whole Crop so is the small number of true Beleevers reserved by grace to the whole field and crop of the world CHAP. XIII IF we compare this description of the Beast in this Chapter with that in the 17. we shall easily perceive that by both Beasts the Romane State is represented but yet not of the same time This designes old Rome or the Romane State as it was especially under the heathen Emperors although Antichrist be not excluded from that description For the perfect Beast is propounded having seven heads the last of which is Antichrist The 17th Chapter describes Rome as it was after The first Beast representeth the persecuting Emperours and is described in the beginning of the Chapter The second Antichrist and begins at ver 11. and so forward to the end of the Chapter Vers. 1. And I saw a Beast arise up out of the Sea having seven heads and ten hornes and upon his heads ten Crownes Rise up Signifyeth to get strength Dan 4.8 and 8.8 Out of the Sea That is of many and divers peoples which it had vanquished Crownes for dignity hornes for power and heads for subtilty The seven Heads are seven Hills and ten Hornes are ten Governments Mr Dod. The hornes of the Beast are crowned and not his heads because the Romane Empire hath alwaies more prevailed by power than by policy but the Dragon hath his heads crowned and not his hornes therefore he hath alwaies done more by policy subtiltie than by power and strength Vers. 2. And the Dragon gave him his power viz. That Dragon mentioned 12.3 the Devill that old Serpent 12.9 whom Moses also set forth by the Serpent Gen. 3.1 The Dragon hath something of the Serpent but flying is added to it that is swiftnesse of moving Vers. 8. Whose names are not written in the Booke of the life of the Lambe slaine from the foundation of the world Some thinke this is not spoken of Election since Christ as Mediatour was elected but of those which the Father gave to Christ in the Covenant before the world Others refer this from the beginning of the world to the book of life as Apoc. 17.8 rather than to the Lambe slaine not as though there were any absurdity or incongruity in the speech as Ribera being so justifiable by the parrallell places of Scripture Weemes and other learned men say from the beginning not from eternity in reference to that promise Gen. 3.15 the death of Christ being then publisht that is slaine as well then as now not only in the Counsell and Decree of God whereby he is borne and slaine in all times and places nor only in regard of the eternall power efficacy and merit of his death but also in respect of the heart of the Beleever whose faith makes that which is locally absent after a sort truly and really present Mr Perkins In regard of Gods acceptation of it for Belleevers in the types and shaddows of it whereof the Ceremoniall Law was full Dr Tailor Vers. 9. If any man have an eare let him heare A solemne preface before some great matter and diligently to be observed Mat. 11.15 and 13.9.43 Mark 4.9.27 and 7.16 and 8.18 Luk. 8.8 and 14.35 See afore Ch. 11.7.11.29 that is let him heare with his eare let the eare do its work and not be idle Vers. 10. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity Rome which had led captive the Christians is become a Captive to the Goths and Vandales For lead and goe there is an elegant para nomasia in the Greek He that killeth with the Sword must be killed with the Sword Domitian which had slaine so many Christians with the Sword he also was slaine by the sword and 17 of his own Servants So Grotius Here is the patience and faith of the Saints That is by this the patience and faith of the Christians is confirmed because they knew that God would revenge their injuries Ver. 11. This Beast can be no other but the Pope of Rome who riseth out of the earth that is out of most base beginnings and steppeth or riseth above the earth and all earthly power he hath hornes like the Lambe that is professeth the meeknesse and innocency of Christ which the Turke never did but speakes like the Dragon which is to be understood partly of his blasphemous speeches which he doth utter partly of the Doctrines of Devills which he doth teach partly of those hellish Curses which he thundereth against the true professors of the faith partly of those great promises which like the Prince of the world he maketh to those that do adore him Down of Ant. l. 1. c. 4. The Pope of Rome with his Clergy for the Pope by himselfe and alone though he may be tearmed a false Prophet yet he maketh not up the Beast except his Clergy be joyned with him since the Beast doth signifie a company of men composed of a certaine order of members Vers. 12. Whose deadly wound was healed All the Papists almost say that Antichrist is understood by that Head which was wounded who shall feigne himselfe dead and shall rise againe by the devills helpe And that they say is the common and received opinion of the Fathers Vers. 13. He maketh