_o come_n in_o the_o flesh_n shall_v upon_o some_o other_o difference_n about_o religion_n reproachful_o term_v one_o another_o antichristian_o and_o how_o contrary_a be_v this_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o all_o shall_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o word_n and_o action_n these_o thing_n be_v unfold_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o perceive_v my_o design_n in_o write_v this_o essay_n which_o be_v to_o enure_v man_n more_o close_o to_o follow_v the_o text_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o in_o other_o part_n thereof_o so_o especial_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n where_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v loose_a and_o exorbitant_a in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n as_o if_o they_o strive_v who_o shall_v depart_v further_a off_o from_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o that_o prophecy_n for_o bear_v in_o mind_n continual_o that_o rule_n of_o interpret_n which_o all_o that_o be_v of_o a_o sound_a judgement_n ready_o admit_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o recede_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o sacred_a text_n without_o evident_a necessity_n which_o be_v when_o the_o literal_a interpretation_n be_v repugnant_a either_o to_o our_o sense_n or_o to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n or_o to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o plain_a text_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o have_v as_o i_o persuade_v myself_o give_v a_o sound_a and_o clear_a exposition_n of_o this_o difficult_a prophecy_n than_o be_v common_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o i_o have_v also_o with_o the_o same_o labour_n cut_v off_o all_o those_o force_v and_o faction_n application_n of_o thing_n mention_v in_o the_o say_a book_n to_o the_o pope_n which_o too_o just_o render_v the_o reform_a religion_n suspect_v to_o papist_n who_o be_v apt_a enough_o to_o think_v that_o such_o violent_a wrest_n of_o the_o revelation_n to_o disparage_v they_o precee_v from_o a_o want_n of_o solid_a argument_n to_o confute_v their_o doctrine_n for_o i_o own_o part_n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o do_v abominate_a all_o popish_a superstition_n more_o than_o myself_o nor_o be_v at_o a_o wide_a distance_n from_o they_o yet_o do_v not_o the_o detestation_n of_o they_o so_o transport_v i_o as_o that_o i_o be_o thereby_o induce_v to_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v render_v papist_n more_o odious_a for_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proceed_v be_v wont_a to_o work_v a_o contrary_a effect_n cause_v man_n when_o they_o once_o perceive_v the_o papist_n to_o be_v so_o palpable_o wrong_v to_o imagine_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v whole_o true_a and_o harmless_a otherwise_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o so_o far_o fetch_v allegation_n to_o disgrace_v they_o i_o have_v further_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o find_v among_o we_o any_o man_n of_o unsound_a principle_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o present_o call_v in_o the_o revelation_n to_o his_o aid_n torture_v the_o rare_a mystery_n thereof_o to_o get_v something_o out_o of_o they_o that_o may_v give_v a_o colour_n to_o his_o absurdity_n wherefore_o i_o make_v this_o account_n with_o myself_o that_o by_o open_v away_o to_o the_o plain_a and_o genuine_a understanding_n of_o that_o book_n i_o may_v possible_o give_v a_o check_n to_o such_o groundless_a fancy_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o pester_v the_o world_n without_o control_n in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o desire_v therefore_o all_o that_o shall_v light_v on_o this_o essay_n to_o peruse_v it_o with_o patience_n and_o not_o pass_v sentence_n thereon_o until_o they_o have_v read_v it_o quite_o through_o and_o well_o consider_v the_o connexion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o and_o the_o congruity_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v both_o with_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o if_o they_o perceive_v the_o worth_n and_o sovereign_a use_n of_o the_o many_o secret_n therein_o discover_v let_v they_o give_v the_o whole_a glory_n of_o they_o unto_o god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n both_o of_o that_o wherewith_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o of_o that_o wherewith_o the_o sound_a interpreter_n of_o the_o same_o be_v enlighten_v reader_n forasmuch_o as_o here_o remain_v a_o empty_a page_n and_o some_o few_o fault_n escape_v in_o the_o print_n of_o this_o book_n i_o have_v thought_n sit_v here_o to_o insert_v they_o that_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o beginning_n the_o book_n may_v be_v run_v over_o without_o any_o rub_n in_o the_o way_n errata_fw-la pag._n 2._o for_o be_v r._n be_v pag._n 14._o l._n 9_o for_o then_o r._n they_o pag._n 37_o l._n 21._o for_o not_o be_v r._n be_v not_o a_o essay_n to_o the_o explain_n of_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 