the_o day_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o both_o those_o they_o do_v clear_o understand_v some_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v after_o their_o day_n as_o the_o rise_n and_o reign_v of_o the_o great_a antichrist_n which_o they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o see_v into_o hereupon_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o thing_n which_o unto_o they_o be_v very_o obscure_a be_v unto_o we_o most_o clear_a and_o manifest_a 〈◊〉_d be_v already_o fulfil_v insomuch_o that_o all_o which_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_v may_v see_v and_o understand_v they_o yea_o the_o most_o unlearned_a be_v not_o therefore_o discourage_v gentle_a reader_n at_o the_o darkness_n and_o difficulty_n of_o this_o book_n do_v not_o prejudicial_o resolve_v and_o set_v down_o with_o thyself_o that_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o this_o book_n can_v be_v give_v nor_o the_o tute_a meaning_n find_v out_o but_o that_o we_o must_v be_v fain_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v to_o rest_v in_o uncertain_a conjecture_n some_o follow_v one_o sense_n and_o some_o another_o as_o seem_v most_o like_a and_o profitable_a but_o no_o man_n can_v say_v confident_o and_o precise_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n oh_o be_v not_o of_o that_o mind_n good_a christian_a brother_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o undoubted_a certainty_n for_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o prophecy_n we_o be_v never_o the_o near_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o papist_n will_v drive_v we_o unto_o but_o know_v for_o a_o certainty_n that_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o be_v find_v out_o as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o to_o our_o uncertain_a conjecture_n and_o doubtful_a interpretation_n behold_v the_o merciful_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n who_o himself_o do_v expound_v the_o dark_a and_o most_o mystical_a thing_n in_o this_o prophecy_n or_o at_o least_o so_o many_o of_o they_o and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o rest_n be_v thereby_o lay_v open_a and_o make_v manifest_a the_o lord_n himself_o expound_v some_o thing_n in_o chap._n 1._o which_o give_v clear_a light_n to_o the_o first_o vision_n the_o angel_n expound_v divers_a other_o thing_n in_o the_o 17._o chapter_n which_o be_v the_o key_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o angel_n do_v of_o purpose_n open_a and_o interpret_v all_o the_o great_a doubt_n of_o this_o book_n as_o who_o be_v the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n who_o be_v the_o beast_n what_o be_v his_o seven_o head_n what_o be_v his_o ten_o horn_n what_o be_v the_o water_n which_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v the_o whore_n of_o rome_n sit_v upon_o moreover_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n we_o must_v note_v that_o the_o writing_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n unto_o which_o there_o be_v sundry_a allusion_n and_o from_o the_o which_o sundry_a thing_n be_v draw_v do_v clear_a divers_a thing_n in_o this_o revelation_n the_o knowledge_n of_o antiquity_n minister_v much_o aid_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o particular_a state_n thereof_o in_o divers_a age_n bring_v great_a light_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speech_n use_v by_o the_o old_a prophet_n do_v help_v also_o not_o a_o little_a the_o serious_a and_o deep_a weigh_v of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o confer_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o the_o consequent_n with_o the_o antecedent_n and_o the_o antecedent_n with_o the_o consequent_n further_v great_o for_o the_o bolt_n out_o of_o the_o true_a and_o natural_a sense_n and_o furthermore_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o prophecy_n so_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o it_o and_o do_v open_a and_o reveal_v it_o to_o all_o such_o as_o use_v all_o other_o good_a mean_n be_v earnest_a and_o humble_a suitor_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o illumination_n thereof_o whereby_o they_o may_v all_o understand_v both_o this_o and_o other_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v god_n have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o all_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o knowledge_n of_o art_n tongue_n and_o the_o learned_a writing_n and_o interpretation_n of_o sundry_a excellent_a man_n which_o all_o do_v bring_v great_a furtherance_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n sith_o then_o there_o be_v so_o many_o help_n for_o the_o open_n and_o expound_v of_o this_o revelation_n why_o shall_v any_o be_v discourage_v from_o the_o read_n and_o study_v thereof_o but_o if_o any_o man_n demand_v a_o reason_n why_o saint_n john_n write_v this_o revelation_n in_o such_o mystical_a and_o allegorical_a manner_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o