fire come downe from heaven on the earth The Pope say the Papists doth not cause fire to come down from heaven therefore he is not Antichrist This cannot be taken litterally because the whole Chapter is mysticall it is an allusion unto 1 King 18.24 that is Antichrist shall make his false Religion appeare to men to be the truth as effectually as if like Elias he should cause fire to come from heaven for a confirmation of his Doctrine Squire on 2d of Thes. Mr. Mede saith Excommunication is meant which is saith he not unaptly resembled to fire from heaven or lightening For what is it in the name of God to deliver any one over to that eternall fire other than to call for fire from heaven especially since that punishment of the wicked proceeding from God is often in this Book set forth by the Lake of fire and brimstone or Asphaltites where Sodom and Gomorrah were burned with fire rained down from heaven If that fire which Antichrist shall cause to descend from heaven be litterally understood it agreeth to the Pope because in divers Popisth miracles there hath been as they say fire brought down from heaven But it is rather to be understood mystically and allegorically as well as other Prophecies of the Revelation Descending of fire from heaven in Scripture signifieth three things 1. Gods approving of the Religion and Sacrifices of his Servants 2. His sending down of the graces of the Spirit upon his children Act. 2.3 3. His vengeance executed from heaven upon his enemies Antichrist doth by such signes and wonders confirme that Doctrine and Religion which he professeth as though God answered him by fire
meant the true militant Church and the members of it here upon earth v. 4. Starres of heaven Are Ministers of the Church v. 12. rejoyce yee heavens that is beleevers and members of the true Church on earth so v. 3. 7. A woman The woman is the Church resembled to a woman partly for her weaknesse but chiefly because the Scripture sets it forth by the Spouse of Christ Cant. 4.10 Clothed with the Sun That is Christ Psal. 84.11 Mal. 4.3 He resembleth it in its properties and effects Frst properties 1. In unity there is but one Sun in the world and but one sun of righteousnesse in the Church Ioh. 1.14 1 Tim. 2.5 2. Light Rev. 1.16 3. Purity 4. Power and sufficiency Secondly Effects 1. Illuminates 2. Directs 3. Refresheth The righteousnesse of Christ is imputed to the Church See Cant. 6 10. Shee is cloathed with it cloathes serve for 1. Covering 2. Shelter 3. Ornament so Christs righteousnesse and the Moon under her feet The Moon signifieth either Temporary and Transitory things as Dr. Tailor and others it being both the cause and embleme of change or the ceremoniall rights because the Jews festivals were ordered by the motions of the Moon as Mr. Burrh on Esay 66.10 from Mr Mede And upâ—n her head a crowne of twelve starres That is The shining doctrine of the twelve Apostles Vnder feete For subjection and contempt Vers. 2. And she being with childe cryed Cryed Two wayes in her prayers to God and her apologies to men Mr. Arrowsmith Ver. 3. And there appeared another wonder in heaven and behold a great red Dragon c. Here wee have a description of the Churches adversary under the name and type of a Dragon By the Dragon is meant 1. The Devill for so it is expounded v. 9. to be that old Serpent called the Devill and Satan The Devill is called metaphorically a Serpent or Dragon 1. In allusion to that story Gen. 3. Because under this forme and representation hee deceived mankind 2. For his poison and malice whereof hee is full 3. For his exceeding strength and power to hurt and destroy 4. For his slighnesse subtiltie and craft Gen. 3.1 See 9. v. of this Chapter This his nature is couched in his name draco 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 acutè cernere to see piercingly for he is subtile acute and quicke sighted to discerne a farre off his prey and advantage against us The Greeke word here used translated red is emphaticall noting him to be a fiery Dragon fiery red set on fire and all enflamed with an hellish flame of wrath and cruelty against the Church of God 2. By the Dragon is also meant the instruments of Satans fury Ier. 51.34 Ezek. 29.3 Psal. 74.13 3. Some more speciall instruments the Heathen persecuting Emperours of Rome Having seven heads The head is the seate of prudence and policie the number of seven heads notes the manifold subtilties of the Devill and his instruments Others by seven heads understand the seven hilles of Rome where the Dragon lived or the seven kinds of governments in the Romane Monarchie And ten hornes The Dragons power and strength is here called ten hornes Horne in Scripture is commonly taken metaphorically and signifies strength might power kingdome glory The number ten is here taken indefinitely for all those Kings Princes and Captaines under them who banded themselves against the woman which by the perfect number of ten are noted to bee exceeding many See 13.1 And seven Crownes upon his heads By which is meant the supremacie of the Romane Empire subduing under it the Princes Provinces Nations by innumerable victories but especially prevailing against the Church and primitive Christians as so many Conquerors Vers. 4. And his taile drew the third part of the Starres of heaven By Starres are meant the Ministers of the Gospell because 1. They are set in their severall stations as the starres in their orbes by God 2. Because they give light to the Church by doctrine and holy example Matth. 