13._o verse_n 1._o and_o i_o stand_v upon_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o see_v a_o beast_n rise_v up_o out_o of_o the_o sea_n have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n and_o upon_o his_o horn_n ten_o crown_n and_o upon_o his_o head_n the_o name_n of_o blasphemy_n the_o exposition_n by_o the_o beast_n here_o mention_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v a_o man_n according_a to_o the_o exposition_n of_o john_n himself_o who_o say_v in_o the_o 18._o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n here_o be_v wisdom_n let_v he_o that_o have_v understanding_n count_v the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o it_o be_v the_o number_n of_o a_o man._n for_o if_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v the_o number_n of_o a_o man_n by_o the_o beast_n must_v needs_o be_v mean_v a_o man_n otherwise_o his_o number_n will_v be_v the_o number_n of_o something_o else_o and_o not_o of_o a_o man._n again_o the_o beast_n signify_v such_o a_o man_n as_o shall_v be_v also_o a_o king_n and_o that_o a_o universal_a one_o a_o king_n because_o it_o be_v say_v chap._n 16.10_o that_o the_o five_o angel_n pour_v out_o his_o vial_n upon_o the_o throne_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a of_o the_o beast_n for_o if_o the_o beast_n have_v a_o throne_n he_o be_v a_o king_n it_o be_v proper_a to_o king_n to_o sit_v upon_o throne_n thus_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n which_o chap._n 4.4_o be_v say_v to_o sit_v upon_o throne_n do_v chap._n 5.10_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v make_v king_n yea_o it_o be_v subjoin_v in_o the_o forecited_n passage_n chap._n 16.10_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v darken_v but_o if_o his_o kingdom_n be_v darken_v than_o it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n in_o as_o much_o as_o a_o kingdom_n and_o a_o king_n be_v relative_n but_o it_o be_v yet_o superabundant_o manifest_a that_o by_o the_o beast_n be_v mean_v a_o king_n from_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o angel_n chap._n 17.10_o 11._o where_o he_o say_v
same_o person_n with_o the_o goat_n himself_o as_o the_o angel_n there_o show_v it_o do_v verse_n 21._o namely_o alexander_n the_o king_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o first_o king_n thereof_o who_o subdue_v darius_n the_o king_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n and_o so_o be_v the_o goat_n that_o trample_v on_o the_o ram_n with_o two_o horn_n there_o speak_v of_o verse_n 4._o and_o they_o worship_v the_o dragon_n which_o give_v power_n unto_o the_o beast_n and_o they_o worship_v the_o beast_n say_v who_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o beast_n who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v war_n with_o he_o in_o this_o verse_n be_v set_v forth_o the_o marvellous_a impiety_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o they_o shall_v not_o stick_v to_o worship_v the_o devil_n for_o invest_v the_o beast_n with_o so_o vast_a authority_n and_o also_o the_o beast_n that_o be_v set_v up_o by_o he_o as_o judge_v no_o king_n in_o all_o the_o world_n like_v to_o he_o for_o greatness_n nor_o able_a to_o wage_v war_n with_o he_o neither_o be_v this_o worship_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v esteem_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o be_v induce_v to_o commit_v it_o otherwise_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o have_v solicit_v our_o saviour_n christ_n thereunto_o tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o devil_n all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n together_o with_o the_o glory_n thereof_o shall_v become_v he_o luk._n 4_o 6_o 7._o for_o certain_o the_o devil_n be_v too_o subtle_a to_o propose_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o our_o saviour_n the_o wise_a and_o strong_a saint_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v which_o be_v so_o enormous_a that_o no_o man_n though_o never_o so_o gross_a and_o wicked_a be_v capable_a of_o be_v draw_v thereunto_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o this_o detestable_a wickedness_n of_o worship_v the_o devil_n will_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o very_a letter_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o beast_n verse_n 5._o and_o there_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o mouth_n speak_v great_a thing_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o to_o continue_v forty_o and_o two_o month_n these_o word_n imply_v that_o the_o beast_n though_o otherwise_o of_o himself_o most_o impious_a yet_o can_v not_o utter_v so_o great_a thing_n and_o blasphemy_n be_v he_o not_o animate_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n for_o as_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o none_o can_v do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o act_n of_o piety_n unless_o it_o be_v give_v to_o he_o and_o consequent_o god_n do_v in_o mercy_n enable_v he_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o christ_n say_v that_o none_o can_v come_v