subjection_n the_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n the_o great_a phoenicia_n and_o part_n of_o africa_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constance_n the_o son_n of_o constantine_n the_o young_a nephew_n to_o heraclius_n anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 655._o so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o former_a year_n and_o number_n of_o 666._o mention_v in_o the_o apocal._n can_v appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o mahumet_n and_o as_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n it_o do_v neither_o so_o speedy_o nor_o so_o easy_o spread_v itself_o abroad_o as_o do_v that_o of_o mahumet_n that_o those_o thousand_o year_n after_o which_o it_o be_v say_v satan_n shall_v be_v loose_v can_v appertain_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n the_o 21._o chapter_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v may_v be_v object_v unto_o that_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o that_o be_v revelation_n 20.2_o &_o 7._o where_o it_o be_v write_v that_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n satan_n shall_v be_v let_v loose_a and_o shall_v trouble_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o gather_v together_o gog_n and_o magog_n that_o be_v the_o gentile_n aliaunt_z and_o stranger_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o make_v war_n against_o she_o some_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o by_o this_o place_n rather_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_n and_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n be_v set_v down_o and_o limit_v but_o how_o variable_a and_o diverse_a the_o interpretation_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o place_n appear_v by_o austin_n lib._n 20._o de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la cap._n 8._o 9_o &_o lib._n 21._o cap._n 22._o yet_o i_o will_v speak_v what_o i_o think_v and_o which_o after_o advise_a consideration_n have_v of_o all_o thing_n touch_v that_o place_n i_o suppose_v be_v to_o be_v determine_v thereof_o namely_o that_o those_o thousand_o year_n as_o be_v evident_a most_o manifest_o even_o by_o the_o event_n do_v not_o a_o whit_n concern_v or_o set_v out_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v and_o account_v after_o that_o the_o say_a number_n of_o year_n of_o 666._o be_v once_o expire_v whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o by_o succession_n in_o this_o sort_n of_o time_n we_o have_v plain_o set_v down_o unto_o we_o what_o shall_v fall_v out_o and_o be_v perform_v almost_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o before_o the_o say_v thousand_o year_n be_v to_o take_v place_n those_o thing_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v which_o be_v speak_v of_o cap._n 16.12_o namely_o that_o euphrates_n shall_v be_v dry_v up_o and_o a_o way_n open_v for_o the_o king_n of_o the_o east_n to_o come_v and_o make_v invasion_n upon_o those_o territory_n and_o country_n which_o be_v before_o subject_a to_o the_o romish_a jurisdiction_n which_o sure_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o undoubted_o those_o king_n of_o the_o east_n which_o pass_v through_o euphrates_n be_v dry_v up_o that_o be_v which_o give_v they_o easy_a passage_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o channel_n and_o surprise_v the_o segniory_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v the_o turk_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o the_o turk_n empire_n shall_v first_o be_v raise_v before_o those_o thousand_o year_n can_v be_v fulfil_v but_o if_o we_o begin_v to_o count_n those_o year_n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n suffer_a then_o assure_o before_o the_o original_n of_o the_o turk_n which_o be_v reckon_v to_o be_v about_o the_o year_n after_o christ_n one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o those_o thousand_o year_n will_v be_v full_o expire_v and_o so_o the_o apocalypse_n that_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v seem_v false_a the_o which_o but_o once_o to_o think_v be_v extreme_a impiety_n wherefore_o i_o be_o still_o of_o the_o mind_n i_o be_v of_o and_o begin_v to_o reckon_v those_o 1000_o year_n from_o the_o year_n six_o hundred_o sixty_o six_o which_o two_o number_n be_v put_v together_o amount_v unto_o one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o sixty_o six_o after_o which_o term_n of_o time_n those_o thing_n be_v then_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v fulfil_v which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o 19_o of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o chapter_n follow_v have_v lay_v open_a although_o withal_o i_o know_v it_o to_o be_v wicked_a to_o appoint_v or_o search_v after_o the_o very_a time_n and_o moment_n of_o the_o latter_a judgement_n acts._n 1.7_o neither_o have_v i_o that_o drift_n or_o purpose_n in_o this_o my_o assertion_n that_o the_o practice_n which_o be_v use_v to_o frame_v and_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n be_v devilish_a and_o deceitful_a the_o 22._o chapter_n these_o point_n be_v thus_o make_v plain_a we_o be_v now_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o mean_n and_o step_n whereby_o antichrist_n be_v creep_v up_o by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o whereby_o satan_n be_v to_o finish_v and_o bring_v to_o perfection_n this_o work_n of_o he_o and_o although_o the_o same_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v already_o touch_v in_o that_o that_o go_v before_o yet_o paul_n have_v brief_o express_v the_o same_o when_o in_o a_o word_n he_o term_v all_o this_o mischievous_a work_n a_o mystery_n for_o thereby_o he_o show_v that_o so_o great_a a_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v practise_v and_o perform_v by_o satan_n covert_o crafty_o close_o and_o subtile_o for_o by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o mystery_n no_o excellency_n be_v show_v of_o that_o devilish_a and_o apostatical_a doctrine_n but_o only_o the_o craft_n and_o deceit_n of_o the_o work-maister_n and_o author_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o be_v that_o old_a dragon_n and_o serpent_n who_o also_o be_v call_v the_o devil_n revelation_n 20.2_o and_o yet_o some_o take_v this_o word_n mysterium_fw-la in_o such_o sense_n as_o though_o paul_n have_v therein_o of_o purpose_n affect_v to_o express_v the_o great_a antithesis_fw-la or_o contrariety_n that_o be_v between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o antichrist_n that_o as_o the_o sacred_a gospel_n of_o god_n be_v in_o very_a many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n call_v in_o way_n of_o praise_n and_o commendation_n a_o mystery_n so_o antichrist_n shall_v also_o term_v his_o pestilent_a and_o damnable_a doctrine_n by_o the_o very_a selfsame_o name_n of_o a_o mystery_n whereby_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o carry_v the_o great_a countenance_n of_o holiness_n and_o majesty_n among_o man_n and_o so_o be_v the_o more_o plausiblie_o receive_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v revela_fw-la 17.5_o that_o the_o beast_n which_o represent_v antichrist_n shall_v put_v upon_o his_o most_o wicked_a superstition_n the_o name_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o this_o majesty_n and_o solemn_a title_n he_o pretend_v to_o add_v credit_n unto_o his_o false_a doctrine_n and_o also_o to_o the_o end_n man_n shall_v not_o make_v too_o narrow_a search_n into_o these_o matter_n and_o at_o last_o indeed_o espy_v they_o what_o they_o be_v and_o true_o this_o strong_a kind_n of_o delusion_n be_v derive_v unto_o the_o papist_n as_o many_o thing_n else_o be_v from_o the_o very_a heathen_a themselves_o who_o cloak_v their_o ceremony_n of_o bacchus_n their_o abominable_a church-rite_n and_o execrable_a church-robbery_n under_o the_o name_n as_o it_o be_v under_o a_o seemly_a veil_n of_o a_o mystery_n lest_o such_o filthy_a pollution_n shall_v even_o stink_v before_o man_n so_o also_o the_o profane_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o goddess_n ceres_n and_o likewise_o those_o bawdy_a solemnity_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o priapus_n and_o those_o banquet_a junkette_n which_o therein_o be_v carry_v about_o and_o open_o show_v as_o eusebius_n report_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr praeparat_fw-la euangel_n be_v set_v out_o by_o the_o pagan_n with_o the_o plausible_a title_n of_o a_o a_o mystery_n as_o though_o they_o be_v no_o defile_a thing_n but_o mystical_a hide_a dark_a and_o in_o a_o word_n very_o venerable_a by_o mean_n of_o their_o profound_a signification_n and_o trust_v i_o it_o be_v just_a so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n the_o thing_n itself_o and_o long_a experience_n have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v most_o manifest_a and_o true_a for_o under_o what_o title_n and_o colour_n do_v they_o more_o commend_v and_o cover_v their_o idolatry_n superstitious_a ceremony_n yea_o and_o apparent_a blasphemy_n but_o only_o hereby_o in_o term_v they_o mystery_n secret_n understand_v but_o of_o few_o and_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v publish_v or_o make_v know_v so_o all_o the_o mask_a attire_n of_o their_o bishop_n at_o their_o first_o consecration_n and_o after_o at_o their_o installing_n be_v already_o consecrate_v so_o all_o the_o stage-like_a furniture_n and_o implement_n at_o the_o celebration_n of_o their_o blasphemous_a mass_n so_o