5.14 3. They are eminent and in high place Of heaven Mysticall they were removed from their holy doctrine and heavenly hope His taile That is the power and policie of the Devill And the Dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered The Text hath reference both to the Serpents standing before Eve the woman that is the Mother of the world and Church to seduce her and to Pharaoh called the Dragon of Aegypt watching the destruction of the male children of the Church so soone as the Mothers should be delivered of them This standing before the woman implieth 1. His readinesse and nearnesse 2. His instance and diligence Vers. 5. And shee brought forth a man child Some understand it of Christ. See Psal. 2.9 and Rev. 2.27 and 19.15 Dr Tailor gives good reasons against this exposition Others of Luther many of Constantine the great a godly Christian Emperour Dr. Tailor understands by it not one singular person but some potent Princes or speciall deliverers whom God stirred up to succour and relieve the Church against those Tyrannicall Romish Emperours and persecutors By whom the Dragon was defeated and disappointed whose aime was to devour all the seed of the woman for these were 1. Sonnes of the Church 2. A man child stout strong valiant 3. Ruled over the Nations with a rod of Iron viz. an unresistible power and over-ruling the nations and Princes that were enemies to the Church 4. Was taken into the throne of God That is advanced into chiefe government for the refreshing and defence of the Church and curbing the rage of those imperiall Dragons Vers. 6. And the woman fled into the wildernesse This verse is here inserted by the Spirit of God by anticipation it was done after though it be here mentioned it properly belongs to the 13. and 14. verses It seemes to be an allusion unto Israels flying into the wildernesse from Pharoah that red and bloudy Dragon pursuing them even to destruction The wildernesse is nothing else but an afflicted and solitary condition of the woman excluded from her former glory forced now to hide her face from the world and to live in poverty and exile and in a private and solitary condition Where there is a place prepared of God that they should feed her Alluding to the feeding of the Church of the Jews in the wildernesse The word They standeth in relation to some persons spoken of before viz. 11. ch 2. The two witnesses shall feed her for the time of both fitly agreeth A thousand two hundred and threescore dayes By these dayes are meant so many yeares for all things almost in the Revelation are expressed according to the manner of ancient Types It is the same with times time and halfe a time 14. v. and 42. moneths 11.2 Vers. 7. And there was a battell in Heaven That is in the Church militant Some speciall and
from heaven 1 Kings 18.38 Vers. 16 17 18. Some hold that the marke the name of the Beast and the number of his name is one and the same thing and that the latter of all these is the exposition of the former The marke of Antichrist is nothing else but the name of the former Beast containing the number of 666. therefore Rev. 14.9.11 20.4 He reckons not these three as distinct but mentions the marke alone Vers. 16. To receive a marke in their right hand or in their foreheads Gerhard saith the marke in the right hand is an oath by which the Clergy is bound to the Pope and the marke in the foreheads notes the subjection of the Lay people to the Pope Mede interprets marke his name therefore it is said the marke or name of the Beast and in the Chapter following the marke of his name For he alludeth to the old custome by which servants were wont to be marked with the names of their Masters Souldiers the names of their commanders the first especially in the forehead the other in their hands Therefore the followers of the Lambe also 14.1 that they may be contrary to the followers of the Beast are written in their forehead with the names of the Lambe and his Father with the same meaning of the Type in both to shew who is the Lord and for whom each Company fighteth Those professing themselves servants of the Beast and his Image these of 〈◊〉 and his Father Vers. 17. And that no man might buy or sell That is live among them or enjoy the benefits of humane Society Vers. 18. His number is sixe hundred threescore and sixe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lateinos