the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n or_o between_o heaven_n &_o earth_n bring_v w_z he_o an_o ever_o last_a gospel_n &_o preach_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v fear_v god_n &_o geve_v glory_n to_o his_o name_n for_o that_o time_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v worship_v he_o that_o make_v heaven_n &_o earth_n and_o allthing_n that_o be_v in_o they_o a_o very_a angelical_a sermon_n in_o deed_n &_o a_o everla_a gospel_n be_v that_o howsoever_o the_o enemy_n charge_v it_o with_o novelty_n that_o teach_v to_o fear_n god_n to_o geve_v glory_n to_o his_o name_n &_o to_o worship_v he_o only_o that_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n &_o earth_n and_o a_o consequent_a of_o that_o gospel_n be_v this_o sermon_n of_o the_o angel_n shâ—_n be_v fall_v she_o be_v fall_v even_o babylon_n that_o great_a 〈◊〉_d for_o whersoever_o man_n be_v teach_v to_o fearâ—_n 〈◊〉_d a_o right_a to_o geve_v all_o glory_n to_o he_o alone_o &_o to_o worship_v none_o other_o but_o he_o that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n &_o allthing_n in_o they_o contain_v there_o must_v needs_o follow_v a_o great_a fall_n &_o overthrow_v of_o babylon_n &_o babylon_a religion_n which_o teach_v the_o contrary_a wherefore_o if_o we_o love_v the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o this_o her_o great_a adversary_n let_v we_o embrace_v this_o everlasting_a gospel_n that_o we_o fear_v god_n glorify_v god_n and_o worship_n god_n alone_o again_o if_o we_o hate_v babylon_n with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o will_v seek_v her_o utter_a ruin_n and_o decay_n let_v uâ—_n procure_v that_o this_o gospel_n may_v be_v preach_v that_o man_n may_v learn_v to_o fear_v honour_n and_o serve_v god_n only_o and_o then_o undoubted_o babylon_n shall_v fall_v she_o shall_v fall_v i_o say_v she_o can_v stand_v no_o long_o let_v this_o suffice_v therefore_o for_o a_o preface_n now_o have_v we_o to_o consider_v what_o babylon_n be_v i_o have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o babylon_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v rome_n but_o first_o i_o must_v admonish_v you_o how_o i_o understand_v rome_n and_o that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o italy_n compass_v about_o with_o wall_n &_o furnish_v with_o building_n we_o other_o city_n be_v but_o for_o that_o authority_n government_n &_o pre-eminence_n which_o be_v challenge_v by_o mean_n of_o that_o city_n or_o for_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o be_v claim_v by_o prerogative_n of_o the_o same_o city_n and_o so_o be_v babylon_n take_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o namely_o in_o this_o prophesy_v for_o in_o the._n 11._o chapter_n of_o this_o revelation_n the_o same_o great_a city_n be_v call_v also_o sodoma_n and_o aegiptus_fw-la where_o our_o lord_n be_v crucify_v sodoma_fw-it for_o the_o great_a abomination_n and_o filthiness_n therein_o maintain_v and_o aegiptus_fw-la because_o it_o keep_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o miserable_a bondage_n &_o slavery_n as_o egypt_n under_o pharaoh_n do_v of_o old_a whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o great_a city_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o that_o tyranny_n government_n &_o pre-eminence_n as_o i_o say_v which_o be_v challenge_v in_o the_o right_n of_o that_o great_a city_n and_o so_o be_v the_o regiment_n &_o governance_n of_o the_o roman_a antichrist_n depend_v upon_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o see_n which_o be_v rome_n now_o if_o any_o will_v contend_v that_o babylon_n must_v be_v take_v in_o the_o proper_a sense_n for_o a_o city_n in_o chaldea_n only_o as_o though_o we_o shall_v look_v for_o the_o see_v of_o antichrist_n out_o of_o the_o east_n as_o the_o papist_n for_o thirty_o or_o xl_o year_n ago_o devise_v a_o fable_n that_o be_v renew_a also_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n of_o a_o monstrous_a child_n which_o shall_v be_v bear_v at_o babylon_n which_o they_o will_v have_v man_n suppose_v to_o be_v antichrist_n he_o may_v be_v flat_o convict_v of_o great_a ignorance_n when_o the_o angel_n in_o the._n 17._o chap._n of_o this_o prophecy_n testify_v that_o her_o name_n be_v babylon_n in_o a_o mystery_n as_o in_o the._n 11._o chap._n that_o she_o be_v spiritual_o call_v sodoma_n &_o egiptus_fw-la not_o in_o respect_n of_o situation_n of_o the_o place_n but_o in_o similitude_n &_o likeness_n of_o condition_n wherefore_o it_o remain_v that_o according_a to_o my_o promise_n i_o prove_v babylon_n here_o mention_v to_o be_v rome_n the_o great_a controversy_n the_o this_o day_n trouble_v the_o world_n be_v where_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o papist_n make_v great_a brag_n that_o it_o be_v on_o their_o side_n &_o we_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v on_o our_o side_n this_o controversy_n will_v soon_o be_v cut_v of_o &_o bring_v to_o a_o end_n if_o it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n for_o than_o can_v rome_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o church_n of_o antichrist_n &_o therefore_o it_o stand_v ure_n upon_o to_o bring_v very_o good_a and_o substantial_a proof_n to_o maintain_v this_o my_o assertion_n the_o babylon_n be_v rome_n but_o what_o prove_v may_v be_v count_v sufficient_a be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n &_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n good_a &_o substantial_a proof_n therefore_o if_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o good_a and_o substantial_a proof_n you_o shall_v have_v scripture_n if_o consent_n of_o ancient_a writer_n in_o the_o same_o sentence_n be_v of_o any_o value_n you_o shall_v have_v plenty_n and_o first_o beginning_n with_o scripture_n i_o will_v not_o allege_v such_o place_n as_o be_v hard_a &_o dark_a to_o understand_v but_o such_o as_o be_v plain_a evident_a &_o manifest_a and_o can_v receive_v no_o other_o interpretation_n to_o satisfy_v the_o judgement_n of_o any_o reasonable_a man_n i_o omit_v therefore_o so_o many_o figure_n as_o in_o this_o revelation_n do_v not_o very_o obscure_o signify_v but_o even_o direct_o point_v &_o paint_v out_o the_o antichristian_a church_n for_o although_o they_o do_v so_o apt_o &_o fit_o agree_v thereto_o as_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o judge_v they_o be_v make_v even_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n yet_o because_o they_o may_v be_v wrest_v to_o some_o other_o meaning_n if_o manifest_a place_n do_v not_o withstand_v i_o will_v leave_v all_o advantage_n that_o i_o may_v take_v of_o they_o &_o hold_v i_o only_o at_o this_o time_n to_o those_o plain_n &_o evident_a demonstration_n which_o with_o no_o equity_n nor_o conscience_n can_v admit_v any_o other_o interpretation_n only_o i_o will_v here_o note_v the_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o figure_n type_n and_o colour_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n may_v so_o convenient_o be_v apply_v to_o rome_n as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v proper_o appoint_v to_o describe_v she_o as_o they_o be_v in_o deed_n it_o be_v a_o great_a prejudice_n against_o rome_n although_o no_o plain_a proof_n may_v be_v bring_v but_o when_o so_o plain_a argument_n be_v bring_v forth_o that_o without_o to_o much_o impudence_n can_v be_v avoid_v &_o all_o other_o figure_n &_o dark_a speech_n agree_v according_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a conviction_n the_o rome_n be_v none_o other_o but_o this_o babylon_n but_o to_o begin_v with_o these_o plain_a place_n as_o i_o have_v promise_v the_o first_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o the._n 11._o chapter_n of_o this_o revelation_n that_o place_n before_o allege_a where_o it_o be_v declare_v the_o god_n in_o all_o time_n yea_o in_o the_o great_a persecution_n will_v maintain_v his_o church_n &_o reserve_v at_o the_o least_o two_o witness_n which_o shall_v testify_v of_o his_o truth_n in_o spite_n of_o antichrist_n &_o his_o adherent_n which_o although_o the_o monstrous_a beast_n that_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n shall_v murder_v &_o slay_v yet_o god_n shall_v restore_v they_o to_o life_n again_o continual_o stir_v up_o a_o sufficient_a number_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o his_o name_n &_o doctrine_n in_o that_o chapter_n i_o say_v be_v contain_v that_o when_o the_o beast_n have_v murder_v they_o he_o shall_v envy_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o burial_n &_o so_o their_o body_n shall_v lie_v in_o the_o street_n or_o market_n place_n of_o that_o great_a city_n which_o be_v spiritual_o call_v sodoma_n &_o aegyptus_n where_o our_o lord_n be_v crucify_v declare_v thereby_o that_o as_o rome_n have_v slay_v &_o crucify_v the_o head_n so_o shall_v rome_n persecute_v the_o member_n and_o in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o their_o lord_n be_v murder_v the_o servant_n also_o shall_v be_v persecute_v but_o here_o a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o i_o be_v impudent_a to_o affirm_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v crucify_v at_o rome_n who_o all_o the_o world_n know_v to_o have_v suffer_v death_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o you_o must_v call_v to_o remembrance_n
