continuance_n of_o those_o year_n which_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o particular_o and_o several_o and_o first_o he_o set_v down_o the_o particular_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o thirteen_o and_o fourteen_o verse_n and_o then_o of_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o seaventeenth_o verse_n for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o persecution_n thereof_o be_v express_v in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o persecute_v she_o that_o bring_v forth_o the_o man-child_n but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v she_o from_o be_v devour_v of_o the_o dragon_n in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v she_o be_v thus_o pursue_v have_v for_o her_o deliverance_n wing_n give_v she_o to_o fly_v away_o into_o a_o desert_n for_o two_o time_n a_o time_n and_o half_o a_o time_n it_o notable_o describe_v that_o strange_a deliverance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o overthrow_n of_o it_o who_o as_o the_o story_n witness_v be_v warn_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n do_v withdraw_v themselves_o for_o a_o time_n into_o a_o city_n call_v pella_n beyond_o jordan_n in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o they_o do_v continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a until_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v whereas_o the_o dragon_n be_v say_v to_o cast_v out_o water_n against_o the_o church_n it_o note_v the_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n for_o so_o it_o be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o afterterwards_o 15._o cap._n 17._o 1._o 15._o which_o afterward_o the_o devil_n raise_v up_o to_o devour_v and_o consume_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o but_o in_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v say_v to_o help_v the_o woman_n it_o note_v that_o howsoever_o the_o lord_n suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o raise_v and_o stir_v up_o many_o enemy_n and_o adversary_n against_o his_o church_n yet_o also_o he_o have_v his_o mean_n for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o his_o child_n by_o the_o overthrow_n of_o their_o enemy_n destroy_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o fury_n and_o cast_v they_o into_o their_o grave_n and_o last_o the_o dragon_n have_v do_v the_o worst_a he_o can_v against_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o christ_n himself_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n he_o follow_v and_o proceed_v with_o mortal_a envy_n and_o indignation_n to_o pursue_v their_o seed_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v call_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o be_v also_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n though_o not_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n apoc._n cap._n 13._o 1._o and_o i_o see_v a_o beast_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o sea_n have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n and_o upon_o his_o horn_n be_v ten_o crown_n and_o upon_o his_o head_n the_o name_n of_o blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v before_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v persecute_v of_o the_o dragon_n he_o now_o declare_v the_o manner_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o the_o trouble_n which_o befall_v the_o church_n the_o instrumental_a cause_n be_v here_o set_v out_o to_o be_v the_o beast_n which_o be_v the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o he_o come_v out_o of_o the_o sea_n whereby_o be_v mean_v the_o great_a storm_n trouble_n and_o tempest_n that_o the_o beast_n shall_v raise_v up_o by_o which_o tempest_n be_v express_v and_o mean_v the_o great_a tumult_n which_o shall_v arise_v both_o between_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o many_a and_o long_a war_n and_o grievous_a trouble_n and_o dissension_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o history_n as_o also_o it_o note_v the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n which_o the_o church_n shall_v receive_v by_o they_o for_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o misery_n though_o peradventure_o it_o be_v not_o immediate_o always_o tend_v against_o they_o yet_o they_o live_v under_o the_o empire_n where_o these_o trouble_n be_v principal_o can_v not_o but_o needs_o also_o feel_v the_o smart_n thereof_o afterward_o the_o trouble_n be_v also_o immediate_o direct_v against_o the_o godly_a themselves_o particular_o by_o the_o sword_n by_o fire_n and_o by_o sore_a persecution_n which_o be_v declare_v to_o arise_v and_o come_v from_o the_o beast_n a_o beast_n so_o he_o be_v term_v be_v here_o describe_v and_o represent_v under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o beast_n because_o of_o the_o furiousness_n and_o madness_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o emperor_n signify_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o of_o humanity_n in_o he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v even_o estrange_v from_o all_o courtesy_n of_o man_n second_o he_o be_v more_o particular_o note_v what_o manner_n of_o beast_n he_o be_v like_a unto_o to_o wit_n he_o be_v like_o a_o leopard_n note_v his_o marvelous_a swiftness_n and_o readiness_n to_o do_v