unto_o he_o except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n joh._n 6.65_o and_o paul_n say_v phil._n 1.29_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o he_o so_o the_o outrageous_a blaspheme_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v so_o high_a a_o strain_n of_o impiety_n that_o be_v not_o the_o beast_n incite_v and_o spirit_v thereunto_o by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n he_o can_v in_o no_o wise_a reach_n unto_o it_o the_o same_o be_v say_v of_o his_o make_a war_n namely_o with_o the_o saint_n as_o you_o have_v it_o verse_n 7._o and_o dan._n 7_o 25._o for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o two_o month_n for_o this_o be_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a act_n of_o tyranny_n require_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o strengthen_v the_o beast_n to_o perform_v it_o as_o for_o the_o duration_n of_o this_o war_n with_o the_o saint_n which_o the_o beast_n be_v say_v to_o wage_v for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o two_o month_n see_v i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o beast_n be_v mean_v a_o king_n neither_o can_v any_o place_n be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n where_o by_o month_n be_v mean_v month_n of_o year_n and_o not_o of_o day_n only_o i_o collect_v that_o the_o say_a war_n shall_v last_v but_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a verse_n 6._o and_o he_o open_v his_o mouth_n in_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o name_n and_o his_o tabernacle_n and_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n what_o the_o beast_n have_v by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n receive_v a_o power_n to_o do_v he_o here_o put_v in_o execution_n blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o his_o tabernacle_n by_o which_o tabernacle_n be_v mean_v the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n the_o place_n of_o god_n abode_n as_o appear_v from_o chap_n 21.2_o 3._o for_o there_o when_o that_o holy_a city_n descend_v out_o of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o new_a earth_n a_o voice_n be_v hear_v from_o heaven_n say_v behold_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n be_v with_o man_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v with_o they_o which_o impli_v that_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n be_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o will_v dwell_v with_o man_n and_o this_o city_n be_v therefore_o call_v a_o tabernacle_n because_o contrary_a to_o the_o guise_n of_o other_o city_n it_o remove_v from_o place_n to_o place_n as_o tabernacle_n or_o tent_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v neither_o be_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o beast_n terminate_v in_o god_n and_o his_o tabernacle_n but_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o those_o dwell_n in_o heaven_n namely_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n which_o full_o verifi_v what_o paul_n say_v of_o this_o beast_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n namely_o that_o he_o shall_v exalt_v himself_o above_o every_o one_o that_o be_v call_v god_n 2_o thess_n 2.4_o for_o this_o appellation_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n give_v both_o to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n and_o also_o to_o the_o holy_a angel_n see_v ephes_n 1.17_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n john_n 20.28_o thomas_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o namely_o jesus_n christ_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n zech._n 12.8_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v be_v as_o god_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o they_o verse_n 7._o and_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o overcome_v they_o and_o power_n be_v give_v he_o over_o all_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o nation_n the_o beast_n have_v power_n give_v to_o he_o not_o only_o to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n which_o by_o the_o way_n impli_v that_o the_o saint_n oppose_v he_o with_o arm_n for_o it_o be_v then_o right_o term_v war_n when_o hostility_n be_v open_o use_v on_o both_o side_n see_v chap._n 12.7_o but_o also_o to_o vanquish_v they_o in_o fight_n and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o remarkable_a give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o saint_n though_o fight_v in_o a_o just_a cause_n against_o the_o beast_n yet_o can_v prevail_v by_o force_n of_o arm_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o beast_n be_v to_o be_v defeat_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n their_o captain_n who_o will_v at_o length_n appear_v in_o the_o heaven_n ride_v upon_o a_o white_a horse_n and_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n dissipate_v the_o beast_n and_o his_o complice_n see_v chap._n 19.11_o 15_o 20_o 21._o what_o be_v here_o further_o say_v of_o the_o universal_a monarchy_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v of_o itself_o very_o plain_a and_o