the Letters of which exactly expresse the number of 666. λ is 30. α 1 Ï„ 300. â— 5. ι 10. ν 50. â— 70. â— 200. all joyned together make up the aforesaid summe Irenaeus whose Master Polycarpus had been Saint Johns Disciple an ancient Father of the Church mentions this word as the name of the Beast and affirmeth that it was a common received opinion in his time that the Beast should be so called The name of the Beast is not the name of Antichrist properly but of the Romane or Latine State the last Head of which is Antichrist which yet hath not been observed by some learned men who have diligently considered this place It is said to be the number of the name because the letters of which the name consists comprehend that number for the Hebrews Greeks use their letters for notes of numbers according to the order of the Alphabet It is called the number of a man either because men do number or because it is obvious and usuall as occurring more than once in Scripture or because the name of the Beast containing this number is also the name of a man It may be questioned whether the number of the name be to be computed according to the Hebrew or Greek letters if the name of the Beast be to be written in Greek letters which is very probable because the Revelation was written in Greeke then the name shall be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as was before exprest CHAP. XIV Vers. 1. HAving his Fathers name written in their heads Ad constantiam confessionis for the constancy of their confession Vers. 2. And I heard a voice from heaven as the voice of many waters and as the voice of a great thunder and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harpes The voice of the Lord is compared to many waters for its irresistible force and admirable noise making men wonder to thunder for its terrour and power shaking all things to a gentle sound of harpes for the worke of peace and joy in the conscience Vers. 6. And I saw another Angell flye in the midst of heaven That is another besides one of those fingers For he made mention of no Angell before this except we shall say those Musitians were a Quire of Angels Mede The everlasting Gospell Not in respect of the future but of the time past viz. that which was promised from the beginning of the world As the hills paths and desolations are said to be everlasting or ancient Esay 58.12 and 61.4 Jer. 6.16 and 18.16 Deut. 33.15 Gen. 49.26 Esay 54.47 So the Gospell that is from the beginning It is called Eternall saith Brightman as if the Holy Ghost would of purpose meet with the offence of those times when the truth that was restored should commonly be condemned for novelty Vers. 8. And there followed another Angell saying Babylon is fallen is fallen After the Preaching of the everlasting Gospell presently follow the fall of Babylon that is Rome It is already accomplished in part It is fallen 〈◊〉 purity of Doctrine 2. In the estimation which once it had 3. In authority but thâ—â— Prophecie notes the certainty of her fall by an outward overthrow This commination is taken out of Esay 21.9 and Jer. 51.8 in which words the Prophets threaten the ruine of Babylon of the Chaldees which had grievously oppressed the people of God with a 70 yeares Captivity This cannot be that Babylon 1. Because that neither was nor is nor shall be the Seat of Antichrist as this Babylon shall by the consent of all Interpreters saith Pareus 2. This Babylon is that great City which in the time of John ruled over the Kings of the earth Rev. 17.18 but then that Monarchy was with the Romans not the Babylonians Ribera ingeniously confesseth that this Babylon is Rome and the topographie of this great City agrees to none more evidently than Rome it is said to be seated on seven Mountaines which agrees to no City more than to Rome set by Romulus heretofore on seven hills Besides this Babylon is called the great City and that emphatically with a double Article 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 urbs illo magna that great City It is manifest that Rome was commonly called the City 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the great City and no City but that in Saint Johns time ruled over the Kings of the Earth all the shift the Jesuits have is that Babylon was Rome Ethnicall under the Emperours not Rome Christian under the Popes But this is a poore shift for Antichrist was not then come while Rome was Ethnicall 2. It was Papall Rome that made all Nations drunke with the wine of the wrath of her fornication and with whom all the Kings of the Earth committed fornication and the people of God are commanded to go out of Rome Papall Ver. 8. Because she had made all Nations drinke of the wine of the wrath of her fornication With the wine of the poyson of her fornication That is besotted them with amorous potions being poysoned Wine For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here hath not the force of anger or wrath but as it is used by the Seventy Poyson That is they would have it