he_o among_o the_o divine_n the_o civil_a law_n term_v that_o soldier_n a_o apostate_n which_o fly_v from_o his_o camp_n and_o withdraweth_a himself_o from_o the_o allegiance_n that_o he_o owe_v to_o his_o captain_n so_o do_v modestinus_n the_o lawyer_n write_v in_fw-la l._n desertores_fw-la d._n de_fw-fr re_fw-mi milita_fw-la for_o he_o term_v he_o a_o runagate_n and_o apostate_n soldier_n who_o have_v be_v straggle_v long_o from_o his_o tent_n although_o after_o he_o be_v bring_v back_o again_o but_o among_o the_o divine_n l._n apostatae_fw-la c._n de_fw-fr apostatis_fw-la apostate_n be_v otherwise_o account_v namely_o such_o as_o betray_v and_o renounce_v their_o holy_a and_o christian_a profession_n once_o make_v and_o receive_v on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o schoolman_n and_o papist_n do_v yet_o make_v a_o other_o reckon_n of_o apostate_n and_o describe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o break_v the_o rule_n and_o leave_v the_o order_n of_o religion_n the_o which_o with_o a_o vow_n they_o once_o take_v upon_o they_o but_o doubtless_o in_o this_o place_n of_o paul_n which_o we_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n he_o neither_o talk_v of_o military_a discipline_n nor_o of_o popish_a profession_n which_o as_o yet_o be_v not_o hatch_v therefore_o the_o apostasy_n or_o defection_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o here_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v either_o of_o a_o depart_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o from_o subjection_n under_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n and_o in_o deed_n some_o have_v understand_v it_o of_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o lactantius_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 15._o august_n lib._n 20._o de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la cap._n 19_o jerom_n ad_fw-la algas_n quaest_a 11._o which_o opinion_n how_o true_a it_o be_v let_v we_o consider_v to_o speak_v brief_o in_o the_o point_n this_o be_v my_o judgement_n that_o this_o place_n of_o paul_n can_v be_v mean_v only_o of_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o paul_n intreat_v not_o in_o that_o place_n of_o earthly_a kingdom_n or_o change_v of_o common_a wealth_n but_o deliver_v doctrine_n touch_v christian_n faith_n again_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v the_o best_a expositour_n of_o this_o prophecy_n that_o can_v be_v do_v show_v no_o less_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o withdraw_n of_o subjection_n from_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o a_o deny_v of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n further_n damascen_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 27._o de_fw-la orthodoxa_fw-la side_n make_v for_o i_o affirm_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v after_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v once_o spread_v abroad_o last_o all_o the_o ancient_a 〈◊〉_d when_o once_o they_o affirm_v that_o antichrist_n himself_o be_v already_o come_v by_o and_o by_o for_o proof_n thereof_o they_o make_v instance_n of_o the_o heresy_n which_o he_o maintain_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n not_o mention_v any_o sedition_n or_o insurrection_n of_o the_o subject_n against_o the_o sacred_a majesty_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n therefore_o this_o apostasy_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o antichrist_n be_v a_o backslide_n or_o departure_n from_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n why_o the_o kingdom_n and_o state_n of_o antichrist_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n indefinite_o or_o without_o limitation_n call_v a_o apostasy_n the_o sixth_o chapter_n now_o whereas_o s._n paul_n term_v it_o by_o a_o general_a word_n apostasy_n he_o give_v we_o thereby_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o depart_n shall_v not_o fall_v out_o in_o one_o or_o two_o church_n only_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o it_o be_v call_v of_o the_o universal_a and_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o paul_n speak_v without_o circumscription_n for_o such_o indefinite_a speech_n be_v answerable_a in_o quantity_n to_o universals_z as_o the_o logician_n teach_v and_o this_o be_v confirm_v and_o make_v plain_a by_o that_o in_o the_o revelation_n where_o the_o whore_n be_v say_v to_o make_v drink_v with_o her_o poison_a cup_n not_o only_o one_o church_n or_o province_n but_o all_o the_o king_n nation_n &_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o yet_o not_o every_o particular_a man_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v become_v a_o back-slide_a for_o god_n will_v always_o keep_v some_o unto_o himself_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o general_a defection_n as_o he_o do_v six_o thousand_o in_o the_o day_n of_o eliah_n who_o be_v the_o true_a church_n but_o a_o incorporation_n as_o you_o will_v say_v a_o conspiracy_n and_o the_o great_a number_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v challenge_v unto_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v betake_v they_o to_o a_o doctrine_n clean_o contrary_a thereunto_o and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v every_o where_o open_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o public_a authority_n the_o which_o we_o see_v to_o be_v do_v in_o turkey_n in_o mahumetism_n and_o in_o popery_n from_o hence_o therefore_o we_o may_v gather_v two_o point_n worthy_a the_o knowledge_n and_o observation_n the_o first_o that_o that_o argument_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a and_o unaunswerable_a to_o persuade_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n which_o be_v take_v from_o long_a continuance_n and_o tradition_n of_o our_o elder_n for_o when_o once_o this_o general_a defection_n shall_v have_v set_v in_o foot_n how_o may_v a_o man_n then_o safe_o make_v this_o collection_n this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o apostolic_a because_o it_o be_v public_o receive_v teach_v and_o allow_v common_o in_o every_o congregation_n for_o paul_n have_v say_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v admit_v yea_o and_o that_o with_o approbation_n into_o the_o very_a church_n in_o every_o place_n public_o indeed_o the_o ancient_a writer_n be_v wont_a to_o use_v this_o argument_n of_o succession_n and_o consent_n and_o before_o this_o defection_n it_o be_v both_o a_o forcible_a and_o sound_a kind_n of_o proof_n but_o now_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o the_o second_o be_v that_o a_o man_n can_v not_o right_o gather_v and_o conclude_v that_o the_o true_a church_n and_o true_a doctrine_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v where_o there_o have_v be_v inviolable_o keep_v and_o observe_v a_o continual_a and_o orderly_a succession_n of_o person_n for_o see_v this_o defection_n be_v to_o take_v place_n and_o continue_v long_o in_o the_o very_a church_n of_o god_n even_o through_o many_o succession_n of_o person_n and_o age_n of_o man_n how_o may_v a_o man_n thence_o gather_v and_o conclude_v substantial_o that_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o backsliders_a because_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v a_o continual_a succession_n of_o person_n whereas_o those_o person_n be_v the_o very_a apostate_n themselves_o last_o from_o thence_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v a_o false_a position_n in_o popery_n which_o notwithstanding_o the_o schoolman_n maintain_v with_o tooth_n and_o nail_n namely_o that_o the_o church_n can_v not_o err_v nay_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o can_v and_o that_o not_o only_o one_o particular_a church_n or_o two_o but_o many_o plentiful_a congregation_n yea_o whole_a counsel_n and_o to_o make_v short_a the_o universal_a church_n itself_o who_o fall_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n forewarn_v and_o the_o event_n or_o issue_n thereof_o have_v since_o verify_v against_o all_o which_o offence_n this_o be_v the_o only_a and_o omnisufficient_a remedy_n to_o resort_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o true_a church_n true_a doctrine_n and_o true_a pastor_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v and_o sever_v from_o the_o false_a and_o counterfeit_n and_o thus_o have_v we_o hitherto_o consider_v why_o antichrist_n be_v term_v a_o apostata_fw-la for_o now_o my_o purpose_n be_v but_o brief_o to_o prosecute_v this_o point_n intend_v afterward_o to_o cross_v this_o sea_n again_o with_o more_o full_a sail_n have_v hitherto_o only_o weigh_v anchor_n and_o launch_v forth_o a_o little_a why_o paul_n call_v antichrist_n a_o man_n the_o seven_o chapter_n paul_n proceed_v further_a and_o add_v and_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n here_o he_o speak_v direct_o and_o plain_o of_o antichrist_n as_o first_o of_o his_o name_n and_o then_o of_o his_o person_n or_o of_o his_o quality_n and_o doctrine_n touch_v his_o name_n he_o term_v he_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o here_o again_o that_o be_v call_v into_o question_n whereof_o i_o have_v already_o dispute_v namely_o where_o as_o paul_n call_v antichrist_n a_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o one_o private_a man_n that_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o world_n
