it_o or_o amend_v the_o same_o the_o 2_o be_v to_o eschew_v the_o evil_a and_o do_v the_o good_a and_o 3_o to_o manifest_v our_o repentance_n by_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o love_n both_o to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v hence_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o follow_v that_o the_o saint_n may_v fall_v away_o whole_o from_o grace_n and_o so_o perish_v eternal_o for_o if_o so_o holy_a a_o teacher_n fall_v from_o his_o first_o love_n why_o may_v we_o not_o then_o conclude_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n away_o whither_o the_o saint_n may_v whole_o fall_v away_o justification_n perseverance_n and_o salvation_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o doubt_v also_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o stand_v in_o fear_n thereof_o i_o confess_v have_v this_o angel_n final_o fall_v away_o there_o have_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o such_o doubt_v for_o no_o man_n can_v assure_o believe_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o salvation_n who_o doubt_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o perseverance_n the_o exposition_n of_o ribera_n &_o alcazar_n in_o this_o place_n be_v sound_a namely_o that_o he_o have_v not_o altogether_o lose_v his_o love_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o endure_v so_o great_a thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o he_o lose_v much_o of_o his_o former_a zeal_n fall_v how_o far_o forth_o the_o saint_n may_v fall_v in_o this_o we_o agree_v with_o they_o for_o the_o saint_n leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v soon_o fall_v from_o their_o faith_n love_n perseverance_n and_o salvation_n if_o we_o only_o have_v respect_n to_o secondary_a cause_n to_o wit_n the_o mutability_n of_o the_o will_n the_o weakness_n of_o man_n the_o scandal_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o subtlety_n and_o power_n of_o satan_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v all_o these_o who_o be_v weak_a man_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o common_a frailty_n of_o other_o so_o long_o as_o we_o carry_v about_o we_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n 8._o rom._n 11.10_o matth._n 26_o 41._o 1_o corinth_n 10_o 12._o 1_o pet._n 5_o 8._o for_o what_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o lift_v up_o but_o fear_n lest_o thou_o also_o be_v cut_v of_o the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v for_o satan_n walk_v about_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o example_n of_o this_o pastor_n but_o also_o the_o manifold_a slip_n and_o complaint_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v witness_n that_o they_o may_v languish_v and_o fail_v in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n &_o charity_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o present_a loss_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o consider_v either_o the_o unchangeable_a counsel_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a or_o the_o most_o effectual_a intercession_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o faith_n perseverance_n and_o salvation_n or_o last_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v the_o elect_a be_v keep_v unto_o the_o end_n 1_o pet._n 1.5_o than_o we_o may_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n firm_o conclude_v that_o the_o faithful_a can_v whole_o and_o final_o fall_v from_o the_o habit_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n i_o say_v so_o to_o fall_v as_o to_o become_v god_n enemy_n 24._o 1_o joh._n 3_o 9_o matth._n 24_o 24._o and_o perish_v for_o ever_o because_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o to_o wit_n with_o his_o whole_a will_n &_o that_o unto_o death_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o elect_a shall_v be_v deceive_v to_o wit_n 5_o joh._n 10_o 28_o luke_n 22_o 32._o see_v also_o matth._n 7_o 25._o psal_n 37_o 24._o 1_o pet._n 1_o 5_o final_o unto_o their_o damnation_n because_o no_o man_n can_v pluck_v christ_n sheep_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n but_o he_o give_v unto_o they_o life_n eternal_a and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n i_o have_v pray_v for_o thou_o that_o thy_o faith_n fail_v not_o and_o god_n promise_v to_o put_v his_o fear_n into_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o which_o be_v as_o augustine_n interprete_v it_o that_o they_o may_v always_o cleave_v unto_o he_o for_o they_o be_v as_o mount_v zion_n which_o can_v be_v move_v etc._n etc._n these_o and_o many_o other_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o they_o do_v plain_o overthrow_v that_o pelagian_a error_n of_o the_o saint_n aposiasie_a