battell shal be fought there but it is so called because of the neere resemblance of the battell fought in this field unto those battels which were fought in Megiddon in old time For it is usual in the Prophets of the New-Testament to allude unto things spoken of in the old Here is an allusion to three notable battels fought in Megiddon Iudg. 5.19 2 Kings 23.29 1 Sam. 31.28 It is spoken of in the Hebrew tongue because this shall befall the Hebrew people The summe is that these Spirits went forth to gather those Popish and Heathen Princes together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon where the battell shall have the like successe that it had of old unto the destruction of Gods three enemies the utter ruine of Antichrist as of Saul the setling of the kingdome of Christ upon David unto the conversion of the Jews who shall upon this occasion mourne bitterly over him whom they have pierced It is a mourning of compunction whereby they seeing in this battell that Christ is indeed the true Messias shall mourne that they have been so long estranged from him Ve. 17. The aire That is the kingdome of Satan Ephes. 2.2 See Brightman Rather thus the Lord will send forth such a bright and cleere knowledge of his Christ and Church and Saints and holy things which will prevaile so farre as to dispell all the mists of darknesse in all the world It is done The mysterie of iniquity is abolished and the mysterie of God is fulfilled Vers. 18. And there were voices and thunders and lightnings The Lord will so terribly affright and amaze the Sons of men with the power of his holy word and will as that it shall suddenly breake forth all the world over And there was a great earthquake This imports agitations and changes not terrour onely it will shake out popery and when by it the Popish aire is smitten the Lord also will shake all the world by it and the time doth hasten Vers. 19. And the great City That is Rome See 17.18 18.20 Was divided into three parts It will be divided into three factions some will sticke fast unto Popery and others of the people of God that before durst not openly professe Religion will now renounce Popery the third part may be a neutrall betweene both the other And the Cityes of the Nations fell The Cityes of the nations were they who did subject themselves to the popish government To give unto thee the cup of the wine of the fiercenesse of his wrath Cup is a part or portion Psal. 11.6 and 16.5 By a metaphore taken from Masters of feasts who were wont to measure out to every one as much as he should drinke Gods judgements are inflicted upon men in a just measure and wine because they are pleasing to God as mens sins to them Vers. 20. And every Island fled away and the mountaines were not found He speaketh of the Mountaines and Islands of the Antichristian state The Mountaines are the places where they went a whoring after their Gods in old time Ier. 3.6 Islands places consecrated by Popish devotions as Church-yards and the like Vers. 21. And there fell upon men a great haile It is an allusion to the haile storme in Aegypt whereof the effect was that they sinned and hardened their hearts ye more This kind of haile-storme is such a plague of God upon men as shall destroy all their lying refuges and discover all the counterfeit Religions in the world CHAP XVII THe ninth and eighteenth verses are the key for the opening of this Prophecie concerning the beast and the whore The Whore in this Chapter is Rome the Beast the Romane State the last head of the Romane State Antichrist The name of the Beast is taken in this Chapter two wayes either for the whole body of the Beast as v. 3. where the woman is said to sit on the Beast in which sense the Beast is the same with many waters v. 1. viz. people nations languages subject to the Romane Empire or for the head which is Antichrist See 11 12 13 17. verses Vers. 3. And I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast First it is to be observed that St Iohn here and 13.1 according to the example of the Prophet Daniel Dan. 7.3 doth by the tearm of a beast import some earthly kingdome state and government therefore named a beast to signifie the same to be led wholly with beastly and carnall affection to these things that concerne the flesh and savour of the flesh 2. By a woman a harlot he noteth a City which is the place and palace of such a state given to fornications both spirituall by idolatry and corporall by wantonnesse which sitteth and hath advancement by the preheminence of that kingdome state and government thus the Angell plainely distinguisheth the woman and the beast v. 7. Though sometimes they are used indifferently for the same v. 1. Compared with 15. and 18. but there was no City that reigned over the Kings of the Earth and over those many nations and people but onely the City of Rome therefore