mischief_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o destroy_v it_o as_o also_o show_v his_o cruelty_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o paw_n of_o a_o bear_n note_v his_o ravenousnesse_n as_o be_v ready_a so_o able_a to_o catch_v to_o apprehend_v and_o lay_v hold_v of_o the_o thing_n he_o desire_v the_o mouth_n of_o a_o lion_n show_v that_o he_o be_v cruel_a and_o strong_a to_o devour_v and_o to_o destroy_v he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o dragon_n give_v he_o that_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n signify_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o cruelty_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o twenty_o chapter_n the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v save_v his_o people_n be_v now_o in_o their_o cradle_n from_o be_v overrun_v and_o devour_v of_o satan_n have_v first_o shut_v up_o the_o devil_n into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n that_o he_o may_v not_o practice_v that_o he_o will_v against_o the_o church_n which_o thing_n the_o devil_n perceive_v and_o see_v himself_o thus_o shut_v up_o that_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o person_n he_o can_v not_o as_o he_o desire_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o devour_a of_o the_o church_n at_o his_o pleasure_n he_o cast_v as_o much_o of_o his_o own_o power_n as_o he_o can_v upon_o a_o other_o to_o wit_n upon_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o deputy_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v do_v that_o injury_n he_o can_v in_o prosecute_a the_o christ_n seven_o head_n signify_v his_o exceed_a wisdom_n and_o policy_n to_o do_v hurt_v which_o shall_v be_v very_o great_a according_a to_o his_o authority_n whereby_o he_o rule_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n his_o horn_n signify_v his_o power_n to_o do_v that_o hurt_n and_o his_o crown_n signify_v that_o great_a effect_n which_o that_o great_a wit_n and_o power_n of_o he_o shall_v take_v in_o prevail_a against_o man_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o shall_v vanquish_v and_o overcome_v in_o his_o mischief_n notwithstanding_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o his_o crown_n and_o the_o dragon_n for_o the_o dragon_n have_v they_o on_o his_o head_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n have_v this_o power_n of_o himself_o proper_o to_o do_v hurt_v exercise_v it_o as_o from_o himself_o the_o beast_n have_v they_o upon_o his_o horn_n that_o be_v the_o emperor_n do_v not_o exercise_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n against_o the_o church_n immediate_o from_o himself_o but_o do_v borrow_v his_o power_n from_o the_o dragon_n which_o be_v speak_v after_o the_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o king_n and_o prince_n which_o have_v absolute_a authority_n wear_v their_o crown_n on_o their_o bare_a head_n those_o that_o be_v viceroy_n and_o have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n wear_v coronet_n indeed_o but_o on_o their_o cap_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o foreign_a country_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n in_o those_o day_n after_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o blasphemy_n declare_v that_o the_o emperor_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o shall_v blaspheme_v god_n in_o call_v themselves_o god_n and_o take_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n unto_o themselves_o as_o caligula_n and_o other_o most_o wretched_o and_o blasphemous_o do_v like_v to_o alexander_n the_o great_a in_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o grecian_n which_o do_v arrogate_v this_o title_n to_o himself_o to_o be_v call_v god_n in_o that_o he_o say_v he_o have_v upon_o his_o head_n the_o name_n of_o blasphemy_n write_v he_o oppose_v to_o that_o contrary_a custom_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o have_v write_v upon_o his_o head_n honour_n to_o the_o lord_n so_o contrariwise_o this_o beast_n have_v write_v on_o his_o head_n blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o also_o his_o tabernacle_n that_o be_v do_v speak_v evil_a of_o the_o church_n of_o
a_o more_o fierce_a destruction_n and_o when_o he_o have_v cut_v they_o he_o be_v bid_v he_o shall_v press_v they_o in_o the_o vine-presse_a of_o god_n wrath_n a_o similitude_n take_v from_o the_o use_n of_o those_o who_o when_o they_o have_v gather_v their_o grape_n cast_v they_o into_o the_o vine-presse_a to_o be_v tread_v and_o press_v out_o even_o so_o shall_v they_o be_v tread_v down_o and_o crush_v with_o the_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v hand_n by_o hand_n and_o one_o cluster_n by_o another_o which_o signify_v a_o more_o notable_a judgement_n in_o reap_v corn_n man_n use_v to_o gather_v many_o together_o but_o these_o grape_n must_v be_v gather_v one_o by_o one_o show_v the_o fierceness_n of_o this_o judgement_n to_o be_v exalt_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o they_o particular_o tread_v out_o of_o the_o city_n that_o be_v among_o the_o wicked_a out_o of_o the_o church_n allude_v to_o the_o custom_n in_o those_o country_n where_o they_o have_v their_o 〈…〉_o press_v to_o tread_v their_o grape_n without_o the_o city_n and_o here_o he_o allude_v