have_v be_v touch_v before_o in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n so_o that_o i_o need_v not_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o verse_n 8._o and_o all_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n shall_v worship_v he_o who_o name_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n of_o the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v universal_a so_o be_v the_o worship_n also_o none_o among_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n refuse_v it_o save_v they_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n for_o they_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n be_v according_o preserve_v by_o he_o from_o commit_v so_o great_a impiety_n as_o to_o worship_v a_o king_n that_o open_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o be_v set_v up_o by_o the_o devil_n furthermore_o when_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v the_o lamb_n it_o be_v because_o god_n have_v prepare_v it_o for_o he_o for_o moses_n of_o old_a testify_v that_o god_n have_v write_v such_o a_o book_n exod._n 32.32_o that_o he_o may_v know_v on_o who_o to_o bestow_v eternal_a life_n for_o see_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o none_o shall_v
wilderness_n a_o name_n inscribe_v on_o her_o forehead_n which_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v it_o to_o be_v that_o very_a name_n whereby_o she_o be_v common_o know_v among_o man_n have_v the_o word_n mystery_n set_v before_o it_o intimate_v that_o the_o follow_a name_n agree_v to_o this_o woman_n not_o in_o a_o proper_a but_o in_o a_o mystical_a sense_n the_o reason_n and_o elegancy_n of_o which_o borrow_a appellation_n give_v to_o rome_n for_o she_o according_a to_o the_o angel_n interpretation_n verse_n 18._o be_v mean_v by_o this_o woman_n i_o have_v already_o discover_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o 14._o chapter_n to_o which_o i_o send_v back_o the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n now_o rome_n be_v here_o deserved'y_a call_v the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n and_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o writer_n that_o no_o city_n do_v ever_o so_o abound_v with_o whoredom_n and_o also_o other_o abominable_a practice_n as_o rome_n both_o in_o those_o time_n and_o ever_o since_o verse_n 6._o and_o i_o see_v the_o woman_n drunken_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n and_o when_o i_o see_v she_o i_o wonder_v with_o great_a admiration_n ver._n 7._o and_o the_o angel_n say_v unto_o i_o wherefore_o do_v thou_o marvel_v i_o will_v tell_v thou_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o of_o the_o beast_n that_o carry_v she_o which_o have_v the_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n though_o the_o filthiness_n of_o this_o woman_n be_v very_o great_a and_o her_o action_n abominable_a above_o those_o of_o all_o other_o woman_n yet_o will_v not_o god_n have_v pour_v out_o his_o wrath_n upon_o she_o in_o so_o signal_n a_o manner_n as_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a chapter_n have_v she_o not_o above_o all_o her_o other_o evil_n defile_v her_o hand_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o saint_n and_o martyr_n for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o sin_n that_o make_v the_o loud_a cry_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o the_o history_n of_o righteous_a abel_n testify_v gen._n 4.10_o 11._o but_o this_o woman_n have_v already_o swallow_v and_o be_v before_o her_o ruin_n to_o swallow_v so_o much_o of_o this_o precious_a blood_n that_o john_n here_o already_o perceive_v she_o to_o be_v drink_v therewith_o which_o drunkenness_n of_o she_o may_v easy_o appear_v to_o he_o as_o he_o look_v upon_o she_o but_o that_o it_o be_v cause_v by_o quaff_v the_o blood_n of_o saint_n and_o martyr_n the_o knowledge_n hereof_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o revelation_n whether_o of_o the_o angel_n as_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a or_o of_o some_o other_o heavenly_a person_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n let_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o martyr_n or_o witness_n of_o jesus_n be_v well_o observe_v for_o the_o saint_n be_v mere_o pious_a man_n but_o the_o martyr_n or_o witness_n of_o jesus_n be_v such_o as_o beside_o their_o piety_n have_v also_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o so_o become_v capable_a of_o bear_v testimony_n to_o jesus_n for_o if_o as_o this_o very_a angel_n assert_v chap._n 19.10_o the_o testimony_n or_o witness_v of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n than_o a_o martyr_n or_o witness_v of_o jesus_n must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v endue_v therewith_o howbeit_o though_o john_n have_v receive_v that_o spirit_n yea_o understand_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o woman_n drunkenness_n yet_o as_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n he_o can_v not_o for_o all_o this_o tell_v who_o the_o woman_n herself_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o as_o admiration_n be_v