&_o circumlocution_n than_o rome_n for_o it_o any_o man_n will_v be_v so_o froward_a to_o except_v that_o the_o word_n of_o hill_n be_v not_o take_v in_o the_o proper_a sense_n but_o figurative_o and_o metaphorical_o for_o some_o other_o thing_n as_o some_o will_v seem_v to_o interpret_v seven_o hill_n in_o this_o place_n for_o seven_o kingdom_n he_o shall_v plain_o be_v convince_v by_o these_o reason_n first_o it_o be_v absurd_a that_o the_o angel_n shall_v repeat_v one_o thing_n twice_o for_o in_o the_o next_o clause_n he_o show_v that_o the_o seven_o head_n do_v signify_v kingdom_n also_o but_o special_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o this_o be_v a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o must_v either_o be_v plain_a &_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v or_o else_o it_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o interpretation_n therefore_o if_o the_o angel_n offer_v to_o expound_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o head_n give_v this_o exposition_n that_o they_o signify_v seven_o hill_n if_o hill_n be_v not_o take_v in_o their_o proper_a sense_n to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v this_o exposition_n for_o if_o the_o name_n of_o hill_n have_v need_n of_o a_o other_o exposition_n he_o have_v be_v as_o good_a to_o have_v leave_v the_o name_n of_o head_n unexpound_v and_o as_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o hill_n to_o signify_v king_n be_v more_o obscure_a dark_a &_o far_o fetch_v than_o that_o head_n shall_v represent_v king_n for_o it_o be_v more_o apt_a by_o metaphor_n to_o call_v a_o king_n a_o head_n then_o to_o call_v he_o a_o hill_n therefore_o except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o angel_n be_v in_o vain_a yea_o more_o dark_a than_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v expound_v by_o he_o we_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o hill_n be_v take_v in_o their_o proper_a sense_n for_o hill_n and_o then_o the_o city_n build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n without_o all_o controversy_n be_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n the_o four_o &_o last_o proof_n that_o i_o will_v take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o 17._o chapter_n which_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o plain_a description_n of_o rome_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o plain_a then_o that_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v of_o for_o there_o the_o angel_n in_o plain_a word_n expound_v that_o the_o woman_n which_o s._n john_n see_v which_o be_v the_o great_a whore_n babylon_n be_v that_o great_a city_n which_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n what_o brazen_a face_n be_v so_o impudent_a to_o deny_v that_o rome_n be_v that_o great_a city_n which_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n at_o that_o time_n when_o this_o be_v speak_v or_o what_o other_o city_n have_v dominion_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o s._n john_n time_n but_o rome_n who_o be_v therefore_o so_o froward_a and_o untoward_a the_o he_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v babylon_n here_o to_o be_v plain_o call_v rome_n if_o i_o shall_v name_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o england_n who_o will_v not_o understand_v london_n if_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o chief_n city_n of_o eraunce_n who_o will_v not_o conceive_v paris_n and_o when_o the_o angel_n name_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v be_v ignorant_a live_v in_o that_o time_n or_o know_v the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n that_o he_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v the_o see_v of_o the_o empire_n and_o from_o whence_o we_o shall_v look_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v according_a to_o the_o former_a prophecy_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n in_o this_o place_n to_o slay_v unto_o allegory_n and_o further_a exposition_n of_o this_o angelical_a interpretation_n which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o it_o be_v not_o clear_a plain_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v deserve_v not_o that_o name_n of_o a_o exposition_n as_o when_o one_o know_v thing_n be_v expound_v by_o another_o as_o much_o or_o more_o unknown_a it_o be_v vain_a superfluous_a and_o ridiculous_a wherefore_o who_o any_o band_n of_o reason_n will_v hold_v in_o they_o must_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n for_o see_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o know_v as_o well_o the_o place_n where_o antichrist_n shall_v sit_v as_o to_o be_v instruct_v of_o his_o craft_n and_o cruelty_n our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o congregation_n to_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o but_o send_v his_o angel_n plain_o to_o interpret_v and_o expound_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o great_a whore_n that_o the_o church_n be_v thorough_o admonish_v of_o her_o wickedness_n &_o instruct_v perfect_o to_o know_v she_o may_v more_o easy_o take_v heed_n of_o she_o flee_v from_o she_o and_o abhor_v she_o so_o that_o according_a to_o my_o promise_n i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o first_o proposition_n which_o i_o take_v in_o hand_n that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n but_o because_o some_o be_v of_o such_o obstinate_a &_o wilful_a forwardness_n that_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v they_o but_o they_o will_v still_o grudge_v and_o repine_v â—arpe_a and_o object_n against_o my_o interpretation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o text_n they_o can_v deny_v i_o wish_v they_o that_o be_v such_o if_o they_o like_v not_o these_o exposition_n which_o i_o have_v bring_v to_o the_o deface_v of_o antichrist_n &_o his_o religion_n then_o that_o they_o admit_v and_o reverence_v those_o exposition_n which_o their_o own_o author_n bring_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o pope_n authority_n &_o his_o religion_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v these_o god_n say_v moses_n in_o genesis_n make_v two_o great_a light_n the_o sun_n to_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n to_o govern_v the_o night_n that_o be_v say_v the_o famous_a interpreter_n god_n ordain_v the_o pope_n and_o the_o emperor_n to_o rule_v the_o world_n by_o the_o sun_n be_v mean_v the_o pope_n &_o by_o the_o moon_n the_o emperor_n and_o look_v how_o much_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a the_o sun_n be_v then_o the_o moon_n so_o much_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a be_v the_o pope_n than_o the_o emperor_n and_o not_o content_a with_o this_o he_o count_v by_o arithmetic_n how_o much_o great_a the_o sun_n be_v in_o quantity_n than_o the_o moon_n by_o proportion_n that_o it_o have_v to_o the_o earth_n &_o so_o by_o many_o part_n be_v conclude_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v great_a than_o the_o emperor_n but_o here_o a_o man_n may_v help_v he_o what_o by_o