and_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v final_o draw_v away_o and_o doubt_v about_o grace_n and_o salvation_n decree_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o trent_n so_o also_o they_o do_v confirm_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o free_a purpose_n of_o god_n the_o certainty_n of_o our_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n unto_o the_o end_n howsoever_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o elect_a many_o time_n by_o their_o sin_n disturb_v their_o peace_n and_o assurance_n have_v their_o mind_n trouble_v with_o manifold_a doubt_n for_o as_o man_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o humane_a frailty_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v here_o in_o this_o life_n so_o then_o we_o expound_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v to_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o what_o thou_o be_v go_v back_o from_o thy_o former_a zeal_n in_o godliness_n fervency_n and_o love_n and_o be_v become_v unlike_a to_o what_o thou_o be_v before_o so_o then_o christ_n commend_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o his_o constancy_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o hatred_n of_o heresy_n but_o reprove_v he_o for_o his_o languish_a coveteousnesse_n and_o ambition_n hence_o we_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o profess_v the_o truth_n unless_o it_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o humility_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o this_o threaten_v be_v the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o narration_n be_v a_o most_o vehement_a exhortation_n and_o show_v the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o security_n and_o coveteousnesse_n two_o thing_n be_v threaten_v 1_o i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o quick_o that_o be_v thou_o shall_v sudden_o be_v punish_v before_o thou_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o thus_o impenitent_a person_n provoke_v christ_n the_o judge_n against_o themselves_o who_o wrath_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v for_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n do_v we_o say_v the_o apostle_n provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o so_o that_o the_o first_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v repent_v be_v because_o of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o own_o weakness_n the_o second_o thing_n threaten_v be_v the_o removal_n of_o the_o candlestick_n that_o be_v christ_n will_v not_o only_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o his_o office_n but_o also_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n that_o be_v the_o church_n itself_o by_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o andreas_n i_o will_v cast_v the_o church_n into_o a_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a condition_n which_o punishment_n ordinary_o follow_v security_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n and_o indeed_o christ_n do_v not_o in_o vain_a threaten_v this_o church_n for_o afterward_o they_o not_o repent_v he_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n and_o overthrow_v they_o by_o barbarous_a nation_n here_o come_v in_o a_o twofold_a question_n first_o how_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o equity_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v dissipate_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o teacher_n second_o how_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o candlestick_n be_v threaten_v see_v the_o church_n be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v and_o the_o apostle_n call_v this_o very_a church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n â—_o tim._n 3_o 15._o ribera_n say_v that_o the_o first_o be_v a_o difficult_a question_n because_o christ_n threaten_v not_o the_o pastor_n but_o indeed_o the_o whole_a church_n whereas_o it_o seem_v unreasonable_a that_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v punish_v for_o the_o impenitency_n of_o the_o teacher_n hence_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o candlestick_n in_o this_o place_n import_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o episcopal_a function_n and_o dignity_n unto_o which_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o be_v a_o light_n before_o the_o flock_n so_o that_o by_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o candlestick_n he_o understand_v a_o removal_n of_o the_o episcopal_a honour_n and_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o excel_v as_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o sundry_a other_o virtue_n and_o gift_n with_o which_o he_o be_v endue_v this_o interpretation_n be_v not_o altogether_o incongruous_a