also_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o offender_n which_o use_v to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o city_n so_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v do_v without_o the_o church_n note_v that_o this_o only_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v upon_o the_o ungodly_a contemner_n the_o greatness_n of_o this_o judgement_n be_v aggravate_v in_o that_o the_o blood_n shall_v be_v in_o such_o abundance_n and_o so_o deep_a that_o a_o man_n ride_v in_o it_o it_o shall_v reach_v to_o the_o bridle_n of_o the_o horse_n for_o the_o distance_n of_o one_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o furlong_n which_o be_v about_o three_o hundred_o of_o our_o mile_n or_o more_o note_v the_o exceed_a great_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o offender_n and_o the_o fearful_a judgement_n which_o they_o shall_v suffer_v apoc._n cap._n 15._o 1._o and_o i_o see_v another_o sign_n in_o heaven_n great_a and_o marueilu_n seven_o angel_n have_v the_o seven_o last_o plague_n for_o by_o they_o be_v fulfil_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n there_o have_v be_v set_v before_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n as_o well_o the_o favour_n to_o god_n child_n as_o judgement_n against_o the_o contemner_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o proceed_v here_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o same_o and_o first_o of_o the_o judgement_n against_o the_o beast_n and_o his_o worshipper_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n the_o executioner_n whereof_o be_v in_o that_o verse_n say_v to_o be_v seven_o angel_n to_o wit_n a_o perfect_a number_n to_o perform_v that_o work_n they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o seven_o last_o plague_n that_o be_v authority_n and_o power_n be_v give_v they_o to_o execute_v that_o full_a number_n of_o judgement_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v pour_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n judgement_n he_o speak_v also_o of_o the_o furniture_n and_o armoury_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v as_o it_o be_v in_o store_n against_o they_o and_o he_o call_v it_o a_o sea_n mingle_v with_o fire_n allude_v to_o the_o lavary_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o temple_n whereto_o he_o seem_v to_o compare_v this_o which_o be_v call_v a_o sea_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v call_v a_o sea_n of_o crystal_n or_o a_o glassy_a sea_n because_o it_o may_v be_v thorough_o look_v into_o and_o evident_o discern_v of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o the_o sea_n be_v fire_n which_o be_v the_o wrath_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n the_o matter_n of_o god_n fierce_a indignation_n and_o the_o judgement_n which_o shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o this_o laver_n of_o god_n wrath_n for_o as_o in_o the_o laver_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v water_n to_o wash_v the_o priest_n and_o to_o make_v they_o clean_o note_v the_o cleanness_n and_o uprightness_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o priest_n and_o which_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v priest_n unto_o god_n shall_v receive_v from_o christ_n even_o so_o in_o this_o laver_n and_o sea_n of_o god_n wrath_n fire_n be_v say_v to_o be_v note_v that_o from_o hence_o shall_v come_v matter_n of_o judgement_n to_o consume_v and_o destroy_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n after_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o have_v get_v the_o victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n do_v stand_v by_o this_o sea_n namely_o to_o see_v and_o behold_v these_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o the_o wicked_a and_o thereupon_o to_o wit_n on_o this_o occasion_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o praise_v the_o lord_n and_o they_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n namely_o a_o song_n of_o thanksgiving_n for_o their_o deliverance_n by_o the_o lamb_n say_v great_a and_o marvelous_a be_v thy_o work_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v who_o be_v it_o that_o will_v not_o magnify_v so_o mighty_a a_o king_n so_o holy_a and_o so_o just_a a_o god_n who_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o the_o revenge_n of_o his_o saint_n have_v such_o a_o treasury_n of_o judgement_n against_o his_o enemy_n which_o now_o in_o christ_n he_o have_v make_v manifest_a unto_o they_o after_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o seven_o angel_n come_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n declare_v that_o they_o come_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o their_o ambassage_n be_v certain_o and_o necessary_o to_o be_v accomplish_v and_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o white_a signify_v their_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o they_o execute_v unjust_o or_o wrongful_o but_o that_o it_o be_v right_a and_o just_a howsoever_o it_o may_v appear_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o be_v gird_v that_o be_v prompt_v sit_v and_o ready_a to_o execute_v their_o message_n whereunto_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o those_o day_n those_o that_o have_v their_o clothes_n gird_v up_o