geometry_n &_o what_o by_o arithmetic_n for_o where_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v 166_o time_n great_a than_o the_o earth_n &_o the_o earth_n 39_o time_n great_a than_o the_o moon_n as_o be_v prove_v by_o mathematical_a demonstration_n the_o pope_n shall_v be_v 6474._o time_n great_a than_o the_o emperor_n this_o be_v one_o noble_a exposition_n that_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o advance_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o kingdom_n another_o like_a to_o this_o be_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o answer_v unto_o our_o saviour_n christ_n when_o he_o command_v he_o that_o have_v no_o sword_n to_o sell_v his_o coat_n &_o buy_v one_o signify_v the_o great_a danger_n the_o be_v at_o hand_n lord_n say_v they_o here_o be_v two_o sword_n these_o word_n say_v the_o glosar_n be_v the_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a power_n which_o remain_v in_o peter_n &_o therefore_o his_o successor_n the_o pope_n have_v pre-eminence_n of_o both_o no_o doubt_v a_o worthy_a interpretation_n &_o that_o agréeeth_n well_o w_z the_o text_n &_o do_v the_o pope_n great_a worship_n again_o s._n paul_n say_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 1._o cor_fw-la 2._o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v allthing_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o this_o spiritual_a man_n say_v the_o interpreter_n be_v the_o pope_n which_o be_v judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n &_o may_v not_o be_v control_v of_o any_o man_n no_o though_o he_o draw_v with_o he_o innumerable_a soul_n into_o hell_n fire_n there_o to_o be_v torment_v with_o the_o devil_n &_o he_o for_o ever_o more_o yet_o no_o man_n must_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o or_o to_o say_v domine_fw-la quid_fw-la ita_fw-la facis_fw-la lord_n why_o do_v you_o so_o be_v not_o this_o a_o handsome_a exposition_n yes_o i_o promise_n you_o even_o like_a unto_o this_o other_o statuimus_fw-la ut_fw-la clerici_fw-la nec_fw-la ceruam_fw-la nutriant_fw-la nec_fw-la barbam_fw-la radant_fw-la we_o decree_v say_v the_o canon_n of_o a_o ancient_a counsel_n that_o the_o clergy_n shall_v neither_o wear_v long_o here_o nor_o shave_v their_o beard_n the_o glosar_n find_v this_o canon_n to_o be_v so_o clean_o contrary_a
unto_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n who_o use_v to_o wear_v long_o here_o and_o to_o shave_v their_o beard_n think_v he_o will_v draw_v it_o at_o the_o least_o if_o it_o will_v not_o come_v by_o fair_a mean_n to_o maintain_v the_o laudable_a custom_n of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n and_o by_o exposition_n of_o one_o word_n he_o make_v the_o whole_a canon_n to_o serve_v his_o turn_n therefore_o statuimus_fw-la say_v he_o which_o be_v we_o decree_v be_v to_o be_v expound_v for_o abrogamus_fw-la which_o be_v we_o disannul_v or_o abrogate_v and_o so_o the_o sense_n afterward_o fall_v out_o very_o plain_a for_o the_o popish_a priest_n thus_o we_o disannul_v that_o priest_n shall_v go_v with_o out_o long_o here_o or_o unshaven_a beard_n a_o right_a cunning_a interpretation_n and_o proper_a for_o the_o place_n &_o such_o in_o effect_n be_v all_o those_o that_o serve_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o pope_n authority_n &_o the_o religion_n of_o popery_n therefore_o he_o that_o 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place_n as_o do_v plain_o direct_o &_o manifest_o set_v forth_o my_o purpose_n so_o in_o this_o behalf_n i_o will_v deal_v with_o the_o doctor_n not_o such_o as_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o allege_v against_o we_o name_n in_o deed_n of_o great_a and_o reverend_a antiquity_n but_o work_v of_o mere_a falsehood_n and_o forgery_n betray_v their_o author_n not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v father_v upon_o but_o such_o as_o out_o of_o the_o body_n of_o blindness_n and_o superstition_n of_o much_o latter_a time_n have_v beget_v they_o such_o be_v the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o old_a bishop_n of_o rome_n linus_n clemens_n anacletus_fw-la etc_o etc_o of_o which_o clemens_n write_v to_o s._n james_n forsooth_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n charge_v he_o very_o earnest_o that_o the_o pix_n be_v clean_o keep_v so_o that_o there_o appear_v no_o myse_z dung_n or_o any_o other_o filthiness_n among_o the_o fragment_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n with_o many_o other_o apostolical_a commandment_n the_o impudence_n of_o who_o author_n appear_v notable_o in_o this_o that_o whereas_o they_o be_v ignorant_a buzzard_n that_o can_v not_o write_v true_a latin_a they_o will_v ascribe_v their_o counterfeit_a epistle_n to_o so_o learned_a father_n as_o though_o at_o that_o time_n when_o woman_n and_o child_n speak_v latin_a natural_o as_o their_o mother_n tongue_n the_o bishop_n be_v so_o unlearned_a that_o they_o do_v write_v so_o barbarous_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o utter_v their_o mind_n in_o true_a latin_a but_o leave_v those_o delicate_n for_o such_o as_o long_o after_o they_o i_o will_v use_v no_o authority_n for_o this_o purpose_n but_o such_o as_o they_o can_v refuse_v but_o that_o it_o be_v ancient_a catholic_a &_o authentical_a i_o will_v begin_v therefore_o with_o irenaeus_n one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o authentical_a writer_n that_o the_o church_n have_v who_o in_o the_o five_o book_n of_o his_o treatise_n against_o all_o heresy_n speak_v of_o the_o see_v of_o antichrist_n â—â—â—ters_n upon_o the_o last_o verse_n upon_o the_o 13._o chapter_n of_o this_o revelation_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n name_n be_v six_o hundred_o sixty_o and_o six_o show_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o in_o his_o time_n be_v that_o see_v this_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v in_o english_a the_o latineman_n or_o roman_a in_o the_o numeral_a greek_a letter_n contain_v this_o number_n that_o antichrist_n must_v be_v seek_v at_o rome_n his_o word_n be_v these_o sed_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o man_n sexcentorum_fw-la sexaginta_fw-la sex_n numerorum_fw-la etc_n etc_n et_fw-la valde_fw-la veresimile_n est_fw-la quoniam_fw-la verissimam_fw-la regnum_fw-la hoc_fw-la habet_fw-la vocabulum_fw-la latini_n enim_fw-la sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la nunc_fw-la regnant_a also_o say_v he_o this_o name_n latemos_n contain_v the_o number_n of_o 666_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o name_n of_o antichrist_n and_o it_o be_v very_o like_a so_o to_o be_v for_o that_o which_o most_o undoubted_o be_v a_o kingdom_n have_v that_o name_n for_o they_o be_v latin_v which_o now_o do_v reign_n you_o see_v by_o this_o testimony_n of_o iraeneus_n that_o this_o prophecy_n of_o old_a time_n be_v understand_v of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o new_a interpretation_n that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n name_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o one_o that_o bear_v rule_v at_o rome_n if_o this_o exposition_n or_o explication_n of_o that_o beast_n name_n have_v be_v devise_v by_o luther_n zwynglius_n or_o caluine_n it_o may_v have_v be_v suspect_v as_o a_o thing_n imagine_v of_o spite_n and_o envy_n against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o so_o ancient_a a_o doctor_n which_o live_v not_o many_o year_n after_o this_o revelation_n be_v give_v as_o he_o himself_o say_v it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a before_o his_o time_n under_o domitiane_n the_o emperor_n which_o die_v 13._o hundred_o year_n before_o luther_n be_v bear_v we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o both_o to_o be_v very_o ancient_a &_o void_a of_o all_o partiality_n wherefore_o i_o will_v pass_v over_o diverse_a other_o application_n of_o that_o number_n to_o other_o name_n which_o nevertheless_o hit_n babylon_n home_o because_o they_o have_v be_v seek_v out_o of_o late_a by_o such_o as_o bear_v ill_a will_n unto_o rome_n for_o i_o think_v this_o be_v sufficient_a with_o all_o reasonable_a man_n of_o equal_a judgement_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a