wont_a to_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n he_o do_v exceed_o wonder_v at_o she_o in_o which_o wonder_v condition_n he_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v continue_v have_v not_o the_o angel_n disclose_v to_o he_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o woman_n as_o he_o do_v also_o that_o of_o the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n that_o carry_v she_o which_o description_n plain_o show_v that_o this_o beast_n be_v the_o same_o that_o former_o be_v see_v to_o arise_v out_o of_o that_o sea_n chap._n 13.1_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v as_o formerly_z simple_o call_v the_o beast_n whensoever_o he_o be_v afterward_o mention_v as_o for_o his_o carry_v of_o the_o woman_n the_o reason_n hereof_o as_o will_v further_o appear_v from_o what_o shall_v present_o be_v speak_v be_v because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o city_n which_o the_o woman_n represent_v do_v sometime_o rest_n upon_o he_o and_o so_o he_o be_v the_o support_n thereof_o verse_n 8._o the_o beast_n that_o thou_o see_v be_v and_o be_v not_o and_o shall_v ascend_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o go_v into_o perdition_n and_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n shall_v wonder_v who_o name_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n when_o they_o behold_v the_o beast_n that_o be_v and_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o be_v the_o angel_n beginning_n to_o discover_v somewhat_o oblique_o unto_o john_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o beast_n who_o we_o shall_v afterward_o find_v to_o be_v domitian_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v and_o be_v not_o whereby_o be_v mean_v that_o he_o be_v sometime_o in_o power_n but_o now_o at_o the_o time_n of_o this_o vision_n be_v not_o so_o for_o that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o be_v alive_a be_v evident_a from_o the_o close_a of_o the_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v and_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o which_o word_n then_o will_v be_v that_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o be_v not_o alive_a and_o yet_o be_v alive_a which_o every_o one_o see_v to_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n but_o according_a to_o the_o other_o interpretation_n which_o be_v indeed_o that_o of_o the_o angel_n himself_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o 11._o verse_n the_o word_n carry_v in_o themselves_o no_o contradiction_n but_o a_o marvellous_a &_o divine_a elegancy_n amount_v to_o this_o sense_n that_o though_o the_o beast_n have_v former_o be_v in_o power_n and_o now_o be_v not_o so_o yet_o be_v he_o still_o in_o be_v but_o that_o which_o exceed_v all_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o will_v surpass_v their_o belief_n also_o be_v it_o not_o so_o plain_o deliver_v both_o here_o and_o chap._n 11_o 7._o be_v that_o the_o beast_n shall_v ascend_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o one_o that_o be_v then_o alive_a do_v imply_v that_o he_o shall_v die_v and_o afterward_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o act_v those_o stupendous_a thing_n that_o be_v foretell_v of_o he_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n for_o that_o the_o bottoml_a pit_n be_v the_o mansion_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o to_o ascend_v from_o thence_o be_v to_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v evident_a from_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom_n 10.7_o where_o he_o say_v who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a greek_a abyss_n or_o bottomless_a pit_n the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o revelation_n concern_v the_o beast_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o what_o relation_n will_v the_o descent_n into_o the_o deep_a or_o bottomless_a pit_n have_v to_o the_o bring_v up_o of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a if_o the_o dead_a have_v not_o there_o their_o abode_n in_o the_o next_o place_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o beast_n go_v into_o perdition_n which_o be_v here_o set_v down_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o follow_v his_o ascent_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n shall_v then_o be_v fulfil_v when_o he_o be_v throw_v alive_a into_o the_o lake_n burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n above_o a_o thousand_o year_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o 19_o and_o 20._o chap._n which_o yet_o new_a and_o unusual_a punishment_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o strangeness_n of_o his_o offence_n afore_o relate_v in_o the_o 13._o chapter_n which_o he_o as_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o be_v prove_v will_v perpetrate_v after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a last_o of_o all_o the_o angel_n speak_v of_o the_o admiration_n wherein_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v have_v the_o beast_n that_o be_v and_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o be_v namely_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n invest_v with_o so_o vast_a a_o empire_n and_o cure_v of_o his_o deadly_a wound_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o 13._o chapter_n for_o that_o the_o thing_n relate_v of_o the_o beast_n in_o that_o chapter_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o