however_o we_o need_v not_o alter_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o candlestick_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a or_o contradictory_n to_o divine_a justice_n that_o god_n shall_v punish_v a_o whole_a congregation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o few_o yea_o for_o one_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o same_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v 1_o cor._n 5.6_o &_o 11.30_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o oftentimes_o the_o multitude_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o governor_n like_o priest_n like_o people_n as_o be_v the_o king_n such_o be_v the_o subject_n wherefore_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o church_n have_v lose_v she_o first_o love_n as_o well_o as_o her_o reachertand_n hence_o the_o threaten_a be_v direct_v against_o he_o as_o chief_a and_o against_o the_o congregation_n as_o be_v corrupt_v also_o to_o the_o second_o i_o answer_v by_o distinguish_v the_o church_n which_o be_v either_o particular_a or_o universal_a the_o universal_a be_v perpetual_a unshaken_a and_o build_v upon_o the_o rock_n but_o we_o believe_v otherwise_o of_o particular_a church_n which_o oftentimes_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o security_n remove_v by_o overthrow_v whole_a city_n &_o country_n as_o the_o eastern_a greek_a church_n of_o asia_n and_o africa_n do_v plain_o witness_v but_o although_o particular_a congregation_n be_v dissipate_v and_o the_o candlestick_n remove_v either_o for_o public_a or_o private_a sin_n so_o that_o where_o former_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n do_v shine_v there_o afterward_o paganism_n or_o antichristianisme_n do_v reign_v not_o withstand_v the_o church_n itself_o be_v not_o always_o remove_v for_o the_o abode_n of_o the_o church_n be_v uncertain_a 13.14_o heb._n 13.14_o the_o lord_n sometime_o cause_v the_o faithful_a to_o wander_v as_o stranger_n &_o exile_n from_o place_n to_o place_n not_o have_v a_o continue_a city_n in_o this_o world_n that_o which_o be_v speak_v 1_o tim._n 3.15_o as_o it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o the_o universal_a church_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o true_a of_o these_o ephesian_n yea_o of_o every_o particular_a congregation_n i_o say_v in_o right_n though_o not_o always_o in_o fact_n for_o indeed_o every_o congregation_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o still_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o that_o of_o mala._n 2.7_o the_o priest_n lip_n preserve_v knowledge_n that_o be_v they_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v though_o they_o do_v it_o not_o &_o therefore_o be_v reprove_v by_o the_o prophet_n vers_fw-la 8_o but_o you_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n that_o be_v aught_o to_o be_v the_o pillar_n according_a to_o that_o in_o tit._n 1.6_o 5.13_o mat._n 5.13_o a_o bishop_n be_v that_o be_v aught_o to_o be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n you_o shall_v be_v so_o etc._n etc._n hence_o we_o first_o observe_v see_v the_o abode_n of_o the_o church_n be_v uncertain_a we_o must_v not_o promise_v to_o ourselves_o a_o continuance_n in_o one_o place_n in_o regard_n we_o be_v citizen_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o many_o time_n he_o do_v so_o for_o the_o sin_n either_o of_o the_o teacher_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n now_o in_o this_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v our_o own_o fault_n as_o deserve_v it_o 1_o psal_n 2d_o 1_o yet_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o be_v altogether_o discourage_v because_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o for_o if_o the_o outward_a prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v disturb_v and_o take_v away_o yet_o our_o inward_a grace_n as_o faith_n and_o charity_n remain_v for_o ever_o let_v we_o therefore_o steadfast_o persevere_v in_o our_o first_o faith_n and_o amend_v the_o evil_n whither_o in_o pastor_n or_o church_n that_o so_o the_o candlestick_n be_v not_o remove_v second_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o true_a repentance_n be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o escape_v public_a punishment_n and_o church_n dissipation_n for_o christ_n say_v i_o will_v remove_v thou_o unless_o thou_o repent_v mean_v if_o thou_o repent_v i_o will_v not_o remove_v thou_o three_o observe_v that_o in_o scripture_n the_o threaten_n of_o punishment_n be_v still_o with_o a_o condition_n either_o express_v or_o understand_v viz._n except_o man_n repent_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n be_v declare_v and_o the_o punishment_n follow_v not_o there_o be_v no_o change_n at_o