opinion_n to_o seek_v the_o see_n of_o antichrist_n at_o rome_n they_o themselves_o to_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n catholic_a allege_v authority_n of_o a_o 11._o or_o 12._o hundred_o year_n antiquity_n behold_v this_o opinion_n be_v 13._o or_o 14_o hundred_o year_n old_a that_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v a_o roman_a &_o that_o the_o see_v of_o his_o tyranny_n be_v at_o rome_n the_o second_o witness_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n be_v tertullianus_n a_o very_a ancient_a writer_n also_o who_o in_o plain_a word_n affirm_v that_o babylon_n signify_v rome_n in_o that_o three_o book_n against_o martion_n which_o deny_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o true_a body_n wherefore_o tertullian_n use_v this_o reason_n against_o he_o that_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o figure_n of_o it_o must_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o truth_n &_o so_o discourse_v of_o many_o thing_n figure_v &_o the_o figure_n of_o they_o come_v to_o these_o word_n sie_z et_fw-fr babylon_n apud_fw-la johannem_fw-la nostrum_fw-la romanae_fw-la vrbis_fw-la figuram_fw-la portat_fw-la perinde_fw-la &_o magnae_fw-la &_o regno_fw-la superbae_fw-la &_o sanctorum_fw-la debellatricis_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v even_o so_o do_v babylon_n in_o the_o apocalips_n of_o our_o s._n john_n bear_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v altogether_o as_o great_a and_o as_o proud_a in_o reign_n &_o as_o great_a a_o persecuter_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o babylon_n be_v you_o see_v therefore_o most_o clear_o and_o plain_o that_o tertullian_n w_o all_o his_o learning_n can_v not_o interpret_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o revelation_n concern_v babylon_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o other_o city_n then_o rome_n and_o he_o be_v also_o a_o witness_n void_a of_o all_o partiality_n or_o affection_n to_o either_o part_n of_o they_o that_o strive_v in_o our_o day_n for_o he_o depart_v never_o about_o xiij_o hundred_o year_n before_o our_o time_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o be_v credit_v in_o this_o case_n well_o next_o unto_o he_o i_o will_v join_v chrysostome_n in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n the_o second_o chapter_n in_o his_o four_o homely_a where_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o antichrist_n say_v they_o know_v what_o
be_v the_o stay_n that_o he_o be_v not_o present_o reveal_v but_o when_o that_o stay_n be_v take_v away_o he_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o his_o due_a time_n chrysostome_n expound_v this_o stay_n to_o be_v the_o roman_a empire_n which_o must_v geve_v place_n unto_o antichrist_n that_o like_a as_o the_o persian_n come_v in_o place_n of_o the_o chaldean_n the_o grecian_n in_o place_n of_o the_o percians_n and_o the_o roman_n in_o place_n of_o the_o grecian_n even_o so_o antichrist_n shall_v invade_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o roman_n vacantem_fw-la imperij_fw-la principatum_fw-la invadet_fw-la &_o tentabit_fw-la ad_fw-la se_fw-la capere_fw-la hominum_fw-la &_o dei_fw-la imperium_fw-la antichrist_n say_v he_o shall_v invade_v the_o vacant_a principality_n of_o the_o empire_n &_o shall_v assay_v to_o draw_v unto_o himself_o the_o empire_n both_o of_o god_n &_o man_n and_o be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o the_o papacy_n grow_v &_o take_v increase_v by_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o empire_n &_o at_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o monarchy_n challenge_v full_a possession_n of_o all_o dominion_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a of_o the_o same_o judgement_n be_v s._n jerome_n write_v upon_o the_o same_o place_n of_o paul_n unto_o algasia_n in_o the_o eleven_o question_n who_o word_n be_v these_o nec_fw-la vult_fw-la aperte_fw-la dicere_fw-la romanum_fw-la imperium_fw-la de_fw-la struendum_fw-la quod_fw-la ipsi_fw-la qui_fw-la imperant_fw-la aeternum_fw-la putant_fw-la unde_fw-la secundum_fw-la apocalypsim_fw-la johannis_fw-la in_o front_n purpuratae_fw-la meretricis_fw-la scriptum_fw-la est_fw-la nomen_fw-la blasphemiae_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la romae_fw-la aeternae_fw-la etc_n etc_n that_o be_v neither_o will_v he_o open_o say_v that_o the_o roman_a empire_n shall_v be_v destroy_v which_o they_o that_o govern_v it_o think_v to_o be_v everlasting_a whereforâ—_n according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n in_o the_o forehead_n of_o the_o purple_a whore_n there_o be_v write_v a_o name_n of_o blasphemi_fw-la which_o be_v rome_n everlasting_a loe_n here_o another_o witness_n of_o good_a antiquity_n and_o sufficient_a credit_n which_o not_o only_o agree_v plain_o with_o chrysostome_n that_o antichrist_n shall_v take_v possession_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v decay_v in_o the_o emperor_n but_o also_o most_o plain_o agree_v with_o tertullian_n call_v that_o babylonical_a strumpet_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o 17._o chapter_n of_o this_o apocalips_n that_o purple_a whore_n of_o rome_n &_o the_o name_n of_o the_o blasphemy_n to_o be_v rome_n everlasting_a as_o though_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o pope_n brag_v of_o the_o eternity_n of_o his_o see_v which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o rock_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v but_o he_o be_v foul_o be_v gile_v for_o rome_n the_o see_v of_o his_o popedom_n be_v by_o s._n jerome_n judgement_n that_o babylon_n of_o who_o the_o angel_n preach_v the_o howsoever_o the_o boast_n of_o her_o eternity_n she_o be_v fall_v she_o be_v fall_v even_o babylon_n that_o great_a city_n &_o never_o shall_v rise_v again_o they_o cry_v out_o against_o we_o that_o we_o rail_v and_o speak_v contumelious_o of_o the_o holy_a see_v of_o the_o pope_n when_o we_o call_v rome_n the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n but_o when_o the_o old_a doctor_n to_o who_o judgement_n they_o themselves_o appeal_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n fear_v not_o so_o plain_o in_o their_o write_n to_o paint_v out_o the_o babylonycall_a strumpet_n in_o her_o right_a colour_n &_o in_o flat_a word_n to_o say_v she_o be_v rome_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o abomination_n &_o the_o see_v of_o antichrist_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v blame_v for_o say_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o and_o especial_o of_o those_o man_n that_o make_v so_o great_a vaunt_n that_o the_o judgement_n be_v altogether_o on_o their_o side_n by_o who_o they_o offer_v to_o be_v try_v when_o they_o dare_v not_o abide_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o scripture_n again_o consider_v i_o pray_v you_o of_o the_o old_a doctor_n before_o antichrist_n be_v open_o reveal_v do_v understand_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o shall_v â—yt_v at_o rome_n what_o think_v you_o will_v they_o have_v say_v and_o write_v if_o they_o have_v live_v in_o these_o day_n &_o know_v and_o see_v all_o that_o be_v prophesy_v to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o with_o what_o confidence_n suppose_v you_o they_o will_v have_v inveigh_v against_o he_o with_o how_o open_a mouth_n will_v they_o have_v cry_v out_o upon_o he_o at_o least_o wise_n do_v you_o not_o think_v in_o your_o conscience_n that_o when_o they_o have_v consider_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n &_o his_o wholesome_a doctrine_n they_o will_v have_v change_v their_o mind_n and_o recant_v their_o write_n against_o rome_n and_o repent_v that_o ever_o they_o have_v call_v she_o the_o purple_a whore_n of_o babylon_n see_v she_o be_v the_o holy_a mother_n church_n of_o rome_n the_o see_v of_o the_o most_o holy_a father_n the_o pope_n the_o head_n of_o the_o same_o church_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v thus_o much_o in_o your_o behalf_n oh_o you_o papist_n as_o ill_a as_o i_o love_v you_o that_o if_o hierome_n tertullian_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o doctor_n do_v so_o account_v of_o rome_n as_o you_o