of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a and_o horrible_a matter_n that_o paul_n speak_v of_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o so_o great_a labour_n of_o so_o many_o apostle_n and_o holy_a pastor_n and_o after_o water_v with_o so_o much_o blood_n of_o so_o many_o martyr_n shall_v after_o by_o the_o force_n of_o satan_n be_v overthrow_v and_o bring_v to_o confusion_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o can_v not_o but_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a work_n great_a grief_n as_o well_o such_o as_o live_v before_o the_o accomplishment_n hereof_o as_o such_o as_o live_v after_o whereupon_o some_o marvel_n why_o it_o stand_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o foretell_v so_o much_o see_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o can_v not_o but_o great_o grieve_v the_o godly_a and_o make_v the_o wicked_a more_o obstinate_a and_o insolent_a against_o the_o church_n when_o they_o shall_v consider_v that_o according_a to_o the_o word_n 〈…〉_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o true_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o trample_v under_o foot_n and_o that_o false_a doctrine_n 〈…〉_o plausible_o and_o public_o receive_v whereunto_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v do_v and_o foretell_v in_o a_o double_a respect_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o ungodly_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o godly_a first_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o take_v offence_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v which_o they_o know_v be_v foretold_v and_o that_o by_o the_o will_n and_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n second_o that_o they_o or_o we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o make_v the_o less_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o less_o glorious_a and_o heavenly_a for_o that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v public_o and_o in_o every_o place_n reject_v and_o that_o man_n shall_v universal_o and_o in_o heap_n fall_v from_o the_o embrace_n of_o the_o same_o therefore_o we_o see_v how_o in_o respect_n hereof_o this_o point_n of_o prophecy_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o stay_v of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o for_o the_o wicked_a it_o serve_v to_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v then_o ready_a to_o be_v pour_v on_o their_o head_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v those_o thing_n fullfil_v after_o which_o the_o last_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o their_o utter_a destruction_n shall_v immediate_o ensue_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o two_o respect_n both_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o 24._o of_o math._n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n throughout_o the_o whole_a revelation_n do_v plain_o foretell_v what_o shall_v befall_v the_o church_n reveil_v even_o the_o most_o woeful_a and_o dangerous_a condition_n so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v unreasonable_o or_o unreasonable_o bewray_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v not_o be_v one_o singular_a or_o particular_a man_n but_o that_o by_o that_o name_n be_v signify_v a_o multitude_n of_o man_n and_o a_o long_a succession_n and_o further_o why_o antichrist_n be_v call_v a_o apostata_fw-la or_o back-slide_a the_o five_o chapter_n thus_o much_o be_v speak_v let_v we_o in_o hand_n with_o the_o former_a place_n of_o paul_n wherein_o touch_v the_o word_n there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n or_o doubt_v for_o our_o book_n have_v usual_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o defection_n be_v a_o noun_n substantive_a or_o primative_a and_o which_o include_v more_o than_o one_o man_n and_o yet_o augustine_n read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o derivative_n and_o which_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o one_o and_o therefore_o he_o translate_v it_o the_o reneger_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la and_o 19_o chap._n but_o all_o the_o greek_a and_o most_o ancient_a copy_n agree_v and_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n themselves_o do_v read_v it_o as_o we_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d doubtless_o that_o erroneous_a read_n which_o augustine_n follow_v breed_v a_o great_a error_n for_o thereupon_o some_o have_v in_o such_o sort_n interpret_v this_o place_n as_o if_o paul_n have_v speak_v of_o one_o only_a man_n who_o he_o so_o point_v out_o and_o term_v he_o only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o antichrist_n and_o not_o of_o a_o whole_a brood_n or_o body_n of_o a_o multitude_n but_o both_o the_o meaning_n of_o paul_n reason_n itself_o and_o the_o issue_n of_o thing_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n admit_v this_o read_n or_o exposition_n for_o paul_n speak_v not_o of_o any_o one_o man_n but_o of_o a_o crew_n cluster_v together_o a_o assembly_n and_o kind_a of_o fraternity_n of_o man_n agree_v and_o swear_v together_o in_o horrible_a and_o blasphemous_a manner_n against_o god_n himself_o therefore_o he_o use_v the_o primative_a word_n apostasy_n and_o after_o in_o the_o twelve_o verse_n he_o unfold_v himself_o and_o speak_v plain_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o all_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v etc._n etc._n again_o reason_n itself_o enforce_v that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o one_o man_n but_o of_o a_o multitude_n and_o kingdom_n for_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o man_n can_v possible_o live_v so_o many_o year_n as_o there_o be_v between_o the_o day_n of_o paul_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n after_o which_o the_o very_a antichrist_n be_v to_o come_v last_o the_o event_n hereof_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v universal_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n &_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o which_o have_v continue_v many_o age_n and_o as_o yet_o be_v in_o ure_n and_o not_o of_o the_o life_n or_o age_n of_o any_o one_o man_n for_o the_o life_n of_o one_o man_n though_o he_o be_v of_o a_o great_a age_n be_v but_o short_a if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o time_n of_o this_o defection_n which_o have_v last_v now_o full_a out_o 900._o year_n and_o as_o touch_v this_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v a_o woeful_a or_o most_o miserable_a estate_n or_o condition_n of_o thing_n which_o shall_v take_v place_n in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n wherein_o shall_v be_v not_o only_o a_o fearful_a and_o lamentable_a persecution_n and_o slaughter_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o a_o kill_a and_o almost_o a_o final_a quell_v and_o put_v out_o of_o all_o christian_a faith_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o that_o common_o public_o and_o in_o every_o corner_n a_o doctrine_n most_o false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v admit_v approve_a and_o publish_v and_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o this_o exposition_n of_o i_o be_v warrant_v first_o by_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n himself_o luk._n 18.8_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v do_v you_o think_v he_o shall_v find_v faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o math._n 24.12_o the_o love_n of_o many_o whereby_o faith_n in_o that_o place_n be_v mean_v shall_v wax_v cold_a therefore_o that_o miserable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n make_v know_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o name_n of_o antichrist_n reach_v to_o many_o and_o concern_v not_o one_o alone_a so_o also_o it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o john_n in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 17.1_o &_o 18.3_o where_o so_o great_a and_o so_o far_o spread_a power_n of_o this_o apostasy_n be_v in_o such_o sort_n describe_v as_o that_o it_o be_v there_o term_v a_o harlot_n flat_a opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o christ_n which_o with_o her_o poison_n and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n shall_v infect_v the_o king_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n lostly_a it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o 1._o john_n cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 18._o where_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o name_n of_o antichrist_n be_v attribute_v to_o many_o upon_o the_o which_o place_n master_n caluin_n write_v thus_o paul_n 2._o thes_n 2.3_o speak_v of_o the_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v away_o that_o shall_v ensue_v plain_o give_v it_o out_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o body_n or_o as_o you_o will_v say_v a_o kingdom_n of_o defection_n this_o be_v so_o we_o may_v from_o hence_o gather_v and_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o a_o antecedent_n or_o thing_n go_v before_o that_o before_o the_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v namely_o that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o church_n general_o enlarge_v and_o plant_v and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n public_o receive_v the_o which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o foretell_v math._n 26.13_o but_o for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_o handle_v of_o this_o point_n let_v we_o see_v what_o this_o word_n apostata_fw-la signify_v apostate_n or_o backsliders_a be_v otherwise_o take_v and_o define_v among_o the_o lawyer_n than_o they_o