may_v be_v divers_a reason_n yield_v hereof_o first_o that_o the_o world_n be_v blind_v may_v fulfil_v the_o thing_n herein_o specify_v second_o because_o john_n be_v to_o publish_v this_o revelation_n in_o such_o manner_n and_o form_n as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v figurative_a and_o allegorical_a three_o because_o it_o be_v much_o more_o wisdom_n to_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o all_o that_o time_n bear_v the_o sway_n almost_o over_o all_o the_o world_n under_o covert_n and_o figurative_a speech_n then_o in_o plain_a term_n lest_o the_o roman_a prince_n shall_v rage_v more_o against_o the_o christian_n even_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o like_a also_o may_v be_v say_v for_o daniel_n dark_a manner_n of_o deliver_v his_o prophecy_n for_o if_o he_o have_v utter_v those_o thing_n in_o plain_a term_n which_o he_o speak_v dark_o and_o allegorical_o it_o may_v have_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n for_o the_o heathen_a enemy_n will_v never_o have_v endure_v to_o hear_v that_o all_o their_o empire_n glory_n and_o renown_n shall_v fall_v one_o after_o another_o and_o one_o by_o another_o and_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o only_a holy_a people_n who_o god_n do_v defend_v and_o to_o who_o in_o the_o end_n god_n will_v not_o only_o give_v a_o quiet_a possession_n of_o their_o own_o land_n and_o kingdom_n but_o also_o a_o kingdom_n everlasting_a and_o that_o through_o their_o messiah_n and_o great_a deliverer_n but_o to_o grow_v to_o a_o conclusion_n gentle_a reader_n thou_o shall_v find_v in_o this_o poor_a travel_n first_o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o first_o thirteen_o chapter_n unto_o the_o twenty_o reduce_v all_o to_o one_o head_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o five_o point_n propound_v and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o three_o chapter_n follow_v brief_o and_o plain_o expound_v if_o any_o through_o laziness_n will_v not_o or_o through_o want_n of_o leisure_n can_v read_v over_o this_o short_a travel_n yet_o for_o his_o comfort_n let_v he_o read_v choose_v thing_n only_o which_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n and_o thus_o christian_n reader_n hope_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o neglect_v that_o which_o may_v be_v for_o thy_o own_o good_a i_o commend_v there_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v further_o and_o to_o give_v thou_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v thou_o in_o the_o lord_n arthur_n dent._n upon_o the_o 14._o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n these_o five_o point_n be_v handle_v first_o that_o babylon_n in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v call_v rome_n second_o that_o rome_n shall_v fall_v and_o how_o three_o that_o rome_n shall_v fall_v final_o and_o come_v to_o utter_v desolation_n in_o this_o life_n before_o the_o last_o judgement_n four_o by_o who_o and_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v overthrow_v five_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o utter_a ruin_n and_o overthrow_v thereof_o apoc._n 18._o verse_n 4._o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v go_v out_o of_o heâ—_n my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n the_o rvine_n of_o rome_n or_o a_o exposition_n upon_o the_o revelation_n wherein_o be_v plain_o show_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o popish_a religion_n together_o with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o rome_n shall_v ebb_v and_o decay_v still_o more_o and_o more_o throughout_o all_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n and_o come_v to_o a_o utter_a overthrow_n even_o in_o this_o life_n before_o i_o enter_v into_o the_o exposition_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o handle_v six_o circumstantial_a point_n which_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o whole_a matter_n follow_v and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o the_o instrument_n that_o write_v
matter_n john_n do_v very_o intentive_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o lamb_n be_v now_o about_o to_o open_v and_o unclasp_v the_o first_o seal_n of_o the_o book_n and_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a he_o be_v admonish_v and_o stir_v up_o by_o one_o of_o â—he_n cherubin_n that_o he_o shall_v draw_v near_o and_o come_v up_o and_o take_v knowledge_n of_o these_o great_a â—nd_n important_a matter_n which_o be_v now_o to_o be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v thorough_o awake_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o attention_n in_o so_o weighty_a matter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o speak_v unto_o he_o be_v like_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o thunder_n so_o that_o thereby_o john_n be_v thorough_o rouse_v fit_v and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v these_o heavenly_a vision_n 2._o verse_n 2._o therefore_o i_o behold_v and_o lo_o