affirm_v of_o they_o they_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v to_o defame_v she_o with_o such_o odious_a name_n as_o to_o call_v she_o the_o purple_a whore_n of_o babylon_n which_o must_v needs_o make_v she_o vehement_o suspect_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o antichrist_n and_o not_o of_o christ_n for_o what_o papist_n in_o these_o day_n dare_v say_v that_o which_o hierome_n say_v that_o rome_n be_v that_o purple_a harlot_n babylon_n which_o s._n john_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o apocalips_n the_o same_o hierome_n in_o his_o 13._o book_n of_o commentary_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n upon_o the_o 47_o chap._n write_v in_o this_o manner_n licet_fw-la ex_fw-la co_fw-la quod_fw-la iuxta_fw-la 70_o scriptum_fw-la est_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la filia_fw-la babylonis_fw-la non_fw-la ipsum_fw-la babylonem_fw-la quidam_fw-la sed_fw-la romanam_fw-la urbem_fw-la interpretantur_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o apocalypsi_fw-la johannis_n &_o epistola_fw-la petri_n babylon_n specialliter_fw-la appellatur_fw-la etc_n etc_n that_o be_v for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o seventy_o interpreter_n write_v not_o the_o daughter_n babylon_n but_o the_o daughter_n of_o babylon_n some_o do_v interpret_v thereof_o not_o babylon_n in_o chaldea_n but_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o in_o the_o revelation_n of_o saint_n john_n &_o the_o epistle_n of_o peter_n be_v special_o call_v babylon_n note_v that_o hierome_n in_o this_o place_n account_v rome_n to_o be_v babylon_n the_o young_a daughter_n of_o babylon_n the_o elder_n and_o second_o that_o this_o be_v not_o his_o opinion_n only_o but_o the_o consent_n of_o many_o other_o in_o his_o time_n and_o namely_o of_o such_o as_o use_v to_o interpret_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n three_o and_o especial_o consider_v that_o he_o affirm_v rome_n in_o the_o apocalips_n to_o be_v special_o call_v babylon_n so_o that_o babylon_n in_o the_o apocalips_n by_o his_o judgement_n can_v be_v understand_v for_o nothing_o else_o but_o rome_n because_o rome_n be_v there_o special_o figure_v by_o babylon_n what_o mean_v hierome_n so_o often_o to_o beat_v in_o this_o nail_n that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n if_o it_o have_v slip_v out_o of_o his_o pen_n but_o once_o he_o may_v have_v be_v pardon_v for_o his_o oversight_n but_o when_o he_o have_v never_o do_v writing_n that_o rome_n be_v babylon_n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n special_o call_v babylon_n why_o shall_v we_o account_v he_o any_o long_o for_o a_o catholic_a for_o in_o his_o preface_n unto_o the_o book_n of_o didimus_n de_fw-fr spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la which_o he_o translate_v out_o of_o greek_a into_o latin_a write_v to_o pavinianus_fw-la he_o utter_v these_o word_n come_v in_o babylon_n versarer_fw-la &_o purpuratae_fw-la meretricis_fw-la essem_fw-la colonus_n &_o jure_fw-la quiritum_fw-la viverem_fw-la etc_n etc_n of_o late_o say_v he_o when_o i_o be_v in_o babylon_n and_o be_v a_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o purple_a harlot_n &_o live_v after_o the_o law_n of_o the_o roman_n i_o think_v to_o entreat_v somewhat_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o need_v hierome_n in_o this_o place_n so_o odious_o &_o contumelious_o to_o call_v rome_n by_o the_o name_n of_o babylon_n but_o that_o he_o can_v never_o consider_v rome_n otherwise_o but_o to_o be_v that_o see_v appoint_v for_o antichrist_n for_o in_o other_o place_n where_o he_o interpret_v that_o scripture_n &_o prophecy_n concern_v antichrist_n we_o may_v less_o marvel_v if_o he_o interpret_v babylon_n for_o rome_n because_o no_o reason_n can_v lead_v he_o to_o expound_v it_o otherwise_o but_o here_o talk_v pleasant_o with_o his_o friend_n what_o necessity_n compel_v he_o to_o use_v such_o description_n of_o rome_n
but_o that_o this_o persuasion_n be_v so_o deep_o grave_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n that_o neither_o in_o earnest_n norie_v he_o can_v forget_v it_o but_o be_v always_o harp_v upon_o it_o as_o though_o he_o think_v scorn_n to_o call_v rome_n by_o any_o other_o name_n then_o that_o he_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v babylon_n &_o the_o purple_a harlot_n for_o in_o like_a manner_n write_v to_o marcelia_n a_o virtuous_a gentlewoman_n of_o rome_n who_o he_o allure_v to_o forsake_v rome_n &_o to_o dwell_v never_o unto_o he_o in_o bethlehem_n one_o especial_a reason_n that_o he_o use_v to_o persuade_v she_o be_v this_o that_o as_o bethlehem_n whether_o he_o will_v have_v she_o to_o repair_v be_v situate_a in_o the_o holy_a land_n &_o the_o place_n consecrate_v to_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n so_o rome_n where_o she_o desire_v to_o remain_v be_v the_o babylonical_a harlot_n according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n appoint_v for_o the_o birth_n of_o antichrist_n which_o there_o shall_v arise_v &_o exercise_v tyranny_n &_o from_o thence_o shall_v deceive_v that_o whole_a world_n with_o his_o wicked_a wile_n but_o who_o so_o will_v read_v the_o work_n of_o jerome_n may_v find_v yet_o more_o place_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bold_a to_o call_v rome_n babylon_n that_o very_o see_v of_o antichrist_n whereby_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a matter_n to_o seek_v antichrist_n at_o rome_n when_o such_o old_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n so_o common_o in_o commentary_n epistle_n and_o other_o write_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o rome_n be_v babylon_n &_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v that_o babylon_n be_v the_o see_v of_o antichrist_n but_o let_v we_o leave_v s._n jerome_n and_o see_v what_o other_o say_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n saint_n ambrose_n write_v a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o work_n i_o will_v move_v no_o question_n at_o this_o time_n see_v it_o be_v commend_v to_o we_o by_o cuthbert_n tonstal_n late_a bishop_n of_o duresme_n who_o find_v it_o in_o a_o old_a library_n &_o first_o set_v it_o in_o print_n under_o the_o name_n of_o that_o great_a s._n ambrose_n and_o be_v willing_a that_o man_n shall_v so_o think_v of_o it_o it_o be_v good_a authority_n i_o say_v against_o the_o papist_n be_v commend_v by_o so_o catholic_a a_o prelate_n &_o because_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o receive_v whatsoever_o come_v under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o old_a doctor_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o unlike_a his_o writing_n and_o cry_v out_o upon_o we_o for_o reject_v at_o our_o pleasure_n the_o work_n of_o ancient_a doctor_n that_o make_v against_o our_o doctrine_n as_o though_o we_o reject_v any_o without_o cause_n or_o they_o refuse_v none_o for_o any_o cause_n whereas_o pighius_fw-la their_o great_a patron_n blush_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o report_n of_o two_o general_a counsel_n the_o five_o &_o six_o of_o constantinople_n which_o be_v commend_v to_o we_o by_o public_a faith_n of_o that_o church_n of_o constantinople_n because_o in_o the_o one_o pope_n honorius_n be_v condemn_v &_o accurse_v for_o a_o heretic_n &_o in_o neither_o of_o both_o the_o pope_n legate_n can_v have_v the_o high_a place_n according_a to_o that_o request_n of_o their_o ambitious_a master_n but_o as_o for_o this_o ambrose_n if_o he_o be_v not_o ambrose_n of_o milan_n yet_o be_v it_o apparent_a by_o the_o style_n that_o he_o be_v some_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n &_o he_o throughout_o this_o prophecy_n interpret_v babylon_n to_o be_v rome_n &_o antichrist_n to_o be_v seek_v no_o where_o but_o at_o rome_n primasius_n also_o a_o very_a ancient_a writer_n who_o likewise_o comment_v upon_o the_o apocalips_n expound_v these_o prophecy_n of_o antichrist_n to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o that_o roman_a empire_n &_o of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n s._n augustine_n in_o his_o work_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la