be_v not_o yet_o come_v whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o man_n be_v a_o odd_a fellow_n differ_v from_o the_o other_o simple_a heretic_n as_o be_v a_o more_o foul_a blasphemour_n than_o the_o whole_a pack_n of_o they_o all_o the_o second_o be_v which_o here_o i_o do_v but_o propound_v and_o bare_o affirm_v purpose_v afterward_o to_o make_v it_o plain_a by_o substantial_a proof_n that_o this_o say_n of_o paul_n concern_v the_o opposition_n or_o contrariety_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antichrist_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n neither_o can_v or_o may_v be_v understand_v or_o take_v for_o the_o sect_n and_o religion_n of_o mahumet_n for_o although_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o same_o also_o be_v dissent_v and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n yet_o neither_o do_v mahumet_n himself_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v they_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v of_o his_o sect_n acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n or_o pastor_n or_o prelate_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o which_o both_o antichrist_n himself_o and_o his_o adherent_n do_v but_o do_v open_o and_o profess_o in_o boast_a manner_n give_v it_o out_o that_o they_o abandon_v both_o the_o name_n and_o company_n of_o christian_n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o consider_v of_o some_o particular_a point_n of_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n who_o notwithstanding_o will_v needs_o be_v account_v the_o only_a christian_n and_o catholic_n of_o the_o world_n and_o see_v how_o true_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v call_v it_o a_o doctrine_n opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n for_o herein_o the_o ancient_a writer_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o refer_v this_o speech_n of_o paul_n unto_o the_o popish_a synagogue_n that_o be_v to_o that_o church_n which_o boast_v itself_o but_o false_o under_o the_o glorious_a title_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n bernard_n upon_o the_o canticle_n hom._n 33._o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n say_v he_o but_o they_o serve_v antichrist_n hilary_n against_o auxentius_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v renounce_v even_o while_o man_n think_v he_o be_v preach_v last_o chrysostom_n upon_o math._n hom._n 49._o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a say_v he_o to_o discern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o antichrist_n from_o that_o that_o be_v true_a and_o sincere_a we_o be_v will_v to_o make_v our_o repair_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o say_v he_o if_o we_o respect_v outward_a name_n title_n and_o profession_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o after_o that_o he_o add_v yea_o they_o will_v outward_o pretend_v great_a chastity_n and_o mortify_v of_o the_o flesh_n then_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v among_o the_o true_a christian_n the_o which_o we_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o jump_v very_o fit_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o popery_n and_o to_o paint_v the_o same_o out_o unto_o we_o in_o her_o proper_a colour_n well_o let_v we_o see_v the_o jar_n and_o square_n that_o be_v between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v especial_o in_o these_o three_o point_n the_o first_o touch_v god_n and_o his_o essence_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o mean_n thereof_o the_o three_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a namely_o of_o ceremony_n concern_v the_o lord_n god_n the_o sacred_a scripture_n teach_v we_o principal_o and_o in_o general_a these_o three_o head_n the_o first_o that_o he_o be_v god_n only_o mark_n 12.29_o deut._n 6.4_o the_o second_o that_o he_o be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a nature_n not_o consist_v of_o any_o earthly_a dregs_n or_o humane_a corruption_n act._n 7.48_o isai_n 66.1_o the_o three_o that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o all_o thing_n especial_o the_o lord_n and_o only_a master_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n 1._o pet._n 4.19_o &_o 1_o pet._n 2.25_o whereupon_o these_o three_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o true_a god_n can_v but_o hate_v a_o multitude_n of_o god_n or_o if_o any_o one_o be_v join_v to_o he_o as_o a_o fellow_n second_o that_o he_o can_v abide_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o idol_n and_o last_o that_o he_o can_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o to_o prescribe_v law_n for_o the_o bind_n of_o man_n conscience_n touch_v man_n salvation_n and_o the_o cause_n thereof_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o these_o two_o principal_a thing_n first_o that_o the_o same_o be_v absolute_a and_o perfect_a perform_v by_o the_o only_a death_n and_o sacrifice_n once_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n very_a god_n and_o man_n heb._n 9.20_o second_o that_o it_o proceed_v free_o from_o god_n gracious_a goodness_n towards_o us._n rom._n 3._o &_o 4._o last_o concern_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o this_o in_o general_n first_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v only_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o take_v from_o the_o tradition_n and_o precept_n of_o man_n math._n 15.9_o deut._n 12.8_o again_o touch_v the_o outward_a action_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v solemn_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o our_o salvation_n call_v sacrament_n we_o be_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n that_o god_n only_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o 1._o cor._n 11.23_o and_o touch_v outward_a ceremony_n which_o be_v also_o a_o part_n of_o god_n outward_a worship_n the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n will_v have_v but_o few_o of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v profitable_a and_o tend_v to_o edification_n to_o be_v admit_v wherein_o also_o no_o part_n or_o jot_n of_o our_o righteousness_n consist_v neither_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n burden_v with_o they_o but_o only_o they_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o decent_a order_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n that_o so_o a_o outward_a uniformity_n and_o comeliness_n may_v be_v keep_v among_o christian_n as_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 10._o &_o 11._o and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galat._n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebr._n cap._n 8._o &_o 9_o &_o 10._o but_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o popery_n what_o article_n shall_v we_o find_v there_o agree_v hereunto_o for_o as_o concern_v that_o of_o one_o god_n their_o divinity_n have_v clean_o raze_v out_o that_o point_n for_o they_o have_v chap_v and_o change_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o high_a and_o have_v convey_v the_o same_o as_o it_o be_v by_o piecemeal_o unto_o a_o number_n of_o new_a up-starts_a and_o pettie-god_n of_o their_o own_o for_o look_v how_o many_o saint_n they_o have_v canonize_v so_o many_o god_n have_v they_o coin_a and_o foist_v in_o to_o become_v lord_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o disposer_n of_o mighty_a matter_n insomuch_o as_o one_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o rain_n commit_v unto_o he_o a_o other_o the_o dispose_n of_o fair_a weather_n the_o three_o be_v make_v master_n of_o disease_n and_o a_o other_o the_o restorer_n of_o health_n and_o touch_v the_o heavenly_a essence_n and_o divine_a nature_n of_o god_n first_o they_o make_v god_n himself_o a_o earthly_a lump_n when_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o earthly_a god_n and_o when_o they_o will_v needs_o bear_v we_o in_o hand_n that_o their_o waifer-cake_n or_o crust_n of_o bread_n make_v of_o bran_n be_v a_o very_a true_a god_n second_o they_o have_v set_v up_o a_o number_n of_o idol_n which_o they_o worship_v and_o appoint_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o and_o through_o they_o and_o in_o this_o point_n they_o show_v their_o wonderful_a excessive_a outrage_n for_o never_o among_o any_o nation_n no_o not_o among_o the_o grecian_n from_o who_o they_o say_v this_o idolatry_n first_o proceed_v be_v there_o the_o like_a furious_a madness_n show_v in_o 〈◊〉_d in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d idolworship_n as_o be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o papist_n for_o they_o erect_v still_o new_a idol_n and_o yet_o retain_v their_o old_a they_o bring_v in_o foreigner_n and_o withal_o worship_v their_o home-god_n unknown_a and_o know_v god_n they_o worship_v all_o alike_o to_o be_v brief_a they_o like_v mad_a man_n have_v bring_v in_o among_o we_o the_o perfect_a state_n of_o paganism_n and_o as_o touch_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o the_o cause_n thereof_o they_o as_o though_o the_o work_n thereof_o be_v not_o full_o finish_v and_o perfect_v by_o the_o only_a sacrifice_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v daily_a celebrate_v and_o thrust_v upon_o we_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o somuch_o as_o that_o detestable_a and_o horrible_a toy_n of_o the_o