as_o to_o the_o main_a body_n thereof_o be_v say_v to_o consist_v of_o jasper_n which_o be_v a_o stone_n most_o precious_a and_o cast_v a_o most_o delicate_a lustre_n otherwise_o the_o luminary_n of_o the_o city_n will_v not_o have_v be_v like_o to_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o wall_n be_v in_o number_n twelve_o consist_v of_o twelve_o different_a precious_a stone_n which_o be_v here_o particular_o name_v but_o see_v it_o be_v hard_o if_o not_o impossible_a for_o we_o exact_o to_o distinguish_v and_o describe_v the_o same_o as_o the_o jar_a of_o those_o that_o have_v write_v of_o they_o do_v imply_v nor_o will_v the_o right_a distinction_n of_o they_o if_o attain_v advance_v our_o spiritual_a edification_n in_o that_o it_o appear_v not_o from_o the_o text_n that_o any_o mystery_n lie_v couch_v under_o they_o i_o will_v omit_v any_o long_a discourse_n of_o they_o and_o hasten_v to_o that_o which_o be_v further_o relate_v concern_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n the_o twelve_o gate_n thereof_o be_v say_v to_o consist_v of_o one_o entire_a pearl_n a_o piece_n and_o the_o city_n itself_o together_o with_o the_o street_n thereof_o to_o be_v of_o pure_a gold_n transparent_a as_o glass_n which_o be_v of_o such_o rarity_n as_o neither_o nature_n nor_o art_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v otherwise_o the_o vessel_n that_o be_v make_v of_o gold_n will_v be_v of_o far_o great_a beauty_n than_o now_o they_o be_v and_o though_o temple_n be_v wont_v exceed_o to_o grace_v the_o city_n wherein_o they_o stand_v yet_o be_v the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n so_o order_v as_o that_o have_v no_o temple_n it_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n defective_a in_o beauty_n for_o that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a together_o with_o the_o lamb_n suppli_v the_o place_n of_o a_o temple_n adorn_v the_o city_n with_o his_o illustrious_a presence_n infinite_o more_o than_o any_o temple_n can_v do_v for_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o beauty_n of_o any_o temple_n though_o build_v by_o god_n and_o that_o of_o god_n himself_o which_o make_v the_o prophet_n zechary_n to_o cry_v out_o how_o great_a be_v his_o beauty_n chap._n 9.17_o according_o the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d record_v among_o the_o proper_a name_n of_o god_n be_v by_o interpretation_n the_o beautiful_a one_o as_o be_v most_o apt_o derive_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v to_o be_v beautiful_a agreeable_a and_o comely_a moreover_o as_o for_o the_o beauty_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o be_v ample_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o prophecy_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n herein_o but_o as_o god_n and_o christ_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o temple_n in_o adorn_v the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n so_o also_o do_v they_o of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n in_o enlighten_v of_o it_o and_o so_o render_v such_o kind_n of_o luminary_n altogether_o useless_a to_o that_o city_n in_o which_o light_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o stream_v from_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o be_v of_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o exhilarate_a nature_n than_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n shall_v the_o nation_n and_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v converse_n for_o that_o the_o word_n nation_n here_o use_v do_v elsewhere_o also_o in_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o denote_v no_o other_o than_o a_o company_n or_o multitude_n and_o not_o all_o the_o people_n dwell_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o such_o a_o country_n or_o derive_v from_o such_o a_o ancestor_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o passage_n of_o peter_n 1_o epist_n 2.9_o where_o write_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n he_o say_v you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n and_o this_o passage_n of_o john_n wherein_o he_o say_v that_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n do_v plain_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n and_o she_o for_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v be_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n in_o who_o light_n they_o walk_v be_v the_o place_n of_o their_o abode_n and_o so_o a_o city_n as_o it_o be_v here_o again_o and_o again_o entitle_v to_o render_v which_o city_n yet_o more_o glorious_a it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v bring_v their_o glory_n and_o honour_n thereinto_o for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o virtue_n of_o