not_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o oftentimes_o be_v bold_a to_o call_v rome_n babylon_n &_o babylon_n rome_n as_o in_o his_o 16._o book_n and_o 17._o chapter_n he_o call_v rome_n a_o other_o babylon_n in_o the_o west_n and_o in_o his_o 18_o book_n &_o 2._o chapter_n he_o call_v babylon_n of_o chaldea_n the_o first_o rome_n &_o rome_n of_o italy_n the_o second_o babylon_n willing_a man_n to_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n in_o abraham_n time_n the_o first_o rome_n that_o be_v eastern_a babylon_n her_o enemy_n be_v build_v in_o chaldea_n and_o about_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o first_o babylon_n be_v destroy_v lest_o the_o city_n of_o god_n shall_v lack_v her_o enemy_n the_o second_o babylon_n which_o be_v rome_n in_o italy_n be_v erect_v it_o be_v a_o strange_a matter_n that_o the_o same_o city_n which_o be_v that_o profess_a enemy_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o religion_n &_o the_o very_a city_n of_o god_n it self_o oh_o augustin_n thou_o be_v not_o well_o advise_v to_o make_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n enemy_n to_o the_o city_n of_o god_n that_o rome_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o babylon_n of_o old_a be_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o same_o augustine_n in_o the_o 22._o chap._n of_o the_o 18._o book_n call_v rome_n a_o other_o babylon_n &_o daughter_n of_o the_o first_o babylon_n and_o in_o the_o 27._o chap._n he_o call_v rome_n western_a babylon_n by_o these_o &_o other_o testimony_n of_o oldâ—_n writer_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v but_o for_o tediousness_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o babylon_n in_o this_o my_o text_n speak_v of_o be_v rome_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o seek_v antichrist_n to_o proceed_v from_o any_o other_o place_n then_o from_o rome_n but_o what_o need_v i_o trouble_v myself_o to_o seek_v further_a testimonial_a for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o matter_n that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n then_o of_o the_o papist_n themselves_o for_o it_o be_v the_o common_a catholic_a opinion_n of_o all_o papist_n that_o s._n peter_n in_o his_o epistle_n where_o he_o send_v salutation_n from_o the_o church_n gather_v in_o babylon_n by_o babylon_n understand_v rome_n and_o they_o learn_v it_o of_o jeronime_n which_o in_o the_o life_n of_o s._n mark_n do_v so_o expound_v it_o so_o greedy_a they_o be_v to_o find_v a_o place_n in_o scripture_n where_o peter_n shall_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v at_o rome_n that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o acknowledge_v babylon_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o rome_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v perform_v i_o trust_v sufficient_o that_o which_o i_o take_v in_o hand_n to_o prove_v both_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o plain_a &_o manifest_a text_n &_o by_o consent_n of_o many_o ancient_a writer_n yea_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o papist_n themselves_o that_o babylon_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v take_v for_o rome_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n in_o which_o because_o i_o have_v be_v over_o long_o i_o will_v be_v short_a in_o that_o which_o remain_v in_o the_o second_o part_n i_o promise_v to_o declare_v how_o babylon_n which_o be_v rome_n be_v fall_v according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o angel_n she_o be_v fall_v say_v the_o angel_n she_o be_v fall_v he_o repeat_v y_fw-mi word_n of_o fall_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o declare_v the_o certainty_n of_o her_o decay_n that_o howsoever_o she_o seem_v to_o flourish_v and_o triumph_v as_o though_o she_o shall_v never_o have_v fall_v or_o come_v to_o ruin_n yet_o god_n for_o her_o wickedness_n most_o righteous_o &_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o church_n most_o merciful_o have_v decréeed_o undoubted_o that_o she_o shall_v fall_v when_o that_o time_n be_v once_o come_v which_o in_o his_o most_o wise_a &_o well_o order_v council_n be_v appoint_v for_o her_o destruction_n second_o he_o repeat_v twice_o that_o she_o be_v fall_v to_o show_v that_o she_o shall_v have_v a_o unrecoverable_a fall_n she_o shall_v not_o fall_v as_o other_o city_n which_o have_v rise_v again_o but_o she_o shall_v fall_v without_o all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n never_o to_o be_v restore_v again_o therefore_o in_o the_o 18._o chap._n a_o mighty_a angel_n take_v up_o a_o great_a millstone_n &_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o sea_n say_v with_o such_o violence_n seal_n babylon_n that_o great_a city_n be_v throw_v down_o &_o never_o be_v see_v any_o more_o so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o great_a millstone_n throw_v with_o great_a forcâ—_n by_o a_o mighty_a angel_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o rise_v up_o again_o &_o swim_v above_o the_o water_n so_o impossible_a be_v it_o that_o
in_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o babylon_n of_o long_a time_n have_v triumph_v and_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o pray_v that_o her_o credit_n may_v daily_o more_o &_o more_o decrease_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v perfect_o establish_v among_o we_o &_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n may_v be_v overthrow_v even_o from_o the_o foundation_n that_o no_o superfluous_a relic_n of_o babylonical_a religion_n mai_fw-gr remain_v where_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o building_n but_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o babylon_n may_v fall_v altogether_o thus_o have_v i_o declare_v that_o babylon_n in_o wealth_n and_o substance_n in_o power_n &_o authority_n in_o credit_n &_o estimation_n of_o her_o doctrine_n be_v fall_v &_o that_o with_o out_o hope_v of_o recovery_n for_o her_o credit_n be_v crack_v not_o only_o among_o her_o enemy_n the_o protestant_n but_o even_o among_o her_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a archpapist_n for_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n so_o blind_a so_o superstitious_a so_o devout_o addict_v in_o all_o point_n of_o popish_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n as_o they_o be_v thirty_o or_o xl_o year_n past_a although_o they_o close_v their_o eye_n never_o so_o obstinate_o against_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o some_o effect_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o force_n will_v pierce_v even_o through_o their_o eye_n lid_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o can_v dissemble_v although_o they_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v with_o gross_a error_n &_o shameful_a superstition_n their_o pardon_n their_o pilgrimage_n their_o legend_n who_o be_v now_o so_o blind_a that_o see_v not_o how_o the_o world_n have_v be_v seduce_v by_o they_o and_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o people_n abuse_v to_o satisfy_v their_o unsatiable_a covetousness_n as_o for_o the_o great_a patroness_n of_o popery_n that_o be_v learned_a they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o great_a error_n have_v be_v receive_v &_o teach_v for_o truth_n yea_o the_o pope_n himself_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o many_o error_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n yea_o even_o into_o the_o mass_n but_o the_o reformation_n of_o they_o pertain_v to_o he_o alone_o &_o the_o general_a council_n but_o what_o hope_v of_o reformation_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o at_o their_o hand_n let_v it_o be_v see_v in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o last_o council_n of_o trent_n what_o little_a mouse_n those_o great_a mountain_n in_o so_o many_o year_n travail_n have_v bring_v forth_o in_o forty_o or_o fifty_o year_n consultation_n two_o great_a matter_n reform_v one_o for_o pardoners_n not_o to_o be_v common_a pedlar_n another_o for_o the_o communion_n in_o both_o kind_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v it_o so_o they_o confess_v it_o be_v as_o good_a in_o one_o kind_n