subdue_v by_o he_o there_o be_v never_o any_o call_v a_o italian_a emperor_n 5._o theodoricus_n king_n of_o goth_n be_v send_v for_o into_o italy_n by_o zeno_n the_o emperor_n to_o assist_v he_o against_o odoacer_n hold_v himself_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o italy_n by_o the_o space_n of_o fifty_o year_n and_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v make_v it_o know_v how_o little_a he_o esteem_v rome_n he_o keep_v his_o imperial_a residence_n at_o ravenna_n this_o man_n be_v the_o five_o 6._o athalaricus_n who_o succéede_v his_o father_n theodoricus_n under_o anastasius_n the_o emperor_n for_o now_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o goth_n begin_v by_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o their_o king_n to_o take_v root_n and_o foot_n in_o italy_n and_o under_o the_o government_n of_o this_o athalaricus_n the_o goth_n continue_v their_o deface_v of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o italy_n 7._o theodatus_fw-la be_v the_o seven_o and_o he_o also_o be_v a_o goatish_a king_n who_o succéede_v athalaricus_n in_o italy_n 8._o vitiges_n the_o eight_o king_n likewise_o of_o gotland_n after_o theodatus_fw-la who_o waste_v and_o spoil_v almost_o all_o italy_n he_o besiege_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n itself_o which_o have_v shrink_v and_o revolt_v from_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o goatish_a king_n upon_o confidence_n of_o assistance_n from_o the_o lieutenant_n and_o emperor_n of_o constantinople_n this_o man_n therefore_o as_o sabellicus_n report_v utter_o deface_v and_o put_v out_o all_o the_o law_n custom_n privilege_n record_n of_o antiquity_n of_o ancient_a family_n of_o the_o ancient_a roman_n which_o he_o find_v remain_v in_o italy_n he_o live_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o justine_n the_o first_o 9_o totilas_n king_n of_o goth_n succéede_v vitiges_n and_o this_o be_v the_o nine_o of_o those_o 10._o king_n he_o live_v under_o justinian_n the_o first_o emperor_n of_o constantinople_n this_o man_n both_o besiege_v sack_a and_o utter_o raze_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o conclude_v even_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v foreshowed_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o burn_v it_o with_o fire_n and_o this_o fire_n range_v &_o rage_v by_o the_o space_n of_o 40._o day_n without_o cease_v in_o so_o much_o as_o the_o city_n be_v then_o so_o thorough_o consume_v may_v just_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v that_o geddon-harma_n the_o ruin_n of_o rome_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o revel_v that_o be_v the_o only_a shread_n &_o shard_n &_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o that_o famous_a &_o ancient_a city_n for_o after_o this_o vastation_n it_o remain_v only_o a_o ruinous_a &_o desolate_a place_n and_o this_o befall_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 546._o this_o scourge_n continue_v as_o be_v foreshowed_n revel_v cap._n 13.5_o by_o the_o space_n of_o 42._o month_n that_o be_v three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a for_o when_o the_o three_o year_n be_v expire_v after_o this_o burn_a and_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o rome_n do_v by_o totilas_n belisarius_n chief_a captain_n under_o justinian_n begin_v first_o to_o renew_v the_o same_o gather_v together_o such_o scrap_n and_o fragment_n thereof_o as_o be_v leave_v and_o at_o last_o to_o environ_v with_o a_o wall_n the_o plot_n or_o soil_n where_o once_o the_o old_a rome_n stand_v which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o wherewith_o even_o at_o this_o day_n that_o part_n which_o they_o call_v old_a rome_n be_v beawtify_v 10._o teias_n who_o also_o be_v king_n of_o goth_n be_v the_o ten_o who_o succéede_v totilas_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o vex_v or_o waste_v italy_n but_o a_o short_a time_n see_v that_o little_a or_o nothing_o be_v leave_v of_o that_o ancient_a city_n neither_o be_v there_o scarce_o any_o print_n or_o mark_v leave_v of_o the_o old_a roman_a empire_n this_o man_n be_v take_v prisoner_n by_o belisarius_n be_v carry_v unto_o constantinople_n now_o touch_v these_o matter_n if_o we_o begin_v to_o reckon_v the_o time_n from_o alaricus_n they_o be_v achieve_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o about_o 132._o year_n but_o if_o we_o begin_v as_o other_o will_v rather_o have_v it_o at_o the_o time_n of_o odoacer_n they_o be_v 60._o year_n and_o somewhat_o more_o in_o do_v which_o point_v be_v thus_o make_v plane_n we_o now_o perceive_v and_o see_v that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n overthrow_v with_o worldly_a or_o carnal_a weapon_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o spiritual_a that_o he_o will_v not_o contend_v with_o he_o with_o a_o iron_n sword_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n or_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n other_o earthly_a and_o humane_a monarch_n have_v use_v earthly_a and_o carnal_a weapon_n both_o to_o the_o raise_n of_o themselves_o and_o raze_v of_o other_o so_o do_v the_o persian_n overrun_v assyria_n with_o weapon_n and_o bloody_a war_n and_o so_o again_o do_v the_o macedonian_n subdue_v the_o persian_n by_o dint_n of_o sword_n and_o so_o likewise_o do_v the_o roman_n tame_a and_o bring_v under_o the_o macedonian_n but_o the_o lord_n who_o at_o first_o make_v and_o frame_v the_o whole_a world_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o word_n who_o also_o sustain_v and_o rule_v the_o same_o by_o the_o power_n there-of_a and_o will_v also_o reign_v in_o his_o church_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o word_n and_o last_o who_o have_v give_v unto_o christ_n a_o spiritual_a not_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n will_v use_v a_o spiritual_a sword_n the_o effectual_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o foil_a of_o his_o foe_n even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o zech._n 4.6_o and_o esay_n 9.5_o for_o the_o say_n of_o lactantius_n be_v right_a famous_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o credit_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o five_o book_n and_o ninetenth_fw-mi chapter_n it_o stand_v with_o good_a reason_n that_o thou_o shall_v maintain_v and_o defend_v thy_o religion_n with_o patience_n or_o with_o death_n whereby_o keep_v thy_o faith_n sound_n and_o upright_o thou_o make_v it_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o gaine_v credit_n and_o authority_n unto_o religion_n and_o here_o that_o make_v no_o jar_n which_o be_v say_v psal_n 2.9_o that_o christ_n shall_v have_v a_o iron_n sceptre_n whereby_o he_o shall_v crush_v his_o enemy_n in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n for_o indeed_o that_o place_n attribute_v unto_o christ_n such_o power_n and_o might_n as_o against_o which_o his_o most_o obstinate_a and_o mighty_a foe_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o or_o literal_o mention_v the_o mean_a or_o instrument_n wherewith_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v destroy_v for_o that_o must_v rather_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o with_o weapon_n for_o the_o weapon_n of_o christian_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v spiritual_a as_o paul_n speak_v 2._o cor._n 10.4_o revel_v 19.15_o and_o not_o carnal_a or_o worldly_a whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n and_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o gospel_n to_o wage_v war_n with_o the_o papist_n in_o purpose_n to_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o to_o root_v out_o his_o doctrine_n the_o 29._o chapter_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o hereupon_o to_o think_v as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o the_o outward_a use_n of_o weapon_n be_v by_o the_o gospel_n utter_o condemn_v as_o tertullian_n lib._n de_n idolatria_fw-la &_o apologetico_fw-la lactan._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 22._o &_o cap._n 19_o make_v report_n indeed_o the_o marcionite_n be_v of_o that_o mind_n and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n some_o anabaptiste_n have_v renew_v the_o same_o error_n but_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o party_n be_v such_o as_o may_v take_v war_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o unlawful_a and_o such_o a_o party_n be_v the_o magistrate_n as_o appear_v rom._n 13.4_o luke_n 3.14_o but_o here_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n to_o show_v the_o difference_n that_o shall_v be_v between_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n for_o as_o touch_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o spiritual_a so_o do_v it_o use_v spiritual_a weapon_n such_o as_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o as_o for_o politic_a and_o earthly_a kingdom_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v to_o regard_v the_o commodity_n and_o have_v consideration_n of_o thing_n belong_v to_o this_o life_n and_o be_v for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n establish_v they_o do_v maintain_v and_o defend_v themselves_o by_o outward_a weapon_n by_o the_o lord_n permission_n yea_o sometime_o by_o his_o express_a will_n and_o commandment_n and_o hence_o now_o arise_v and_o fall_v into_o this_o point_n that_o famous_a and_o profitable_a question_n so_o often_o handle_v and_o inquire_v after_o whether_o any_o man_n may_v at_o any_o time_n in_o defence_n of_o