to_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o any_o work_n or_o business_n they_o go_v about_o to_o these_o angel_n be_v give_v vial_n signify_v that_o as_o these_o inferior_a angel_n be_v innocent_a and_o holy_a spirit_n upright_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v enjoin_v they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v ready_a thereunto_o so_o they_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o special_a call_n or_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o without_o a_o particular_a ordinance_n from_o god_n for_o their_o charge_n and_o function_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o either_o immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o or_o else_o by_o the_o arch-angel_n and_o those_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a angel_n further_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o temple_n be_v fill_v with_o smoke_n that_o none_o can_v enter_v in_o until_o the_o seven_o plague_n of_o the_o seven_o angel_n be_v accomplish_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o fill_v that_o place_n that_o the_o angel_n themselves_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o it_o for_o by_o this_o smoke_n be_v mean_v the_o fullness_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o same_o as_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n when_o that_o it_o be_v first_o finish_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o fill_v the_o temple_n with_o a_o smoke_n that_o none_o be_v able_a to_o abide_v therein_o note_v that_o he_o be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o build_n of_o it_o even_o so_o here_o the_o angel_n be_v send_v forth_o to_o execute_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_o glorious_a that_o the_o angel_n can_v not_o be_v able_a to_o return_v thither_o till_o they_o have_v finish_v and_o fulfil_v the_o judgement_n which_o they_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o do_v note_v also_o that_o this_o execution_n of_o these_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o as_o also_o that_o they_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o altogether_o inavoideable_a apoc._n cap._n 16._o 1._o and_o i_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n say_v to_o the_o seven_o angel_n go_v your_o way_n and_o pour_v out_o the_o seven_o vial_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o beast_n and_o his_o worshipper_n we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o minister_n and_o executioner_n of_o these_o judgement_n as_o also_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o in_o this_o chapter_n follow_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o these_o seven_o angel_n and_o first_o it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o hear_v a_o voice_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n to_o the_o seven_o angel_n which_o
against_o they_o god_n be_v therefore_o with_o they_o on_o their_o side_n to_o defend_v they_o and_o take_v their_o part_n and_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o confirm_v hereof_o he_o comfort_v they_o with_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o hope_n of_o their_o resurrection_n that_o howsoever_o here_o in_o this_o life_n they_o shall_v be_v persecute_v and_o shall_v suffer_v even_o until_o death_n yet_o they_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v at_o all_o with_o the_o latter_a death_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o he_o use_v in_o the_o title_n a_o argument_n draw_v from_o his_o own_o person_n in_o that_o he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o and_o therefore_o able_a to_o deliver_v they_o as_o also_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a and_o therefore_o howsoever_o they_o may_v suffer_v temporary_a death_n yet_o they_o shall_v rise_v again_o as_o he_o do_v and_o live_v with_o he_o eternal_o verse_n 12._o after_o follow_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n where_o he_o find_v some_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o commend_v namely_o their_o constancy_n in_o profess_v of_o religion_n and_o their_o patience_n which_o he_o commend_v by_o two_o circumstance_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o place_n and_o of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v verse_n 13._o concern_v the_o place_n it_o be_v there_o where_o the_o devil_n erect_v his_o throne_n that_o be_v where_o he_o seem_v at_o his_o pleasure_n to_o reign_v as_o prince_n in_o his_o subject_n nevertheless_o they_o be_v constant_a and_o keep_v their_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o time_n it_o be_v when_o the_o faithful_a man_n antipas_n be_v put_v to_o death_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o persecution_n be_v very_o hot_a against_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o start_v not_o from_o their_o profession_n verse_n 14._o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o have_v certain_a thing_n against_o they_o which_o he_o reprehend_v namely_o that_o they_o permit_v certain_a false_a prophet_n among_o they_o and_o do_v not_o withstand_v they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n do_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o teach_v dangerous_a doctrine_n of_o balaam_n which_o teach_v and_o