pious_a king_n both_o for_o the_o difficulty_n that_o there_o be_v in_o attain_v and_o exercise_v the_o same_o because_o of_o the_o extraordinary_a temptation_n to_o which_o their_o condition_n do_v expose_v they_o and_o also_o for_o the_o great_a influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o world_n do_v far_o exceed_v that_o of_o other_o man_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n who_o render_v to_o all_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n confer_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o glory_n and_o honour_n upon_o such_o king_n and_o therefore_o their_o lustre_n will_v in_o a_o signal_n manner_n adorn_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n howbeit_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v save_v when_o it_o also_o as_o it_o be_v here_o write_v shall_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n will_v add_v no_o little_a splendour_n thereunto_o moreover_o the_o gate_n of_o this_o city_n shall_v never_o be_v shut_v for_o see_v the_o gate_n of_o city_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v shut_v at_o night_n only_o and_o here_o shall_v be_v perpetual_a day_n in_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v enlighten_v it_o without_o intermission_n there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o the_o shut_n of_o the_o gate_n belong_v to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n but_o though_o the_o gate_n lie_v continual_o open_a yet_o shall_v not_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o enter_v thereinto_o for_o whosoever_o have_v be_v of_o a_o vicious_a life_n and_o addict_v either_o to_o debauchery_n or_o lie_v will_v by_o his_o abode_n defile_v that_o holy_a place_n he_o be_v debar_v entrance_n thereinto_o and_o such_o only_o admit_v who_o have_v be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a in_o their_o way_n which_o purity_n be_v here_o intimate_v by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o consequent_o the_o cause_n why_o any_o man_n attain_v holiness_n of_o life_n be_v the_o enrol_a of_o his_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n to_o which_o agree_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n ephes_n 1.4_o according_a as_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a before_o he_o in_o love_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o here_o say_v that_o they_o be_v choose_v because_o god_n foresee_v they_o will_v be_v holy_a but_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v so_o he_o also_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 2_o tim._n 1.9_o where_o he_o say_v god_n have_v save_v we_o and_o call_v we_o with_o a_o holy_a call_v not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n and_o therefore_o not_o of_o foresee_a good_a work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v chap._n 22_o verse_n 1._o and_o he_o show_v i_o a_o pure_a river_n of_o water_n of_o life_n clear_a as_o crystal_n proceed_v out_o of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lamb._n the_o exposition_n john_n go_v forward_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o thing_n thereto_o pertain_v do_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n which_o god_n have_v before_o promise_v to_o give_v free_o unto_o such_o as_o thirst_v after_o it_o and_o which_o cause_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o drinker_n of_o it_o this_o water_n must_v needs_o be_v proper_o take_v in_o that_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n evince_v the_o same_o for_o first_o the_o angel_n show_v to_o john_n the_o river_n thereof_o but_o if_o it_o fall_v under_o the_o sight_n it_o can_v be_v mystical_a water_n which_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o understanding_n only_o 2._o it_o be_v say_v of_o this_o water_n that_o it_o be_v clear_a or_o shine_a so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v signify_v like_v unto_o crystal_n wherefore_o see_v the_o very_a colour_n thereof_o be_v here_o set_v down_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v water_n literal_o so_o take_v 3._o it_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lamb._n but_o water_n mystical_o understand_v though_o it_o may_v proceed_v from_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n yet_o can_v
verse_n 17._o and_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v and_o let_v he_o that_o hear_v say_v come_v and_o let_v he_o that_o be_v a_o thirst_n come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o in_o this_o verse_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n remarkable_a the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o desire_n that_o both_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o church_n have_v to_o see_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n before_o promise_v inasmuch_o as_o it_o will_v open_o show_v both_o his_o severity_n towards_o the_o wicked_a and_o his_o goodness_n towards_o those_o that_o have_v walk_v close_o with_o he_o the_o second_o be_v the_o command_n here_o impose_v upon_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v