there_o be_v a_o white_a horse_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o he_o have_v a_o bow_n and_o a_o crown_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o go_v forth_o conquer_a that_o he_o may_v overcome_v john_n keep_v his_o eye_n steady_a upon_o the_o lamb_n have_v now_o open_v the_o first_o seal_n do_v in_o a_o vision_n see_v a_o white_a horse_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o white_a horse_n be_v mean_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o successor_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o white_a horse_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n in_o the_o nineteenth_o chapter_n of_o this_o prophecy_n where_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v upon_o this_o white_a horse_n beat_v down_o all_o his_o enemy_n before_o he_o for_o who_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v his_o word_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o zachary_n our_o lord_n jesus_n purpose_v to_o build_v up_o his_o church_n be_v in_o a_o very_a ruinous_a estate_n after_o the_o captivity_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o prophet_n on_o horseback_n both_o for_o the_o re-edify_n of_o his_o church_n and_o also_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o babylonians_n his_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o people_n in_o the_o 45._o psalm_n the_o church_n the_o spouse_n say_v thus_o to_o her_o belove_a husband_n christ_n gird_v thy_o sword_n upon_o thy_o thigh_n 45._o psal_n 45._o o_o thou_o mighty_a one_o the_o sword_n of_o thy_o glory_n and_o comely_a beauty_n and_o with_o thy_o comely_a beauty_n ride_v on_o prosperous_o for_o the_o business_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o meek_a righteousness_n etc._n etc._n now_o in_o all_o these_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o do_v plain_o see_v that_o when_o christ_n go_v about_o either_o to_o preach_v his_o gospel_n or_o build_v up_o his_o church_n or_o to_o be_v revenge_v on_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o he_o be_v bring_v in_o on_o horseback_n and_o this_o do_v strong_o confirm_v and_o warrant_v this_o exposition_n see_v it_o be_v not_o any_o imagine_a sense_n or_o new_a device_n of_o man_n brain_n but_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v very_o full_o bear_v out_o moreover_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o consider_v and_o deep_o weigh_v the_o purpose_n and_o intendment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o all_o this_o it_o will_v not_o a_o little_a help_n and_o further_o this_o exposition_n for_o the_o chief_a scope_n and_o drift_n of_o all_o be_v to_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o prophecy_n serve_v to_o show_v unto_o john_n the_o thing_n that_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v now_o we_o all_o know_v by_o bless_a experience_n that_o the_o first_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o time_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o that_o sit_v upon_o this_o white_a horse_n that_o be_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o gospel_n he_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v the_o nation_n under_o he_o there_o may_v be_v three_o reason_n allege_v why_o this_o horse_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o a_o white_a colour_n first_o because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v pure_a and_o sincere_a be_v without_o all_o spot_n and_o blot_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n for_o the_o white_a colour_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v signify_v purity_n sincerity_n innocency_n joy_n glory_n and_o beauty_n second_o because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v full_a of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o samaria_n after_o philip_n have_v set_v the_o gospel_n abroach_o there_o that_o there_o be_v great_a joy_n in_o that_o city_n three_o because_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v very_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a as_o it_o write_v how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o which_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o with_o thy_o comely_a beauty_n ride_v on_o prosperous_o 45._o psal_n 45._o for_o the_o business_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o man_n demand_v a_o reason_n of_o christ_n sit_v on_o horseback_n and_o ride_v forth_o on_o horseback_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o do_v fit_o represent_v that_o marvellous_a swiftness_n wherewith_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v carry_v and_o spread_v not_o only_o throughout_o all_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilee_n but_o also_o throughout_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o wonder_n to_o consider_v how_o swift_o and_o as_o it_o be_v on_o horseback_n and_o also_o how_o far_o over_o the_o heathen_a nation_n within_o a_o few_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o