the_o midst_n of_o this_o defection_n although_o notwithstanding_o the_o number_n of_o they_o as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v always_o little_a themselves_o dwell_v in_o desert_n and_o be_v such_o as_o be_v unknown_a among_o other_o man_n for_o than_o be_v accomplish_v that_o which_o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o john_n namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n revel_v 12.16_o and_o there_o shall_v lie_v hide_v for_o a_o season_n what_o just_a cause_n the_o lord_n have_v to_o punish_v the_o world_n with_o this_o plague_n of_o blindness_n that_o it_o shall_v admit_v of_o this_o miserable_a state_n of_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n and_o further_o what_o monstrous_a contempt_n of_o god_n word_n go_v before_o this_o state_n of_o antichrist_n the_o 39_o chapter_n fvrthermore_o why_o god_n will_v have_v these_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a wretch_n to_o slip_v and_o fall_v into_o that_o so_o grievous_a a_o apostasy_n paul_n yield_v a_o reason_n and_o that_o a_o very_a sufficient_a and_o just_a one_o for_o although_o the_o lord_n have_v always_o most_o upright_o inducement_n for_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o judgement_n for_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v truth_n and_o judgement_n psal_n 25.10_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v privy_a there-unto_a yet_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v justify_v by_o her_o child_n matth._n 11.19_o and_o that_o they_o there-by_a may_v be_v the_o more_o strengthen_v it_o please_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o yield_v a_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o so_o great_a and_o fearful_a a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o afterward_o ensue_v and_o this_o be_v it_o because_o the_o world_n through_o disobedience_n and_o unbelief_n have_v deserve_v that_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o those_o grievous_a punishment_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a foul_a and_o monstrous_a kind_n of_o ingratitude_n towards_o god_n that_o his_o sacred_a gospel_n where-of_a they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a but_o have_v already_o hear_v it_o before_o preach_v yea_o and_o have_v well_o perceive_v the_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o it_o shall_v notwithstanding_o be_v loathe_v by_o they_o and_o trample_v under_o foot_n and_o that_o in_o stead_n there-of_a the_o devise_n of_o man_n the_o error_n of_o heretic_n impiety_n and_o superstition_n of_o all_o sort_n against_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n himself_o shall_v public_o be_v bring_v in_o and_o with_o the_o great_a like_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n defend_v yea_o and_o prefer_v before_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n itself_o what_o impiety_n can_v be_v great_a what_o injury_n i_o pray_v you_o more_o excessive_a and_o heinous_a can_v there_o ever_o be_v offer_v by_o mortal_a man_n unto_o the_o live_a god_n who_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n therefore_o this_o punishment_n bring_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n be_v a_o right_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o most_o just_a revenge_v inflict_v upon_o the_o mocker_n of_o his_o name_n and_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d derider_n and_o scoffer_n man_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o skorner_n chair_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n call_v the_o same_o punishment_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vers_fw-la 12._o a_o condemnation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o that_o these_o contemner_n may_v be_v damn_v and_o commit_v to_o torture_v therefore_o this_o seveare_a proceed_n be_v a_o just_a punishment_n of_o extreme_a wickedness_n blasphenne_n and_o unthankfulness_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d judge_v do_v in_o this_o place_n signify_v not_o so_o much_o a_o examination_n which_o god_n make_v of_o the_o cause_n as_o a_o judicial_a censure_n a_o verdict_n of_o condemnation_n and_o execution_n of_o punishment_n and_o herein_o assure_o the_o say_v antich_n as_o well_o as_o the_o devil_n himself_o be_v the_o executioner_n again_o we_o be_v withal_o to_o take_v especial_a observation_n of_o the_o vehemency_n of_o the_o speech_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o paul_n have_v use_v to_o express_v these_o abominable_a wretch_n for_o there-by_a it_o will_v the_o more_o appear_v how_o excessive_a the_o contempt_n be_v which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o word_n of_o god_n the_o revenge_n where-of_a be_v so_o horrible_a and_o indeed_o so_o great_a that_o it_o seem_v there_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v invent_v a_o great_a to_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o appertain_v that_o which_o paul_n add_v and_o that_o not_o idle_o or_o to_o no_o purpose_n in_o these_o word_n 1._o they_o receive_v not_o then_o the_o gospel_n be_v offer_v unto_o they_o so_o that_o there-by_a their_o neglect_n and_o unthankfulness_n appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a 2._o the_o love_n that_o be_v that_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a doctrine_n so_o great_o to_o be_v desire_v which_o stir_v up_o draw_v to_o it_o and_o chéer_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n 3._o of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o itself_o worthy_a great_a price_n and_o estimation_n and_o to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o the_o devise_n of_o man_n whatsoev_a the_o which_o truth_n paul_n commend_v by_o the_o effect_n it_o have_v say_v by_o it_o man_n may_v be_v save_v for_o that_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o instrument_n or_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v bring_v unto_o christ_n in_o who_o only_o our_o safety_n do_v consist_v therefore_o the_o word_n truth_n be_v in_o this_o place_n by_o way_n of_o preeminence_n set_v down_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o detestable_a and_o savage_a kind_n of_o unkindness_n for_o man_n in_o that_o sort_n to_o set_v light_n by_o such_o great_a and_o precious_a gift_n of_o god_n nay_o it_o be_v more_o than_o barbarous_a and_o beastly_a carelessness_n and_o impiety_n which_o deserve_v this_o seveare_a punishment_n and_o sharp_a revenge_n last_o paul_n do_v yet_o further_o amplifye_v this_o grievous_a contempt_n of_o god_n although_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v heinous_a enough_o of_o itself_o lest_o peradventure_o it_o shall_v seem_v to_o we_o a_o light_a matter_n or_o a_o small_a offence_n and_o he_o do_v aggravate_v the_o same_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o embrace_v and_o of_o the_o height_n whereunto_o like_a madman_n they_o advance_v this_o their_o rebellious_a and_o blasphemous_a behaviour_n against_o god_n for_o he_o say_v they_o do_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v pleasure_n in_o it_o with_o such_o a_o desire_n so_o willing_o and_o in_o such_o greedy_a and_o earnest_a manner_n that_o therein_o they_o great_o please_v themselves_o they_o like_v and_o allow_v of_o it_o they_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o it_o and_o witting_o and_o willing_o make_v account_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o most_o pure_a and_o precious_a doctrine_n and_o last_o that_o they_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o heavenly_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n himself_o and_o assure_o this_o be_v the_o high_a step_n of_o madness_n that_o can_v be_v for_o man_n not_o only_o like_o sot_n to_o admit_v and_o approve_v of_o lie_n in_o stead_n of_o truth_n but_o to_o rest_v and_o repose_v themselves_o there-in_a quiet_o content_o and_o in_o joyful_a