she is here meant v. 9. further confirmes it The City of Rome is famous for seven hilles Septimontium nominatur ab his septem montibus in quibus vrbs sita est Varro de lingua Latina l. 5. Ver. 4. Having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations Pareus saith by this golden cup the golden titles of the Pope are meant in which he hath hitherto drunke the wine of his fornication to the world as Papa Pater Patrum Pater sanctissimus Sanctitas Christi vicarius Petri successor c. Full of abominations and filthinesse of her fornication Gold without but poyson within He understands the wicked blasphemous Doctrines and filthy sins with which the Whore of Rome hath made drunke the Christian world Vers. 5. And upon her forehead was a name written Mystery One saith he saw a mystery engraven in the Popes Myter or Crown It is called mystery because Rome was raised in a mystery that is she got up to her height insensibly and cunningly Babylon the great Not long after the time of the foundation of the Church of Rome did Saint John write this Book of the Revelation wherein he revealeth that the City of Rome is Babylon according to the generall consent of their own Jesuites and Divines Babylon Apocalyptica est Romana Bellarmine l. 3. de Pont. c. 12. lib. 2. c. 2. Ribera Vega in Apoc. 14. And not only Rome as it was Ethnicall in the daies of the heathenish Emperours but Rome Papall see Rhemists on Apoc. 17.5 because say Ribera and Viega the Spirit warneth all that were in her to depart 18.4 but there were then no faithfull in the heathenish Rome and they are commanded to come out of her for feare of being consumed with fire Rome is termed Babylon
in many resemblances and one egge is not liker another 1. Babell was the great City that must rule over all Nations Gen. 10.10 and Rome is the great City that must rule over all Cities and Churches 2. At Babell was the first confusion of Tongues Gen. 11.7 In and from Rome is the first confusion of Tongues and of errours one not understanding another in the Word or Sacraments or other their Services 3. At Babell was horrible superstition and wickednesse in Priests and People and thence it spread all abroad Rome is a sinke of superstition and filthinesse and all Nations have drunke of her Cup. 4. Babell held the Church in slavery seventy yeares so the Church of Christ hath been oppressed a long time under the tyranny of the Romish Church 5. Babell robbed and spoiled the Church of her Treasures and the Temple of God and horribly polluted it Rome hath robbed the Church of the Word Sacraments the Offices of Christ and most comfortable doctrine the chiefe dowrie and revenew that Christ her head gave her 6. Babell most miserably intreated the Church Psal. 137.1 so all is full of cruelty in the Romane Church Vers. 5. The mother of Harlots and abominations of the earth Because she infecteth all Nations that adhere unto her with her Idolatries and superstitions See ver 2. Vers. 6. And I saw the woman drunken with the bloud of the Saints and with the bloud of the Martyrs of Jesus Papists say that bloud was not shed in Rome but in Jerusalem where the Lord was crucified Rev. 11.8 That place in the 11. ch is not meant of Hierusalem as Hierome saith but may well be understood of Rome Christ was crucified there either because the authority whereby he was crucified was from the Romane Empire or else because Christ in his members was and is there dayly crucified though locally in his own person he was crucified at Hierusalem Vers. 8. The beast that thou sawest was and is not and shall ascend out of the bottomlesse pit For the darke and deepe schoole-learning or profoundnesse of Satan which it teacheth leaving the plaine and easie Doctrine of the Scriptures Vers. 9. The seven heads are seven mountaines on which the woman sitteth The mountaines are sufficiently known out of Poets and Histories Neither could any more famous marke be brought to describe Rome saith Grotius Septem urbs alta jugis toti quae praesidet orbi The City mounted on seven hills overruling the whole world The names of these hills are commonly known and usually named in Romane Authors viz. Palatinus Capitolinus Quirinalis Caelius Esquilinus Viminalis Aventinus Vers. 10. And there are seven Kings Claudius Nero Galba Otho Vitellius Vespatian Titus So Grotius Others interpret it of seven severall Regiments or Heads of Government to which the State of Rome was successively subject that is to Kings which also were seven Consuls Decemvirs Tribunes Dictators Emperours and Popes of these five ceased before Johns time the sixth which was of Emperours was now the seventh which was of Popes was not yet Vers. 11. The eighth head which is also one of the seven is the Empire renewed by the Pope and is said to be the Beast which was and is not though it be whereon the Whore of Babylon sitteth Vers. 12. With the beast or after the beast as others read it that is Antichrist Vers. 