all_o in_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n last_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o such_o as_o go_v astray_o be_v to_o be_v brotherly_o reprove_v and_o correct_v for_o their_o evil_n and_o bring_v to_o true_a repentance_n the_o obstinate_a be_v to_o be_v terrify_v with_o threaten_n and_o the_o repentant_a raise_v up_o with_o comfort_n the_o which_o christ_n do_v to_o this_o church_n as_o know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o amendment_n of_o life_n 6._o but_o this_o thou_o have_v that_o thou_o hate_v the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o narration_n contain_v a_o further_a commendation_n of_o they_o for_o their_o hatred_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o this_o he_o bring_v in_o after_o the_o reproof_n and_o threaten_a as_o it_o be_v pour_v oil_n into_o the_o wound_n and_o to_o draw_v they_o the_o soon_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o desperate_a condition_n three_o thing_n before_o he_o praise_v in_o they_o here_o he_o add_v a_o four_o thus_o we_o see_v none_o shall_v want_v praise_n with_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v praise_v worthy_a now_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o their_o encouragement_n not_o as_o do_v work_n of_o merit_n but_o as_o exercise_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n receive_v of_o god_n in_o obedience_n unto_o he_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n in_o vers_n 15_o their_o doctrine_n be_v mention_v 27._o lib._n 1_o cap._n 27._o but_o not_o full_o express_v what_o they_o teach_v irenaeus_n write_v that_o they_o hold_v it_o no_o sin_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o most_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n but_o in_o vers_fw-la 14_o it_o be_v say_v 5._o act._n 6_o 5._o that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o not_o of_o the_o nicolaitan_n however_o it_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v a_o pernicious_a and_o most_o wicked_a sect_n both_o in_o life_n &_o doctrine_n 2d_o lib._n 3_o hist_o cap._n 2d_o some_o will_v have_v nicolas_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o deacons_n to_o be_v the_o author_n hereof_o eusebius_n epiphanius_n and_o nicephorus_n do_v write_v of_o he_o that_o be_v accuse_v as_o jealous_a of_o his_o wife_n who_o be_v very_o beautiful_a he_o forlooke_v she_o and_o leave_v she_o as_o common_a to_o all_o but_o clement_n alexandrine_n as_o themselves_o testify_v do_v commend_v this_o nicolas_n for_o his_o piety_n and_o continency_n 15._o heres_fw-la 25._o cap._n 15._o have_v daughter_n who_o remain_v virgin_n and_o a_o son_n which_o live_v holy_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o some_o other_o nicolas_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o filthy_a sect_n and_o that_o these_o heretic_n abuse_v the_o name_n of_o this_o man_n as_o a_o cloak_n for_o their_o abominable_a wickedness_n of_o these_o man_n augustine_n write_v large_o in_o his_o book_n of_o heresy_n a_o certain_a writer_n hence_o gather_v apoc._n ho_o in_o apoc._n see_v christ_n call_v these_o man_n nicolaitan_n after_o the_o name_n of_o the_o first_o author_n that_o he_o also_o may_v just_o name_v such_o man_n calvinist_n who_o have_v alvine_a for_o their_o author_n to_o the_o end_n his_o hearer_n may_v the_o more_o careful_o avoid_v they_o behold_v here_o a_o notable_a imitator_n of_o christ_n but_o let_v he_o first_o prove_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o false_o term_v calvine_n have_v its_o original_n from_o he_o or_o to_o be_v as_o this_o be_v of_o the_o nicolaitan_n filthy_a impious_a and_o damnable_a neither_o of_o which_o he_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v whereas_o we_o may_v easy_o retort_v the_o very_a same_o fault_n upon_o himself_o for_o christ_n call_v these_o sectary_n nicolaitan_n because_o they_o so_o name_v themselves_o the_o better_a to_o make_v way_n for_o their_o wicked_a error_n like_v as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n some_o say_v they_o be_v of_o cephas_n some_o of_o apollo_n and_o some_o of_o paul_n very_o few_o be_v content_v to_o be_v name_v after_o christ_n for_o our_o part_n we_o count_v it_o a_o evil_a to_o be_v name_v after_o calvin_n and_o not_o rather_o christian_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n whereas_o this_o clawback_n himself_o delight_v to_o be_v