maintain_v bodily_a whoredom_n and_o fornication_n whereby_o the_o people_n be_v bring_v to_o idolatry_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v those_o among_o they_o which_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n to_o wit_n that_o spiritual_a and_o bodily_a whoredom_n the_o reformation_n whereof_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o in_o bid_v they_o repent_v and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o these_o reason_n to_o wit_n first_o if_o they_o will_v repent_v they_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o hide_v that_o be_v spiritual_a manna_n in_o the_o wilderness_n which_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o ark_n in_o a_o pot_n by_o manna_n be_v mean_v as_o josh_n 6._o the_o grace_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o christ_n impute_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o justification_n by_o he_o which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n which_o none_o know_v but_o those_o which_o have_v it_o second_o another_o reason_n that_o he_o that_o do_v overcome_v he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o white_a stone_n which_o phrase_n of_o speech_n be_v a_o similitude_n take_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o in_o time_n past_o the_o prophet_n use_v to_o take_v borrow_a speech_n from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o law_n because_o now_o the_o church_n be_v communicate_v with_o the_o gentile_n the_o gospel_n be_v now_o spread_v among_o they_o this_o custom_n be_v especial_o among_o the_o grecian_n the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v that_o when_o any_o one_o be_v accuse_v of_o some_o criminal_a matter_n he_o be_v straightway_o put_v to_o his_o trial_n if_o he_o be_v find_v clear_a he_o have_v a_o white_a stone_n give_v he_o if_o otherwise_o he_o be_v find_v guilty_a and_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v he_o have_v give_v he_o a_o black_a stone_n or_o some_o other_o colour_n so_o that_o now_o in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o which_o overcom_v shall_v have_v a_o white_a stone_n give_v he_o he_o mean_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v nothing_o lay_v to_o his_o charge_n but_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o all_o his_o sin_n verse_n 18._o last_o he_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n where_o he_o find_v many_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o commend_v as_o their_o love_n contrary_a to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o their_o seruiceablenesse_n their_o faith_n also_o and_o their_o patience_n and_o their_o work_n to_o have_v be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o then_o at_o the_o first_o verse_n 20._o yet_o he_o have_v somewhat_o against_o they_o to_o wit_n that_o they_o suffer_v jezabel_n albeit_o they_o themselves_o maintain_v she_o not_o whether_o one_o of_o that_o name_n or_o such_o a_o one_o as_o jazabel_n be_v it_o be_v uncertain_a yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n do_v seduce_v the_o people_n with_o her_o whordome_n and_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o he_o charge_v the_o church_n because_o they_o do_v let_v she_o alone_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o do_v well_o themselves_o and_o to_o refrain_v from_o those_o that_o be_v evill-doer_n in_o the_o same_o but_o if_o it_o lie_v in_o they_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o refrain_v other_o from_o those_o evil_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o offender_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v verse_n 22._o now_o therefore_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o he_o will_v execute_v judgement_n upon_o she_o by_o cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n that_o be_v lay_v a_o most_o grievous_a and_o heavy_a affliction_n upon_o she_o and_o not_o only_o upon_o she_o but_o upon_o all_o that_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o that_o be_v which_o be_v partaker_n with_o she_o in_o her_o sin_n of_o whoredom_n and_o idolatry_n namely_o those_o that_o be_v her_o upholder_n &_o maintainer_n and_o not_o only_o on_o they_o but_o this_o judgement_n shall_v also_o be_v manifest_v upon_o her_o child_n by_o child_n mean_v either_o her_o scholar_n which_o learn_v of_o she_o or_o her_o posterity_n and_o then_o he_o say_v he_o will_v kill_v that_o be_v clean_a root_n they_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o howsoever_o they_o will_v pretend_v great_a mystery_n and_o revelation_n as_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o our_o time_n also_o do_v and_o to_o have_v revelation_n yet_o see_v their_o manner_n and_o action_n be_v filthy_a abominable_a and_o detestable_a therefore_o the_o lord_n will_v execute_v judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o will_v do_v it_o upon_o the_o transgressor_n themselves_o but_o as_o for_o the_o church_n albeit_o they_o have_v thus_o suffer_v they_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v they_o after_o this_o sort_n but_o he_o will_v hereby_o namely_o by_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o the_o evil_a doer_n be_v content_a to_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o that_o sin_n of_o they_o in_o suffer_v they_o