sort_n yea_o with_o stretched-out_a arm_n to_o embrace_v the_o same_o to_o soothe_v and_o solace_v themselves_o in_o it_o although_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o conscience_n do_v there-in_a great_o grutch_v &_o repine_v against_o it_o last_o the_o same_o paul_n add_v this_o as_o a_o upshot_n of_o this_o villainy_n and_o rage_a madness_n commit_v against_o god_n that_o the_o same_o matter_n which_o these_o man_n so_o greedy_o pursue_v and_o so_o entire_o embrace_v be_v nothing_o else_o then_o mere_a unrighteousness_n wherein_o their_o condemnation_n be_v the_o great_a and_o their_o punishment_n the_o more_o just_a for_o it_o be_v most_o just_a &_o upright_o that_o such_o as_o allow_v of_o and_o maintain_v unrighteousness_n shall_v be_v most_o seveare_o punish_v psal_n 94._o and_o whereas_o he_o call_v this_o impiety_n simple_o injustice_n or_o unrighteousness_n he_o thereby_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o antichrist_n which_o be_v the_o state_n of_o popery_n god_n be_v not_o offend_v or_o his_o kingdom_n violate_v in_o one_o point_n or_o after_o one_o sort_n only_o but_o that_o all_o kind_n of_o iniquity_n be_v by_o they_o admit_v be_v commit_v and_o do_v with_o great_a like_n and_o allowance_n for_o as_o that_o be_v call_v righteousness_n where-by_a we_o yield_v unto_o god_n and_o man_n that_o which_o be_v their_o due_n and_o show_v ourselves_o conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o our_o
point_a at_o and_o foreshowed_n shall_v take_v place_n in_o the_o church_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o antichrist_n be_v include_v in_o that_o bishop_n only_o but_o that_o pontifical_a kingdom_n which_o be_v opposite_a and_o contrary_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o truth_n to_o be_v term_v antichrist_n and_o see_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o kingdom_n i_o call_v he_o antichrist_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a wherein_o i_o whole_o follow_v the_o manner_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o that_o antichrist_n it_o mention_v sometime_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o body_n as_o it_o be_v as_o when_o paul_n say_v except_o there_o first_o come_v a_o defection_n or_o fall_v away_o and_o now_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n work_v and_o sometime_o again_o it_o specifi_v but_o some_o one_o be_v chief_a and_o principal_n in_o this_o kingdom_n of_o who_o depend_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o wickedness_n as_o when_o he_o say_v set_v and_o advaunce_v himself_o against_o whatsoever_o be_v call_v god_n or_o be_v worship_v and_o bear_v it_o out_o as_o if_o he_o be_v at_o god_n these_o two_o point_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n but_o of_o the_o head_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n himself_o thus_o then_o see_v it_o appear_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o name_n of_o antichrist_n let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o matter_n and_o thing_n itself_o and_o examine_v what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v antichrist_n whereby_o all_o man_n which_o be_v not_o already_o infect_v with_o the_o dregs_n of_o antichristianisme_n may_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o the_o roman_a bishop_n be_v as_o i_o say_v this_o antichrist_n and_o herein_o of_o purpose_n i_o will_v affect_v brevity_n endeavour_v to_o comprise_v many_o thing_n in_o a_o few_o word_n and_o much_o matter_n in_o a_o small_a compass_n all_o the_o ancient_a father_n almost_o and_o many_o of_o the_o late_a writer_n and_o those_o very_a learned_a divine_n do_v affirm_v that_o daniel_n in_o his_o 11._o chapter_n about_o the_o end_n do_v speak_v of_o antichrist_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v there_o speak_v by_o he_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o antiochus_n only_o figurative_o but_o be_v proper_o and_o in_o truth_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o antichrist_n there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o pope_n proctor_n themselves_o to_o my_o knowledge_n that_o make_v doubt_n but_o that_o the_o prophet_n in_o that_o place_n do_v speak_v of_o antichrist_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o we_o may_v even_o out_o of_o this_o place_n learn_v who_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o fellow_n this_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v for_o in_o that_o treatise_n of_o daniel_n we_o may_v behold_v not_o a_o sleight_n counterfeit_n but_o a_o lively_a picture_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o first_o say_v the_o prophet_n he_o shall_v do_v what_o he_o listen_v and_o indeed_o the_o pope_n have_v now_o these_o many_o year_n do_v even_o what_o he_o please_v in_o many_o matter_n as_o well_o civil_a as_o ecclesiastical_a for_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o create_v translate_v and_o put_v down_o king_n to_o discharge_v subject_n from_o their_o oath_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o have_v the_o like_a authority_n over_o all_o empire_n and_o kingdom_n to_o root_v out_o pull_v down_o bring_v to_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v again_o to_o build_v and_o plant_v they_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o this_o power_n he_o have_v put_v in_o practice_n not_o only_o heretofore_o against_o many_o king_n and_o keyser_n but_o of_o late_o he_o itch_v as_o you_o know_v to_o exercise_v upon_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_n and_o as_o for_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n he_o therein_o challenge_v to_o himself_o much_o more_o licentious_a liberty_n for_o therein_o all_o his_o say_n placard_n and_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o oracle_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o like_v he_o must_v be_v take_v for_o catholic_a and_o whatsoever_o displease_v he_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v heretical_a though_o he_o shall_v draw_v with_o he_o infinite_a soul_n of_o man_n into_o hell_n yet_o it_o be_v impiety_n for_o any_o man_n to_o say_v what_o do_v you_o do_v 40._o si_fw-mi papa_n and_o it_o be_v a_o old_a principle_n among_o papist_n which_o none_o of_o they_o dare_v deny_v that_o the_o bare_a will_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v reason_n enough_o further_o the_o prophet_n say_v he_o shall_v exalt_v and_o magnify_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v god_n the_o which_o also_o paul_n very_o flat_o affirm_v of_o antichrist_n now_o how_o the_o pope_n perform_v this_o i_o shall_v afterward_o show_v when_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o handle_v that_o place_n of_o paul_n three_o the_o prophet_n add_v and_o he_o shall_v prosper_v until_o by_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o be_v bring_v to_o nought_o who_o be_v ignorant_a how_o wonderful_o the_o kingdom_n of_o popery_n increase_v until_o such_o time_n as_o the_o lord_n reveil_v antichrist_n unto_o his_o people_n four_o it_o follow_v neither_o shall_v he_o regard_v the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n and_o sure_o the_o romanistes_n have_v devise_v we_o a_o new_a god_n which_o be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n of_o the_o christian_n they_o have_v a_o counterfaict_n god_n and_o a_o strange_a christ_n a_o new_a heaven_n and_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o our_o father_n the_o apostle_n never_o know_v but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o can_v invent_v and_o frame_v for_o their_o own_o turn_n the_o which_o i_o will_v after_o make_v manifest_a five_o the_o prophet_n write_v he_o shall_v not_o care_v for_o the_o desire_n of_o woman_n the_o papist_n although_o they_o be_v not_o the_o least_o effeminate_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v yet_o they_o condemn_v marriage_n as_o utter_o unlawful_a among_o they_o in_o all_o their_o order_n and_o profession_n in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o prefer_v abominable_a sodomitry_n and_o filthy_a rage_a lust_n before_o honest_a and_o holy_a matrimony_n six_o he_o shall_v worship_v god_n with_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n among_o the_o catholic_n the_o spiritual_a and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v clean_o decay_v and_o all_o their_o religion_n stand_v in_o outward_a show_n and_o stately_a furniture_n of_o their_o church_n and_o image_n and_o mask_a pomp_n in_o celebrate_v their_o mass_n last_o he_o add_v he_o shall_v increase_v his_o glory_n and_o shall_v make_v his_o accompliss_n to_o rule_v over_o many_o and_o shall_v divide_v the_o land_n among_o they_o what_o riot_n what_o glory_n what_o magnificence_n what_o power_n what_o riches_n and_o treasure_n can_v be_v great_a they_o that_o the_o papist_n possess_v whatsoever_o be_v pleasant_a in_o all_o christendom_n whatsoever_o be_v gainful_a delightsome_a fat_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v whole_o not_o long_o since_o in_o the_o pope_n favourer_n wherefore_o i_o think_v assure_o that_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o these_o thing_n do_v so_o touch_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v