and_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o all_o other_o point_n of_o popery_n yet_o all_o be_v not_o well_o they_o confess_v by_o their_o correction_n and_o as_o for_o the_o great_a pillar_n and_o proctor_n they_o have_v if_o they_o be_v press_v never_o acknowledge_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o as_o one_o that_o land_v late_o at_o yarmouth_n before_o witness_v of_o good_a credit_n restify_v that_o if_o he_o may_v be_v satisfise_v in_o two_o point_n concern_v you_o pope_n supremacy_n &_o the_o real_a presence_n for_o other_o matter_n he_o will_v not_o great_o strive_v so_o that_o i_o will_v conclude_v that_o babylon_n be_v fall_v in_o riches_n in_o power_n in_o credit_n of_o doctrine_n not_o only_o with_o protestant_n but_o even_o with_o papist_n themselves_o but_o now_o i_o know_v what_o will_v be_v object_v against_o i_o that_o i_o have_v travel_v all_o in_o vain_a to_o prove_v that_o babylon_n be_v fall_v &_o that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n and_o that_o i_o have_v abuse_v the_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o sentence_n of_o old_a doctor_n to_o prove_v the_o â—ame_n for_o what_o soever_o be_v contain_v either_o in_o â—he_n scripture_n or_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n to_o prove_v that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n be_v to_o â—e_z understand_v of_o rome_n under_o the_o heathen_a emâ—erours_n &_o not_o under_o the_o pope_n and_o that_o all_o â—his_n while_o i_o have_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n &_o enforce_v the_o doctor_n to_o affirm_v that_o which_o they_o â—ever_v think_v of_o in_o deed_n i_o will_v confess_v the_o some_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o this_o revelation_n be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n &_o that_o the_o heathen_a empire_n be_v a_o introduction_n unto_o anâ—ichrist_n but_o that_o antichrist_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n &_o which_o be_v principal_o call_v antichrist_n can_v not_o be_v any_o of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n neither_o the_o state_n of_o the_o heathen_a monarchy_n i_o will_v make_v it_o manifest_a by_o plain_a demonstration_n and_o first_o i_o will_v retain_v this_o principle_n sufficient_o prove_v before_o that_o rome_n be_v the_o see_v of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o by_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o consent_n of_o ancient_a writer_n we_o can_v seek_v he_o no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o now_o the_o controversy_n rest_v in_o this_o whether_o that_o heathen_a emperor_n or_o the_o pope_n we_o they_o first_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o second_o chap._n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonians_n speak_v purposely_o of_o antichrist_n say_v express_o that_o he_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o be_v you_o church_n of_o christ_n â–ª_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n do_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o that_o heathen_a emperor_n be_v not_o this_o antichrist_n and_o by_o that_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o mahomet_n be_v not_o that_o especial_a antichrist_n because_o he_o sit_v without_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o there_o be_v diverse_a that_o will_v have_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o mahomet_n or_o ottomanus_n but_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n for_o as_o much_o as_o neither_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n nor_o mahomet_n nor_o ottomanus_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n or_o church_n of_o god_n that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v that_o great_a antichrist_n oâ—_n who_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v and_o where_o as_o some_o of_o they_o interpret_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n whereof_o christ_n speak_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o antichrist_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a to_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o he_o that_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n or_o any_o other_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n for_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n which_o be_v the_o temple_n and_o signify_v the_o church_n now_o the_o pope_n sit_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n &_o boast_v himself_o to_o be_v god_n challenge_v to_o himself_o such_o authority_n as_o be_v proper_a only_a to_o god_n &_o usurp_v such_o honour_n as_o be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o god_n therefore_o not_o in_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n but_o in_o the_o pope_n be_v this_o prophecy_n accomplish_v another_o reason_n to_o prove_v y_fw-mi antichrist_n which_o in_o this_o revelation_n be_v foreshow_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n can_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v the_o heathen_a emperor_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the._n 17._o chap._n of_o the_o same_o book_n for_o there_o the_o angel_n interpret_n unto_o s._n john_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o beast_n that_o bear_v the_o harlot_n which_o have_v seven_o head_n after_o he_o have_v show_v that_o the_o seven_o head_n signify_v seven_o hyl_n he_o declare_v that_o they_o signify_v also_o seven_o king_n or_o principal_a estate_n or_o form_n of_o regiment_n for_o so_o the_o name_n of_o king_n be_v often_o take_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o special_o in_o daniel_n at_o which_o prophecy_n s._n john_n borrow_v many_o phrase_n of_o â—hese_n seven_o head_n five_a he_o say_v be_v fall_v the_o six_o be_v then_o present_o in_o authority_n and_o the_o seventh_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v which_o seven_o be_v the_o monstrous_a beast_n antichrist_n that_o be_v both_o the_o seven_o and_o the_o eight_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n for_o nero_n the_o first_o persecute_v paynim_n be_v come_v and_o go_v &_o domitian_n a_o other_o persecuter_n by_o who_o tyranny_n s._n john_n be_v banish_v into_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n where_o he_o see_v &_o receive_v this_o revelation_n be_v then_o in_o authority_n so_o that_o of_o the_o monarchy_n or_o tyranny_n of_o heathen_a emperor_n this_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v &_o of_o the_o christian_a emperor_n no_o man_n will_v expound_v it_o so_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v turn_v over_o to_o the_o pope_n for_o it_o can_v rest_v in_o no_o place_n else_o
and_o be_v refer_v unto_o he_o all_o the_o rest_n have_v a_o very_a apâ—_n exposition_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n &_o the_o dominion_n thereof_o have_v have_v seven_o principal_a state_n or_o form_n of_o regiment_n the_o first_o state_n of_o king_n the_o seconâ—_o of_o consul_n the_o three_o of_o decemuiri_fw-la the_o forth_o of_o dictatores_fw-la the_o five_o of_o triumuiri_fw-la the_o six_o oâ—_n caesar_n or_o emperor_n &_o the_o seven_o of_o pope_n now_o five_o of_o these_o state_n or_o form_n of_o regiment_n be_v fall_v and_o abolish_v in_o s._n john_n time_n thâ—_z six_o which_o be_v the_o emperor_n in_o his_o time_n waâ—_z in_o place_n and_o the_o seven_o which_o be_v the_o pope_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v which_o be_v the_o very_a beast_n itself_o the_o roman_a empire_n revive_v and_o raise_v up_o from_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o hell_n into_o the_o usurp_a tyranny_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o this_o be_v that_o beasâ—_n that_o sometime_o be_v of_o wonderful_a great_a poweâ—_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o day_n of_o augustus_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o successor_n but_o then_o much_o decay_v as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v although_o in_o some_o sort_n it_o be_v but_o shall_v be_v restore_v in_o the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o the_o pope_n that_o claim_v all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v his_o diocese_n