of_o multitude_n embrace_v he_o ride_v forth_o indeed_o prosperous_o and_o swift_o upon_o this_o white_a horse_n even_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o business_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o meek_a righteousness_n and_o his_o right_a hand_n wrought_v fearful_a thing_n as_o say_v the_o psalmist_n moreover_o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v a_o bow_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o in_o the_o 25._o psal_n from_o whence_o it_o seem_v all_o these_o phrase_n and_o speech_n be_v borrow_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v sharp_a arrow_n in_o his_o hand_n whereby_o he_o pierce_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o enemy_n now_o his_o bow_n and_o arrow_n do_v signify_v the_o pierce_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o the_o world_n have_v be_v subdue_v unto_o christ_n for_o all_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o christ_n shoot_v out_o of_o his_o bow_n which_o be_v even_o the_o tongue_n of_o his_o minister_n do_v stick_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yea_o they_o pierce_v into_o all_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v lively_a and_o mighty_a in_o operation_n sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o enter_v through_o 4._o heb._n 4._o even_o unto_o the_o divide_n asunder_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o joint_n and_o the_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n here_o be_v yet_o further_o mention_v make_v of_o a_o crown_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o go_v forth_o conquer_a that_o he_o may_v overcome_v this_o crown_n signify_v the_o victory_n which_o he_o get_v over_o the_o world_n with_o his_o bow_n and_o arrow_n for_o the_o psalmist_n say_v by_o thy_o sharp_a arrow_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n enemy_n thâ—_n people_n shall_v fall_v under_o thou_o we_o read_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o 3000._o of_o the_o king_n enemy_n be_v at_o once_o shoot_v through_o with_o this_o bow_n and_o these_o arrow_n and_o do_v fall_v under_o he_o we_o read_v of_o many_o other_o at_o other_o time_n and_o in_o other_o place_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v plain_o 10._o 2._o cor._n 10._o that_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warrefare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a mighty_a through_o god_n to_o cast_v down_o hold_v cast_v down_o the_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o be_v exalt_v against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o their_o true_a successor_n ride_v upon_o this_o white_a horse_n which_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v go_v over_o all_o the_o world_n conquer_a and_o overcome_a i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o do_v
preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v to_o his_o particular_a charge_n and_o congregation_n for_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v show_v unto_o his_o people_n all_o the_o counsâ—ll_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v back_o nothing_o as_o paul_n testify_v that_o he_o do_v to_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v a_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o must_v not_o be_v conceal_v or_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o in_o these_o day_n i_o think_v it_o not_o only_o meet_v and_o convenient_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o in_o truth_n absolute_o necessary_a but_o now_o i_o think_v i_o hear_v some_o man_n say_v what_o must_v this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v be_v preach_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o common_a people_n alas_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v with_o it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o meddle_v with_o all_o it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o diet_n i_o answer_v and_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o this_o book_n must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o saint_n john_n call_v it_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v he_o to_o show_v unto_o all_o his_o servant_n it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n young_a and_o old_a rich_a and_o poor_a must_v be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o this_o book_n moreover_o john_n be_v command_v by_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n to_o set_v down_o all_o the_o vision_n which_o the_o angel_n show_v he_o and_o to_o write_v they_o all_o in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n that_o be_v to_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n and_o therefore_o this_o book_n do_v not_o only_o concern_v preacher_n and_o deep_a divine_n but_o even_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n whatsoever_o for_o it_o do_v minister_v great_a comfort_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o live_v in_o this_o age_n but_o here_o the_o