so_o fit_o with_o any_o other_o whosoever_o but_o see_v there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o resolve_v that_o daniel_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v of_o antichrist_n or_o if_o he_o do_v yet_o that_o he_o there_o speak_v but_o figurative_o as_o under_o the_o person_n of_o a_o other_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o this_o antichristian_a monster_n be_v plain_o and_o clear_o set_v out_o unto_o us._n and_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o prosecute_v every_o place_n but_o make_v instance_n only_o of_o such_o proof_n as_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o pregnant_a there_o be_v never_o any_o christian_a that_o as_o yet_o make_v doubt_n that_o in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thess_n cap._n 2._o mention_n be_v make_v of_o antichrist_n wherefore_o let_v we_o advise_o consider_v and_o make_v search_n into_o that_o place_n and_o let_v we_o compare_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n with_o that_o antichrist_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o very_a antichrist_n that_o by_o his_o true_a and_o proper_a mark_n we_o may_v learn_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o very_a truth_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o thessalonian_o have_v wronglie_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n draw_v near_o the_o apostle_n endevour_v to_o rid_v they_o of_o that_o error_n and_o withal_o deliver_v doctrine_n most_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n the_o simple_a and_o plain_a proposition_n whereof_o be_v this_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n this_o antichrist_n he_o diverslie_o describe_v that_o every_o church_n and_o congregation_n may_v know_v what_o a_o manner_n of_o one_o he_o shall_v be_v let_v we_o several_o consider_v of_o each_o
part_n of_o this_o description_n set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n first_o he_o say_v except_o there_o come_v first_o a_o backslide_n or_o fall_v away_o now_o it_o be_v a_o fall_n from_o the_o faith_n that_o he_o mean_v for_o his_o purpose_n be_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o change_n of_o empire_n or_o overthrow_v of_o kingdom_n and_o again_o the_o word_n apostasy_n do_v signify_v no_o less_o 1._o tim._n 4.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v they_o shall_v shrink_v from_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o further_o all_o the_o father_n give_v it_o out_o that_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v join_v with_o a_o miserable_a overthrow_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n and_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o simple_o a_o apostasy_n which_o shall_v ensue_v he_o thereby_o show_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a and_o not_o a_o particular_a defection_n for_o he_o speak_v absolute_o without_o limitation_n and_o this_o may_v also_o more_o manifest_o appear_v by_o comparison_n of_o other_o place_n luk._n 18.8_o the_o son_n of_o man_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n upon_o earth_n this_o be_v that_o apostasy_n and_o want_n of_o faith_n whereof_o paul_n speak_v math._n 24.12_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v increase_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v be_v cold_a and_o john_n in_o the_o revelation_n foretell_v that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v commit_v fornication_n with_o the_o harlot_n and_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v make_v drunken_a with_o the_o wine_n of_o her_o whoredom_n and_o that_o all_o nation_n shall_v drink_v of_o her_o cup_n and_o last_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o best_a expositour_n of_o these_o matter_n do_v prove_v that_o i_o say_v to_o be_v most_o true_a for_o partly_o by_o mahumetism_n and_o partly_o by_o popery_n faith_n have_v be_v long_o since_o almost_o clean_o put_v out_o in_o so_o much_o as_o well_o nigh_o there_o be_v no_o remnant_n leave_v in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o true_a and_o ancient_a faith_n and_o sincerity_n after_o this_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o describe_v antichrist_n by_o his_o proper_a mark_n and_o that_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v disclose_v even_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n which_o be_v a_o adversary_n in_o these_o word_n he_o set_v out_o antichrist_n as_o it_o be_v one_o man_n who_o although_o he_o be_v not_o indeed_o any_o one_o single_a or_o particular_a man_n yet_o be_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n describe_v under_o the_o person_n of_o one_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o he_o make_v opposite_a to_o christ_n and_o be_v one_o and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n of_o satan_n wherewith_o all_o the_o antichristes_n in_o the_o world_n be_v carry_v as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n be_v one_o so_o also_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n one_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n as_o daniel_n long_v before_o have_v lay_v open_a several_a kingdom_n which_o be_v continue_v a_o long_a time_n by_o lineal_a descent_n and_o succession_n of_o king_n and_o people_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o leopard_n a_o lion_n and_o a_o bear_n so_o also_o will_v the_o apostle_n set_v out_o antichrist_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n under_o the_o figure_n or_o resemblance_n of_o a_o most_o wicked_a man_n and_o see_v the_o bishoply_n kingdom_n do_v fight_v and_o contend_v with_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o see_v that_o in_o the_o same_o the_o bishop_n as_o a_o principal_a monarch_n do_v bear_v the_o sway_n we_o right_o term_v the_o pope_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o kind_n of_o prerogative_n antichrist_n the_o apostle_n faith_n that_o this_o man_n be_v to_o be_v reveil_v that_o be_v shall_v open_o affect_v and_o possess_v a_o kingdom_n and_o exercise_v his_o tyranny_n the_o which_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o pope_n have_v practise_v above_o nine_o hundred_o year_n even_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n wherein_o he_o will_v needs_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o chief_a stroke_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v evident_o perceive_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o antichrist_n as_o i_o affirm_v let_v we_o prosecute_v the_o other_o part_n of_o this_o prophetical_a description_n lay_v out_o by_o the_o apostle_n he_o lay_v open_a antichrist_n in_o the_o four_o verse_n follow_v by_o three_o adjunct_n or_o property_n for_o first_o he_o shall_v oppose_v and_o exalt_v himself_o against_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o that_o be_v worship_v second_o he_o shall_v sit_v as_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n three_o he_o shall_v show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n these_o word_n contain_v much_o matter_n in_o they_o and_o offer_v great_a variety_n of_o speech_n but_o i_o of_o necessity_n must_v observe_v a_o mean_a first_o therefore_o antichrist_n be_v to_o become_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d opposite_a to_o christ_n a_o adversary_n contrary_a in_o such_o sort_n as_o he_o shall_v advance_v himself_o above_o christ_n so_o that_o antichrist_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o not_o only_o civil_a reverence_n but_o even_o divine_a worship_n can_v any_o man_n hereof_o make_v doubt_n but_o that_o this_o do_v most_o fit_o agree_v with_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o he_o will_v needs_o be_v great_a than_o god_n himself_o and_o set_v himself_o full_a butt_n against_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v needs_o be_v great_a than_o god_n we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o power_n and_o authority_n either_o of_o they_o do_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n to_o prescribe_v law_n to_o bind_v our_o conscience_n who_o only_o have_v the_o sovereignty_n over_o our_o soul_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n will_v needs_o bear_v rule_n over_o man_n conscience_n wherein_o he_o attribute_v to_o himself_o a_o divine_a interest_n yea_o injoin_v in_o more_o 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few_o word_n make_v it_o plain_a for_o neither_o be_v cold_a more_o repugnant_a unto_o heat_n or_o black_a to_o white_a more_o contrary_a then_o be_v popery_n to_o christianity_n and_o the_o bishop_n profession_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o god_n do_v they_o make_v of_o he_o when_o they_o serve_v such_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o idol_n and_o fill_v the_o whole_a world_n with_o their_o idolatry_n for_o where_o ever_o either_o among_o the_o grecian_n or_o egyptian_n or_o the_o old_a roman_n be_v image_n more_o common_a or_o more_o frenticke_a idoll-worship_n than_o be_v and_o as_o we_o know_v be_v in_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o that_o of_o a_o sorry_a slender_a crust_n a_o god_n can_v be_v make_v as_o soon_o as_o a_o priest_n shall_v have_v breathe_v