13. And shall give thei◠power and strength unto the beast 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Their naturall power the power of armes and their civill power the power of authority Vers. 14. And the Lambe shall overcome them Not by destruction but conversion he will make use of them after to overthrow Antichrist Vers. 15. The waters which thou sawest where the whore sitteth are peoples and multitudes and nations That very universality which the Romans are wont so much to brag of Vers. 16. The ten Kings or Kingdomes of Europe some reckon up to be these England Scotland Germany France Spaine Denmarke Sweveland Poland Russia Hungarie that tooke part with Rome and shall pull her down They are compared to horns because they were the strength and defence of the Romane Empire and Papacy Vers. 17. And give their kingdome unto the Beast That is all the strength and warlike force and the authority and Laws Vers. 8. That great City which reigneth over the Kings of the Earth Rome was only that famous City called therefore Vrbs by an excellency and here with great Emphasis that great City Rome papall that monarchie was then the only monarchie in the world Terrarum Dea Gentiumque Roma Cui par est nihil nihil secundum By this title of great City thoughout the Apocalypse is meant Babylon or Rome as appeareeth by conference of these places Apoc. 14.8 and 16.19 and 18.10.16.18.19.21 but especially by this place here CHAP. XVIII Vers. 1. ANother angell One of the heavenly host and all other instruments acted by him Vers. 2. Babylon the great is fallen is fallen That is Rome and new Rome See 14.8 and 17.5 See 18. ver of this ch Babylon called for its sorcery the great 1. From the greatnesse of their glory 2. From the extent of their power and dominion Is fallen is fallen The Lord speakes of it in praeterito is fallen after the manner of the Hebrews who put praeteritum pro futuro when they would shew the certainty of a thing Ezek. 7.4.5 cum reduplicatione is fallen is fallen Such repetition used in Scripture for a double end to set forth 1. The perfection of a thing done Esay 26.3 Psal. 137.7 it notes an utter destruction 2. The affection of the speaker Psal. 22.1 2 Sam. 18.33 Three things are intended by this speech the certainty of the destruction of Babylon and its utter destruction and the joy and triumph of Gods people at it Vers. 3. For all nations have drunke of the wine of the wrath of her fornication Therefore shall Babylon fall because she hath corrupted Religion And the Kings of the earth have committed fornication with her She hath corrupted them and they are her last refuge 16.14 Magistracy is a stampe of Gods image therefore he is provoked to have it corrupted Vers. 4. Come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her plagues Some interpret it of locall departing as Lot went out of Sodome and the Text favours that interpretation Come out in affection in action and in habitation both by spirituall and bodily departure Little Mice they say presaging the ruine of a house do flie out before hand Vers. 5. For her sins have reached unto heaven The words in the originall are her sins have followed that is her sins following one upon and after another knit together in a continued order have by this meanes grown to such a heape that they came up even unto heaven at length Vers. 6. Reward
Gerh. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 deducitur diminutivum primum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 secundum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tertium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 proinde ac à Latino liber diminuitur libellus indeque libellulus libellunculus hoc ergo tertio diminutivo significatur hunc librum satis minutum fuisse exiguum Porro hic libellus est ille de quo cap. 5. v. 1. à Lapide The word here rendred roaring doth properly signifie the â—owing of Oxen and such beasts Lyons roaring is called by three other names in Greek Brightman Pareus No more to that effect but that the ancient prophecies should be quite fulfilled Thorndikes Review p. 172. Ezek. 2.9 See Ezek. 3.1 Perkins Mr Bur. on Hos. Pareus This setteth forth the Primitive state of the Christian Church exactly conformable to the rule of Gods Word Mr Mede Cottons bloudy Tenet Walshed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Calcabunt id est conculcabunt proterent affligendo scilicet contemptui habendo Alii malunt frequentabunt quia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saepe idem est quod 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alsted Vide Down Diatrib de Antichristo part 2da p. 608 609 638 c. Duos testes indefinitè successionem aliquorum assertorum doctrinae Evangelii adversus Antichristum intelligamus Definitè tamen dicuntur duo tum quia pauci erant respectu locustarum qui orbem Christianum replebunt tum quia duo ad firmandum testimonium in quovis judicio sufficiunt