with_o the_o dragon_n do_v altogether_o belong_v to_o antichrist_n time_n but_o i_o think_v i_o can_v move_v here_o a_o far_o more_o difficult_a question_n woman_n a_o more_o difficult_a question_n about_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v whither_o this_o woman_n fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n be_v not_o the_o same_o who_o john_n see_v in_o the_o wilderness_n sit_v on_o the_o scarlet_a colour_a beast_n or_o another_o of_o all_o which_o question_n i_o will_v speak_v a_o few_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o first_o prove_v the_o monkish_a fable_n touch_v mary_n assumption_n be_v not_o hence_o prove_v this_o vision_n make_v nothing_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o monkish_a dream_n and_o picture_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_fw-mi corporal_a assumption_n into_o heaven_n and_o place_v she_o on_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o trinity_n her_o be_v queen_n of_o heaven_n and_o so_o clothe_v as_o the_o woman_n here_o appear_v to_o john_n these_o be_v mere_a apocryphal_a fiction_n and_o contradictory_n to_o christian_a relegion_n yea_o themselves_o also_o confess_v that_o this_o type_n do_v not_o in_o many_o thing_n agree_v with_o their_o fable_n this_o woman_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o church_n birth_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n allude_v to_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n for_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n do_v partly_o literal_o &_o partly_o allegorical_o very_o well_o represent_v the_o future_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n this_o woman_n bring_v forth_o a_o man_n child_n 2.13_o a_o historical_a compare_v of_o this_o type_n with_o marie_n and_o christ_n mat._n 2.13_o so_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n god_n send_v his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n gal._n 4.4_o the_o dragon_n lay_v wait_v for_o the_o woman_n child_n so_o herod_n the_o tyrant_n seek_v to_o kill_v christ_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v the_o woman_n with_o eagle_n wing_n fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n so_o mary_n be_v admonish_v of_o god_n flee_v with_o the_o child_n into_o the_o desert_n of_o egypt_n the_o woman_n be_v there_o sustain_v and_o keep_v 1260_o day_n so_o mary_n remain_v in_o egypt_n near_o four_o year_n until_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n the_o dragon_n cast_v forth_o a_o flood_n of_o water_n after_o the_o woman_n to_o devour_v she_o so_o herod_n after_o mary_n flight_n murder_v all_o the_o infant_n of_o bethlehem_n of_o two_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a that_o among_o they_o he_o may_v slay_v the_o woman_n child_n to_o be_v shortt_n the_o child_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v catch_v up_o into_o heaven_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o make_v the_o feeder_n &_o ruler_n of_o all_o nation_n so_o christ_n have_v finish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n &_o be_v set_v down_o on_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o father_n have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n these_o thing_n be_v now_o represent_v unto_o john_n not_o as_o historical_a see_v he_o be_v no_o way_n ignorant_a of_o they_o neither_o as_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v afterward_o see_v they_o be_v already_o do_v but_o as_o type_n of_o future_a thing_n mystical_o set_v forth_o the_o future_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o life_n for_o as_o the_o virgin_n marie_n once_o bring_v forth_o christ_n corporal_o so_o the_o church_n continual_o as_o it_o be_v in_o travail_n bring_v he_o forth_o in_o his_o member_n spiritual_o se_fw-la gal._n 4.19_o herod_n persecute_v mary_n with_o her_o child_n so_o that_o old_a dragon_n by_o tyrant_n &_o other_o enemy_n shall_v persecute_v the_o church_n with_o her_o member_n virgin_n the_o allegory_n of_o the_o church_n &_o christ_n birth_n of_o the_o virgin_n marry_o fly_v from_o the_o tyrant_n withdraw_v herself_o out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o adversary_n yet_o she_o still_o have_v a_o be_v and_o be_v preserve_v and_o nourish_v in_o the_o desert_n of_o egypt_n until_o her_o return_n so_o the_o church_n shun_v antichrist_n withdraw_v herself_o out_o of_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o have_v she_o a_o continuance_n still_o and_o be_v nourish_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o the_o world_n until_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o temple_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n be_v set_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n so_o the_o faithful_a at_o length_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o reign_v with_o christ_n so_o that_o this_o type_n do_v excellent_o represent_v the_o history_n both_o of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o church_n the_o woman_n represent_v mary_n the_o child_n take_v up_o into_o heaven_n christ_n the_o dragon_n persecute_v the_o woman_n