verse_n 26._o last_o he_o say_v to_o those_o that_o overcome_v he_o will_v give_v authority_n first_o to_o be_v king_n over_o the_o gentile_n and_o to_o bear_v rule_n over_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o subdue_v they_o be_v join_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o second_o he_o will_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o make_v they_o priest_n unto_o god_n which_o he_o set_v down_o by_o the_o morning_n star_n which_o starie_n as_o it_o come_v next_o to_o the_o sun_n so_o it_o be_v next_o unto_o it_o most_o glorious_a signify_v that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v come_v near_o unto_o christ_n and_o be_v even_o join_v with_o he_o in_o his_o glory_n at_o his_o glorious_a come_n apoc._n cap._n 3._o l._n and_o write_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o sardis_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a etc._n etc._n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v already_o do_v there_o remain_v only_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o chapter_n where_o first_o he_o write_v to_o the_o five_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n where_o he_o get_v authority_n by_o use_v the_o same_o title_n which_o he_o do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n &_o add_v another_o to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v he_o which_o have_v also_o the_o seven_o spirit_n whereby_o he_o note_v the_o fullness_n and_o exceed_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n &_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o power_n and_o grace_n by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v also_o uphold_v and_o govern_v the_o star_n that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o his_o church_n
the_o time_n shall_v not_o be_v distinguish_v by_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o it_o for_o god_n himself_o shall_v be_v our_o sun_n god_n shall_v be_v our_o light_n for_o evermore_o apoc._n cap._n 12._o l._n and_o there_o appear_v a_o great_a wonder_n in_o heaven_n a_o woman_n clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n be_v under_o her_o foot_n and_o upon_o her_o head_n a_o crown_n of_o twelve_o star_n etc._n etc._n here_o in_o this_o chapter_n be_v set_v down_o a_o description_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n note_v the_o great_a estimation_n that_o god_n have_v of_o his_o church_n which_o his_o great_a estimation_n of_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o that_o she_o be_v say_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a creature_n declare_v and_o express_v her_o exceed_a glory_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n she_o have_v the_o moon_n under_o her_o foot_n signify_v her_o rule_n and_o authority_n over_o all_o the_o thing_n below_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o change_v in_o that_o she_o only_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n power_n to_o subdue_v they_o and_o she_o do_v of_o right_o possess_v they_o the_o wicked_a be_v usurper_n upon_o her_o head_n she_o have_v a_o crown_n of_o twelve_o star_n show_v her_o queenly_a majesty_n she_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o her_o victory_n over_o all_o her_o enemy_n it_o be_v say_v she_o travel_v her_o travel_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o this_o be_v testify_v in_o the_o evangelist_n the_o 9_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o great_a resistance_n there_o be_v against_o our_o saviour_n christ_n against_o the_o apostle_n &_o the_o rest_n what_o great_a and_o grievous_a persecution_n they_o then_o sustain_v for_o the_o gospell-sake_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n because_o they_o go_v about_o to_o beget_v to_o bring_v and_o to_o draw_v child_n unto_o god_n out_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n afterward_o another_o great_a wonder_n be_v see_v to_o wit_n a_o great_a dragon_n namely_o the_o devil_n compare_v to_o a_o dragon_n and_o call_v the_o great_a dragon_n because_o of_o his_o great_a strength_n and_o exceed_a fierceness_n for_o such_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o dragon_n as_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o gripe_v with_o a_o elephant_n he_o be_v describe_v to_o have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n by_o seven_o head_n note_v his_o great_a wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o understand_v of_o thing_n as_o also_o it_o signify_v his_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n to_o resist_v the_o church_n and_o to_o make_v more_o mischief_n against_o the_o seven_o church_n that_o be_v all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o his_o ten_o horn_n signify_v his_o will_n and_o power_n to_o do_v much_o hurt_n to_o they_o his_o crown_n signify_v his_o victory_n in_o prevail_a against_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n over_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o ordain_v to_o save_v who_o name_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n because_o he_o have_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n under_o his_o obedience_n what_o his_o tail_n he_o overthrow_v many_o star_n note_v that_o there_o be_v many_o like_a unto_o star_n in_o outward_a show_n be_v grace_v with_o