which_o power_n come_v not_o from_o god_n but_o from_o the_o prince_n of_o pride_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n but_o chief_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o beast_n although_o he_o be_v but_o one_o yet_o in_o the_o account_n he_o stand_v for_o two_o for_o he_o be_v that_o seven_o head_n &_o the_o sight_n also_o and_o remember_v that_o the_o pope_n challenge_v double_a authority_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o both_o sword_n the_o spiritual_a &_o the_o temporal_a so_o that_o in_o this_o exposition_n allthing_n agree_v most_o apt_o again_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o antichrist_n shall_v deceive_v the_o world_n with_o false_a doctrine_n under_o pretence_n &_o colour_n of_o true_a religion_n &_o therefore_o so_o often_o time_n the_o scripture_n warn_v man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o seduce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v needless_a if_o any_o open_a profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v that_o antichrist_n for_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n that_o a_o heathen_a man_n a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n shall_v deceive_v any_o multitude_n of_o true_a christian_n but_o he_o that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n seek_v most_o of_o all_o to_o deface_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o subtle_a adversary_n &_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o antichrist_n as_o s._n john_n also_o in_o his_o epistle_n do_v testify_v for_o in_o the_o second_o chap._n speak_v of_o those_o antichristes_n which_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o that_o great_a antichrist_n be_v show_v that_o they_o go_v out_o from_o the_o church_n &_o in_o the_o four_o chap._n he_o call_v they_o false_a prophet_n and_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o know_v that_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n he_o that_o deny_v jesus_n to_o be_v christ_n he_o that_o deny_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v he_o that_o derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v christ_n and_o in_o his_o flesh_n to_o have_v perform_v the_o full_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n as_o that_o pope_n do_v most_o blasphemous_o he_o be_v antichrist_n and_o who_o so_o teach_v any_o such_o doctrine_n speak_v by_o that_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n see_v therefore_o that_o s._n john_n account_v antichrist_n for_o one_o that_o be_v go_v from_o the_o church_n &_o for_o a_o false_a prophet_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o antichrist_n be_v no_o heathen_a emperor_n which_o be_v never_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o any_o false_a prophet_n that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o church_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o mahomet_n who_o never_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n nor_o yet_o a_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n of_o câ—rist_n pretend_v to_o uphold_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o open_a enemy_n or_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n altogether_o without_o the_o church_n by_o these_o argument_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o see_v babyloâ—_n be_v rome_n and_o that_o the_o head_n of_o babylon_n be_v antichrist_n that_o he_o can_v be_v any_o of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n but_o even_o the_o pope_n he_o self_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v according_a to_o my_o text_n that_o rome_n be_v fall_v if_o babylon_n by_o fall_v now_o remain_v the_o last_o part_n that_o i_o promise_v to_o entreat_v of_o namely_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n so_o severe_a judgement_n against_o babylon_n that_o he_o have_v decree_o her_o utter_a overthrow_n and_o destruction_n which_o the_o angel_n comprehend_v in_o these_o word_n because_o she_o have_v make_v all_o nation_n drink_v with_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o fury_n of_o her_o fornication_n that_o be_v she_o have_v deceive_v all_o the_o world_n with_o false_a doctrine_n which_o he_o compare_v unto_o two_o kind_n of_o vice_n whereby_o man_n be_v so_o deceive_v that_o they_o lose_v all_o right_a judgement_n drunkenness_n and_o fornication_n for_o as_o these_o two_o vice_n do_v allure_v man_n to_o commit_v they_o by_o covet_v of_o vain_a delectation_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o so_o babylon_n have_v entice_v all_o man_n like_o a_o other_o circe_n to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o her_o delectable_a error_n and_o to_o commit_v most_o filthy_a fornication_n with_o her_o idolatrous_a religion_n for_o of_o all_o other_o religion_n to_o the_o carnal_a man_n none_o be_v so_o pleasant_a as_o popery_n be_v in_o which_o be_v so_o many_o kind_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v obtain_v both_o in_o this_o life_n &_o after_o man_n be_v dead_a that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a security_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n to_o sleep_v in_o then_o in_o the_o fair_a promise_n of_o poê‘erye_n and_o that_o cause_v so_o many_o willing_o to_o embrace_v it_o &_o so_o loath_a to_o depart_v from_o it_o because_o they_o will_v still_o continue_v without_o check_n of_o true_a doctrine_n which_o call_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n or_o else_o threaten_v eternal_a damnation_n for_o howsoever_o it_o please_v they_o to_o charge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o cause_n of_o security_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v by_o comparison_n of_o it_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o popery_n whether_o be_v cause_n of_o security_n that_o which_o teach_v no_o satisfaction_n but_o one_o for_o they_o that_o be_v penitent_a in_o this_o life_n or_o they_o that_o have_v so_o many_o way_n to_o merit_v reward_n &_o to_o satisfy_v for_o sin_n not_o only_o while_o man_n live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o for_o they_o that_o be_v already_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o wine_n so_o sweet_a to_o the_o taste_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n as_o that_o which_o make_v he_o drink_z with_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o strong_a wine_n to_o make_v very_a coward_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v valiant_a champion_n and_o such_o be_v the_o cup_n of_o popish_a doctrine_n contain_v merit_n and_o satisfaction_n again_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v make_v man_n drink_z with_o his_o erroneous_a doctrine_n we_o marvel_v less_o how_o man_n can_v be_v so_o blind_v and_o infatuate_a that_o they_o can_v not_o see_v and_o perceive_v such_o gross_a error_n and_o manifest_a untruth_n as_o be_v in_o popery_n for_o as_o they_o that_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o strength_n of_o wine_n have_v lose_v the_o right_a use_n both_o of_o their_o wit_n and_o of_o their_o sense_n even_o so_o they_o that_o be_v drink_z with_o the_o heretical_a doctrine_n of_o papistry_n do_v grope_v in_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o see_v not_o their_o own_o deformity_n though_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o cry_n out_o of_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o unhonest_a love_n of_o harlot_n have_v their_o reason_n so_o imprison_v in_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o foolish_a fantasy_n that_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n neither_o to_o see_v their_o own_o folly_n nor_o admit_v any_o wise_n and_o godly_a counsel_n so_o it_o fare_v with_o those_o that_o the_o babylonical_a circe_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v alure_v by_o her_o enchantment_n to_o commit_v spiritual_a fornication_n with_o she_o they_o can_v abide_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o they_o that_o call_v they_o out_o of_o that_o damnable_a estate_n so_o high_o they_o please_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o misery_n as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o case_n of_o