herod_n the_o tyrant_n the_o take_v up_o of_o the_o child_n unto_o throne_n of_o god_n christ_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n &_o his_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n notwithstanding_o in_o a_o mystical_a sense_n which_o only_o be_v intend_v in_o this_o prophetical_a vision_n the_o woman_n be_v the_o church_n the_o child_n of_o the_o woman_n &_o her_o seed_n be_v the_o faithful_a of_o all_o age_n the_o dragon_n be_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o other_o persecute_v tyrant_n of_o the_o church_n woman_n why_o the_o church_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o type_n of_o a_o woman_n furthermore_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n to_o compare_v both_o the_o true_a and_o false_a church_n unto_o a_o woman_n as_o in_o isai_n 54.1_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o the_o true_a church_n rejoice_v o_o barren_a thou_o which_o do_v not_o bear_v for_o more_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o desolate_a then_o of_o the_o marry_a wife_n and_o mica_n 7.8_o the_o true_a church_n say_v to_o the_o false_a rejoice_v not_o against_o i_o o_o my_o enemy_n because_o i_o fall_v for_o i_o shall_v arise_v etc._n etc._n hence_o general_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o chaste_a and_o undefiled_a virgin_n so_o chap._n 19.7_o she_o be_v call_v the_o wife_n and_o spouse_n of_o the_o lamb_n the_o reason_n she_o be_v so_o call_v be_v both_o her_o spiritual_a marriage_n with_o christ_n her_o bridegroom_n as_o also_o the_o weakness_n of_o that_o sex_n for_o the_o church_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o weak_a woman_n have_v no_o humane_a strength_n to_o subsist_v of_o herself_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o church_n of_o malignant_a man_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o adulterous_a woman_n jerem._n 3.1_o to_o a_o whore_n and_o most_o impure_a harlot_n ezech._n 16._o &_o reve._n 17.18_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o this_o woman_n be_v &_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n riberas_n first_o question_n be_v full_o answer_v now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o second_o question_n represent_v in_o what_o state_n the_o church_n be_v here_o represent_v he_o right_o deny_v that_o the_o church_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o first_o state_n or_o as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n although_o some_o do_v think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o allusion_n unto_o eve_n our_o first_o mother_n betwixt_o who_o seed_n and_o the_o serpent_n god_n put_v enmity_n in_o the_o beginning_n but_o this_o be_v without_o all_o ground_n neither_o be_v john_n to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o ancient_a synagogue_n but_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a church_n now_o the_o other_o two_o thing_n which_o he_o affirm_v be_v not_o true_a one_o that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o christ_n come_n be_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o for_o we_o have_v show_v the_o contrary_a because_o the_o woman_n in_o travail_n of_o christ_n corporal_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o travail_n with_o christ_n spiritual_o the_o other_o that_o he_o refer_v the_o event_n of_o this_o type_n unto_o the_o last_o time_n of_o his_o feign_a antichrist_n who_o shall_v never_o come_v as_o if_o the_o woman_n be_v not_o already_o long_o ago_o flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n &_o persecute_v by_o the_o dragon_n in_o her_o flight_n as_o shall_v appear_v more_o evident_o by_o that_o which_o follow_v last_o unto_o the_o three_o question_n viz._n whither_o this_o woman_n fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n be_v the_o same_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o beast_n chap._n 17._o i_o say_v that_o she_o be_v and_o be_v not_o the_o which_o i_o thus_o manifest_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o woman_n represent_v the_o church_n now_o the_o church_n by_o a_o diverse_a signification_n be_v take_v either_o for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o beget_v heb._n 12.22_o which_o universal_o comprehend_v all_o the_o elect_v before_o and_o under_o the_o law_n 38._o lib._n 4._o epist_n 38._o as_o also_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o gregory_n affirm_v and_o this_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o creed_n or_o for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o call_v which_o in_o the_o new_a