notable_a gift_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n by_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v and_o the_o notable_a profession_n they_o make_v of_o god_n have_v some_o feel_n also_o be_v yet_o not_o seal_v be_v by_o the_o tail_n of_o the_o dragon_n that_o be_v by_o small_a power_n and_o light_a temptation_n pull_v back_o from_o the_o same_o and_o fall_v from_o the_o faith_n after_o he_o say_v he_o stand_v before_o the_o woman_n note_v that_o he_o set_v himself_o very_o fierce_o and_o sharp_o against_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o child_n of_o god_n who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o wait_v on_o the_o woman_n first_o to_o hinder_v she_o that_o she_o shall_v not_o bring_v forth_o and_o then_o to_o devour_v they_o at_o the_o least_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v be_v call_v and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n even_o than_o be_v he_o ready_o most_o strong_o to_o assault_v they_o to_o overthrow_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n where_o he_o compare_v the_o devil_n to_o a_o envious_a midwife_n oppose_v he_o to_o a_o good_a midwife_n for_o as_o she_o be_v careful_a to_o help_v the_o woman_n in_o travel_n and_o to_o save_v the_o child_n so_o the_o devil_n contrariwise_o be_v ready_a to_o hinder_v and_o hurt_v the_o church_n and_o to_o destroy_v her_o seed_n whereas_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o bring_v forth_o a_o man-child_n it_o be_v first_o mean_v of_o christ_n and_o then_o of_o his_o member_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n who_o now_o he_o have_v join_v unto_o he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n but_o principal_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o christ_n that_o valiant_a one_o who_o albeit_o he_o be_v sting_v on_o the_o cross_n by_o the_o serpent_n yet_o even_o thereby_o he_o overcome_v and_o after_o be_v take_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o have_v victory_n triumph_v over_o the_o devil_n over_o sin_n and_o over_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n then_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o battle_n in_o heaven_n by_o heaven_n he_o mean_v the_o militant_a church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o part_n of_o god_n kingdom_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v begin_v even_o in_o earth_n the_o principal_a in_o this_o battle_n be_v first_o michael_n to_o wit_n christ_n and_o with_o he_o his_o angel_n namely_o the_o godly_a saint_n with_o the_o good_a angel_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o dragon_n with_o his_o angel_n namely_o the_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o wicked_a man_n but_o the_o godly_a overcome_v the_o dragon_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o overcome_v be_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n which_o be_v their_o principal_a armour_n be_v such_o as_o that_o albeit_o they_o themselves_o be_v kill_v notwithstanding_o by_o reason_n hereof_o they_o be_v make_v conqueror_n and_o be_v now_o receive_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o satan_n be_v throw_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o thing_n when_o satan_n see_v as_o namely_o that_o now_o he_o have_v lose_v all_o his_o advantage_n as_o it_o be_v and_o that_o he_o can_v have_v nought_o to_o do_v with_o they_o any_o more_o they_o be_v now_o triumph_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o wax_v mad_a as_o it_o be_v and_o rage_v against_o the_o earth_n more_o fierce_o than_o before_o and_o hereupon_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n child_n in_o heaven_n be_v bring_v in_o rejoice_v at_o this_o victory_n and_o say_v peace_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v then_o deliver_v but_o woe_n to_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v much_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v great_a trouble_n for_o see_v satan_n by_o the_o constant_a endure_v of_o those_o that_o have_v give_v their_o life_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n perceive_v that_o he_o have_v get_v such_o a_o foil_n he_o therefore_o rage_v against_o those_o that_o remain_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v say_v woe_n to_o they_o on_o the_o earth_n not_o that_o they_o shall_v perish_v but_o only_o shall_v be_v great_o afflict_v through_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n now_o than_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o persecute_v the_o woman_n that_o be_v the_o church_n in_o persecute_v the_o church_n she_o have_v a_o place_n appoint_v she_o in_o the_o wilderness_n whither_o she_o fly_v for_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n the_o time_n we_o have_v hear_v before_o to_o have_v be_v during_o the_o space_n of_o the_o hard_a deal_n with_o the_o two_o prophet_n wherein_o they_o prophesy_v which_o we_o show_v to_o contain_v so_o many_o year_n by_o this_o flight_n of_o the_o woman_n into_o the_o wilderness_n for_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n set_v down_o in_o the_o sixth_o verse_n and_o the_o persecution_n whereby_o the_o dragon_n pursue_v she_o that_o space_n be_v mean_v those_o persecution_n in_o general_a which_o follow_v against_o the_o whole_a church_n during_o the_o