Pareus * Dr Prid orat de duobus testibus Vide Pareum By two witnesses is meant a few faithfull Ministers which God will raise up here and there amidst the power of darknesse in greatest strength of the Antichristian reigne the Apostle used the number of two because the Law of God requireth so many witnesses for necessary triall of a matter in controversie 2. He evidently alludeth unto Zach. 11.14 Cartw. on Rhem Test. By the two witnesses whether we understand the Scriptures in the two Testaments as Austen which are overcome in Popery and their own traditions made equall or rather set above them or else the zealous and sincere professors of the Word of God who both by their Doctrine and Conversation give witness unto the truth of it it cometh all to one for Antichrist is an enemy both to Scripture and Scripture men Dr. Taylor See him on 12. of Rev. p. 216. â—ent Mede Cocceius in 2 Tim. 2.23 Qui exponit duos Testes Dei verbum vet Novi Testamenti dicit hoc nihil aliud esse quam ver bum Dei in magno illo regno gentium ostentui quidem esse publicè sed abnegata non percepta illius vi ratque vitute pro cadavere ipsis esse neque enim vivum efficax esse in istit spiritualiter mortuis Whether you understand it physicè killing them as men or Metaphoricè killing them as witnesses Deut Down of Ant. l. 1. c 2 Mr Hues Domininostri Christi Kaì exegericum est pro Domini nostri qui est Christus sicut passim Apostolus Deus Pater pro Deus qui est Pater Pareus Fata imperii fata Ecclesiae Dr Taylor Dr Taylor Woman in this booke signifieth three things 1. Idols because they are as enticing and alluring as wanton women 2. Idolaters goe a whoring after them as uncleane persons after light women 14.4.2 The City of Rome the seat of Antichrist 17.3 1. Because in her outward pompe and glory she is opposed to the chaste spouse of Christ whose glory is all with in 2. Because with her the great Kings of the earth have committed fornication 17.2.3 3. The true Church and so is the word taken here Dr Taylor The Church hath 1. It s originall from heaven 2. It s tendence is to heaven Heb. 11.14.16 3. The Churches conversation is in heaven Phil. 3.20 4. It is dependent upon heaven Iames 1.17 Mr Arrowsmith A forma in qua apparuit ab estutia atque officio est enim omniumastutissimus omnium imptarum astutiarum auctor Zanchius Dr Tâ—ilor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dr Tailor 13. ch 2. Id ib. The Dragon employed the seven heads and ten hornes that is the policie and strength of the Romane state especially to suppress the true religion and overthrow the Church Pro trahebat Graecè est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod significat caudae ictibus devol vere indéque mittere in terram ut casu elidantur occidantur à Lapide * In loc * Brightman Dr Tailor ib. Woman signifieth here a multitude the Church miliâ—ant * Idem ubi supra Ezek. 4.5 6. Dr Tailor ubi supra See Iosh. 5.5.14 Rev. 9.11 Dr Tailor Draco iste vocatur magnus 1. Ob potentiam in impios Eph. 2.2.2 Ob regni amplitudinem ad quod pertinent omnes impii Gerh. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dr Taylor Luke 10.18 Dr Taylor Psal. 118.16 Psal. 2. Weemes Hoc est sponte imperterrito animo sese propter sanguinem agni morti martyrio subjecerunt seu ut Beza vertit animae suae prodigi fuerunt usque ad mortem Animam hoc est vitam diligere dicitur qui nihil habet hoc vita Charius Contrà non diligere animam suam qui non dubitat illam perticulis morti ipsi objicere si gloria Christi necessitas ita flagitat Glas. Grammat Sac. l. 3. Tract 3. Vide Bezam Per tempus tempora dimidium temporis intelliguntur anni tres cum dimidio Gerh. Dan. 7.2 and 12.7 That is the Arrian Heresie see Pro. 28.15 Triplex flumen denoratur 1. Tentationis quae fit per blanditias ampla promissa bonorum temporállum voluntatum hujus saeculi 2. Persecutionis Psal. 65.8 Psal. 124.4 5.3 Haeresium Gerh. Rom. 9.29 Dr. Taylor Down Diat de Antich parte 14. l. 1. c. 5. Quod Johannem hanc bestiam vidit è mari ascendere eo significatur Romanum imperium ex multis populis confluentibus extitisse Apoc. 17.15 ad fastigium illud pervenisse Gerhard Deut. See 2 Thes. 2.9 He speaks say they of the eternal transactions between the Father and the Son Si quis bene contulerit locum hujus libri 17.8 inveniet trajectionem hic esse vocum ipsum librum dici 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ab origine mundi conscriptum scilicet similitudine sumta à bene moratis civitatibus ubi ab initio conditae urbis extant perpetua monumenta quae civium nomina continent Merito autem hic liber ab eo nomen accepit qui ab aeterno erat destinatus ut omnium Sanctorum inter quos eminent martyres caput esset Vide Heb. 11.40 Grotius Causaub of the Incarnation of Christ. Mr Ball on the Covenant Nempe sacramentaliter sub sacrificiis Agno Poschali Wollebius Vide Pareum Per Agni librum intelligit constantissimam Domini de suis salvandis Sententiam illustratam 〈◊〉