as_o with_o a_o pestilent_a plague_n she_o have_v infect_v the_o christian_a world_n her_o horrible_a idolatry_n i_o say_v and_o cruelty_n by_o which_o she_o defile_v and_o oppress_v the_o church_n the_o commination_n be_v take_v out_o of_o isai_n 21.9_o babylon_n be_v fall_v be_v fall_v and_o all_o the_o grave_a image_n of_o her_o god_n he_o have_v break_v unto_o the_o ground_n and_o jer._n 51.8_o babylon_n be_v sudden_o fall_v and_o destroy_v howl_v for_o she_o in_o which_o word_n the_o prophet_n threaten_v ruin_n to_o babylon_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n which_o have_v grievous_o press_v god_n people_n by_o 70._o year_n captivity_n now_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v whither_o this_o babylon_n here_o threaten_v be_v the_o foresay_a chaldaean_a babylon_n or_o another_o and_o which_o that_o it_o be_v not_o babylon_n of_o chaldea_n appear_v by_o many_o reason_n first_o that_o babylon_n neither_o be_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o seat_n of_o antichrist_n babylon_n this_o be_v not_o the_o caldean_a babylon_n for_o however_o there_o be_v a_o ancient_a fable_n of_o antichrist_n rise_v out_o of_o babylon_n yet_o the_o same_o make_v not_o babylon_n but_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v his_o seat_n now_o the_o babylon_n here_o threaten_v by_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v the_o seat_n of_o antichrist_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o interpreter_n second_o this_o babylon_n be_v that_o great_a city_n the_o which_o in_o john_n time_n rule_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n rev._n 17.18_o but_o then_o the_o chaldaean_n hold_v not_o the_o monarchy_n but_o the_o roman_n beside_o this_o babylon_n defile_v all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o her_o fornication_n but_o now_o how_o the_o caldean_a babylon_n shall_v so_o do_v in_o these_o last_o time_n no_o sound_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v for_o it_o last_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v bid_v to_o go_v out_o of_o this_o babylon_n chapter_n 18.4_o but_o god_n people_n for_o these_o thousand_o year_n have_v not_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o eastern_a babylon_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o this_o babylon_n be_v not_o babylon_n in_o caldea_n although_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v apply_v the_o prophetical_a threaten_n of_o old_a against_o babylon_n to_o good_a purpose_n and_o fit_o here_o from_o the_o letter_n therefore_o we_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o the_o figure_n which_o thing_n ribera_n also_o acknowledge_v now_o second_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n will_v have_v this_o babylon_n to_o be_v the_o world_n as_o be_v the_o great_a city_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o which_o the_o devil_n rule_v so_o ambrose_n bede_n arethas_n andreas_n ansbertus_n haymo_n primasius_n anselmus_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o this_o opinion_n can_v stand_v for_o first_o this_o babylon_n be_v that_o great_a whore_n make_v drink_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o wine_n of_o her_o fornication_n but_o how_o shall_v the_o world_n make_v drink_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n see_v themselves_o be_v the_o world_n make_v drink_v by_o the_o whore_n shall_v the_o world_n make_v the_o world_n drink_v the_o whore_n therefore_o which_o make_v drink_v be_v plain_o distinguish_v from_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o be_v make_v drink_v second_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v absurd_a babylon_n be_v fall_v that_o be_v the_o world_n be_v fall_v for_o by_o the_o ruin_n of_o babylon_n the_o whole_a world_n shall_v not_o decay_v but_o there_o shall_v remain_v king_n and_o merchant_n which_o shall_v see_v and_o bewail_v the_o ruin_n of_o babylon_n whereas_o after_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o world_n there_o will_v be_v no_o king_n nor_o merchant_n three_o we_o be_v command_v to_o go_v out_o of_o this_o babylon_n chap._n 16.8_o but_o we_o be_v not_o bid_v to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 5.10_o except_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n but_o out_o of_o this_o babylon_n a_o local_a departure_n be_v command_v four_o it_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n that_o john_n prophesi_v of_o that_o babylon_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o antichrist_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v not_o be_v antichrist_n seat_n for_o he_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 2_o thes_n 2.5_o the_o which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o whole_a world_n five_o 17.18_o this_o babylon_n be_v rome_n see_v chap._n 11.8_o &_o 17.18_o ribera_n add_v that_o this_o babylon_n stand_v on_o seven_o mountain_n chap._n 17.9_o now_o that_o