hear_v of_o this_o come_n to_o wish_v for_o it_o the_o three_o be_v the_o invitation_n make_v to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v athirst_a and_o earnest_o aspire_v unto_o happiness_n to_o come_v and_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o all_o which_o be_v of_o themselves_o plain_a and_o need_v no_o further_o interpretation_n verse_n 18._o for_o i_o testify_v unto_o every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o these_o thing_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o all_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n verse_n 19_o and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o this_o prophecy_n god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n moses_n in_o the_o law_n enjoin_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o shall_v neither_o add_v to_o the_o word_n which_o he_o have_v command_v nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o deut._n 4.2_o so_o do_v christ_n here_o deal_v with_o christian_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o book_n of_o this_o excellent_a prophecy_n ratify_v his_o injunction_n with_o the_o great_a penalty_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v now_o to_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n or_o to_o diminish_v from_o they_o if_o perhaps_o any_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n be_v to_o insert_v something_o thereunto_o which_o be_v not_o write_v by_o john_n or_o to_o race_n out_o something_o that_o be_v there_o write_v by_o he_o this_o be_v so_o what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n who_o have_v reject_v this_o whole_a book_n from_o the_o canon_n of_o holy_a scripture_n pretend_v it_o be_v write_v not_o by_o that_o holy_a apostle_n john_n but_o by_o some_o vile_a person_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o name_n of_o john_n be_v often_o there_o express_v as_o the_o penman_n thereof_o and_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o come_v original_o from_o god_n what_o likewise_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o those_o who_o have_v so_o shameful_o abuse_v the_o book_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o that_o they_o dare_v to_o make_v it_o subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n impose_v such_o gloss_n on_o the_o same_o as_o have_v no_o hint_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o holy_a text_n and_o that_o on_o purpose_n to_o blacken_v some_o either_o person_n or_o party_n with_o who_o they_o be_v angry_a and_o render_v they_o odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n certain_o this_o be_v little_o less_o than_o add_v to_o the_o prophecy_n and_o argue_v so_o small_a reverence_n to_o the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a word_n of_o god_n at_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o tremble_v and_o withal_o bewray_v so_o great_a malice_n towards_o man_n as_o that_o the_o fifteen_o verse_n of_o this_o very_a chapter_n show_v that_o such_o interpreter_n will_v at_o length_n be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n verse_n 20._o he_o which_o testify_v these_o thing_n say_v sure_o i_o come_v quick_o amen_n even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v here_o the_o three_o time_n mention_v his_o speedy_a come_n of_o which_o we_o have_v sufficient_o treat_v and_o john_n follow_v the_o direction_n that_o be_v before_o give_v he_o in_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n do_v beseech_v the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n he_o will_v come_v which_o passage_n be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o strong_o press_v they_o who_o dare_v to_o deny_v the_o invocation_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n for_o it_o can_v with_o no_o forehead_n be_v deny_v that_o here_o be_v a_o direct_a prayer_n adderss_v to_o he_o since_o his_o ascent_n into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n verse_n 21_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o you_o all_o amen_n as_o the_o forego_n verse_n yield_v we_o a_o direct_a prayer_n make_v to_o christ_n so_o this_o afford_v a_o oblique_a one_o for_o john_n here_o reque_v that_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v still_o be_v put_v forth_o towards_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o asia_n to_o who_o he_o direct_v the_o book_n of_o this_o prophecy_n wherefore_o let_v we_o after_o the_o example_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o person_n pray_v earnest_o that_o the_o same_o lord_n jesus_n will_v continue_v and_o multiply_v his_o favour_n towards_o all_o his_o saint_n that_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o he_o will_v shelter_v they_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n against_o the_o rage_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o supply_v they_o as_o their_o several_a necessity_n shall_v require_v and_o final_o so_o fill_v they_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v abound_v in_o love_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o towards_o all_o man_n finis_fw-la