the_o city_n of_o wicked_a man_n or_o the_o world_n shall_v stand_v on_o seven_o mountain_n can_v be_v true_a in_o any_o sense_n and_o therefore_o ribera_n conclude_v that_o we_o must_v expound_v it_o otherwise_o and_o indeed_o at_o last_o the_o say_v jesuite_n do_v ingenious_o confess_v that_o this_o babylon_n be_v rome_n for_o which_o opinion_n he_o allege_v many_o old_a writer_n as_o austin_n l._n 8._o de_fw-fr câ—â—â—â—_n where_o he_o amime_v that_o rome_n be_v build_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o assyrian_a kingdom_n and_o call_v the_o same_o the_o daughter_n of_o babylon_n or_o another_o babylon_n orosius_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 2._o eusebius_n lib._n 2._o hist_o cap._n 14._o bede_n occumenius_n victorinus_n hierom_n in_o isa_n 24._o in_o his_o prologue_n in_o lib._n dydimi_fw-la &_o lib._n 2._o against_o jovinian_a &_o epist._n 15._o q._n 11._o to_o agasia_n &_o epist_n 17._o to_o marcel_n tertullian_n lib._n 3._o against_o martion_n and_o against_o the_o jew_n some_o also_o of_o the_o latter_a writer_n as_o sixtus_n senensis_fw-la lib._n 2._o bibliot_n in_o vocabulo_fw-la meretricis_fw-la magnae_fw-la bellarmine_n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr p._n r._n cap._n 2._o &_o 13._o ludovicus_n vives_z in_o lib._n 18._o de_fw-fr c._n d._n cap._n 20._o lindanus_n lib._n 4._o panop_n cap._n 82._o the_o which_o confession_n of_o his_o we_o willing_o approve_v of_o he_o allege_v also_o that_o of_o peter_n the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o babylon_n salute_v you_o 5.13_o 1_o pet._n 5.13_o that_o be_v in_o rome_n as_o eusebius_n lib._n 2._o hist_o cap._n 15._o expound_v it_o the_o which_o the_o papist_n do_v therefore_o glad_o lie_v hold_v on_o to_o show_v that_o peter_n sit_v at_o rome_n but_o it_o be_v a_o weak_a conjecture_n for_o it_o may_v more_o probable_o be_v say_v that_o peter_n write_v from_o babylon_n of_o the_o east_n as_o calvin_n in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o place_n show_v but_o be_v that_o place_n in_o peter_n what_o way_n soever_o understand_v many_o thing_n persuade_v we_o that_o this_o babylon_n be_v rome_n first_o the_o description_n and_o situation_n of_o this_o great_a city_n agree_v not_o so_o full_o to_o any_o as_o to_o rome_n for_o it_o be_v say_v to_o stand_v upon_o seven_o mountain_n which_o can_v so_o well_o be_v say_v of_o any_o city_n as_o of_o rome_n build_v of_o old_a by_o romulus_n on_o seven_o hill_n name_v palatinus_n quirinalis_n aventinus_n coelius_n viminalis_fw-la aesquilinus_fw-la janicularis_fw-la hence_o virgil._n lib._n 6._o aeneid_n scilicet_fw-la &_o rerum_fw-la facta_fw-la est_fw-la pulcherrima_fw-la roma_fw-la septem_fw-la quae_fw-la una_fw-la sibi_fw-la muro_fw-la circundedit_fw-la arces_fw-la rome_n be_v become_v the_o famous_a place_n of_o all_o which_o have_v enclose_v seven_o hill_n within_o her_o wall_n and_o ovid_n lib._n 1._o trist_n eleg._n 4._o sed_fw-la quae_fw-la de_fw-la septem_fw-la totum_fw-la circumspicit_fw-la orbem_fw-la montibus_fw-la imperii_fw-la roma_fw-la deûmque_fw-la locus_fw-la rome_n be_v the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o royal_a seat_n over_o look_n the_o world_n with_o her_o seven_o mountain_n great_a and_o horace_n diis_fw-la quibus_fw-la placuere_fw-la colle_n dicere_fw-la carmen_fw-la unto_o the_o god_n a_o verse_n to_o tell_v who_o the_o seven_o hill_n do_v please_v full_a well_o and_o propertius_n vrbs_fw-la septem_fw-la alta_fw-la jugis_fw-la toti_fw-la qua_fw-la praesidet_fw-la orbi_fw-la the_o lofty_a city_n on_o seven_o hill_n hie_v which_o rule_v the_o world_n continual_o second_o this_o babylon_n be_v call_v a_o great_a city_n city_n rome_n the_o great_a city_n and_o that_o indeed_o emphatical_o with_o a_o double_a article_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o great_a city_n now_o it_o be_v know_v that_o rome_n be_v call_v the_o city_n and_o the_o great_a city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o way_n of_o praeminence_n hence_o tityr_n in_o virgil_n thus_o speak_v urbem_fw-la quam_fw-la dieunt_fw-la romam_fw-la melliboee_o putari_fw-la stultus_fw-la ego_fw-la huic_fw-la nostrae_fw-la similem_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o city_n call_v rome_n o_o melibee_n i_o as_o a_o fool_n like_o we_o do_v think_v to_o be_v beside_o this_o great_a city_n babylon_n in_o john_n time_n world_n have_v rule_n over_o the_o world_n have_v dominion_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n chap._n 17.18_o and_o no_o city_n then_o but_o rome_n have_v monarchical_a power_n but_o we_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n see_v this_o opinion_n be_v back_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o ancient_a writer_n 721._o bellar._n li._n 2._o de_fw-fr p._n