papist_n object_v that_o this_o book_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n and_o therefore_o not_o for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o meddle_v withal_o nay_o say_v they_o there_o be_v as_o many_o mystery_n as_o word_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v man_n trouble_v their_o head_n about_o it_o but_o no_o marvel_n though_o the_o papist_n say_v so_o much_o for_o it_o be_v the_o wound_n of_o their_o kingdom_n and_o the_o battery_n of_o their_o babylon_n as_o for_o other_o both_o learned_a and_o godly_a which_o in_o this_o point_n be_v almost_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n that_o they_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n i_o can_v but_o marvel_n at_o it_o the_o modesty_n and_o humility_n of_o some_o very_a rare_a and_o reverend_a man_n for_o learning_n and_o great_a variety_n of_o gift_n which_o notwithstanding_o scotch_n much_o at_o this_o book_n be_v great_o to_o be_v commend_v but_o if_o i_o be_v worthy_a to_o give_v they_o advice_n i_o will_v wish_v they_o in_o this_o behalf_n to_o change_v their_o mind_n and_o to_o be_v of_o another_o resolution_n for_o i_o dare_v avouch_v it_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o prophecy_n which_o study_n and_o diligence_n with_o prayer_n and_o humility_n may_v not_o overcome_v true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o the_o shell_n be_v thick_a and_o hard_o to_o break_v but_o be_v break_v the_o kernel_n be_v most_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a if_o any_o be_v discourage_v with_o the_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o it_o let_v he_o harken_v to_o these_o reason_n follow_v first_o it_o be_v call_v a_o revelation_n which_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o a_o uncover_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v lie_v hide_v if_o it_o be_v a_o uncover_v and_o reveal_v of_o thing_n no_o doubt_n it_o may_v be_v know_v and_o see_v into_o for_o reveal_v thing_n be_v for_o we_o and_o our_o child_n if_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n how_o say_v some_o that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v for_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o revelation_n to_o be_v so_o dark_a that_o none_o can_v understand_v it_o but_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v give_v a_o wrong_a name_n unto_o it_o god_n forbid_v for_o if_o it_o hide_v matter_n or_o set_v they_o forth_o that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v than_o it_o be_v not_o right_o call_v a_o revelation_n if_o this_o book_n be_v so_o mystical_a that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v if_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o be_v uncertain_a if_o the_o common_a people_n can_v be_v teach_v to_o understand_v it_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 12.7_o apoc._n 1.3_o apo._n 12.7_o blessed_n be_v he_o â—hat_n read_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n etc._n etc._n let_v any_o man_n judge_n that_o have_v common_a sense_n can_v any_o man_n be_v bless_v by_o hear_v and_o read_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o understand_v not_o i_o trow_v no._n then_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o book_n may_v be_v understand_v and_o no_o doubt_n be_v understand_v of_o many_o and_o may_v be_v better_o understand_v of_o many_o more_o if_o they_o will_v bend_v their_o wit_n and_o study_n unto_o it_o 22.10_o apoc._n 22.10_o the_o hâ—ly_a ghost_n as_o be_v say_v before_o will_v and_o command_v that_o the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n shall_v not_o be_v seal_v up_o whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o will_v have_v they_o read_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o then_o i_o reason_v thus_o that_o which_o be_v open_a and_o unseal_v may_v be_v read_v and_o know_v but_o this_o book_n be_v open_a and_o unseal_v therefore_o it_o may_v be_v read_v and_o know_v if_o man_n say_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v seal_v and_o hide_v and_o god_n say_v they_o be_v unseal_v and_o open_a whether_o shall_v we_o believe_v man_n or_o god_n if_o any_o will_v reply_v and_o say_v we_o feel_v and_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o be_v so_o negligent_a in_o the_o search_n and_o study_v thereof_o for_o if_o we_o do_v wâ—th_o that_o humility_n and_o reverend_a care_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o we_o search_v after_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o this_o book_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o seal_v up_o but_o lie_v open_a to_o be_v read_v and_o know_v true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o if_o any_o man_n light_n upon_o some_o peâ—ce_n and_o take_v it_o by_o itself_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o very_o dark_a but_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o matter_n through_o the_o book_n and_o mark_v and_o observe_v diligent_o how_o thing_n be_v iterate_v he_o shall_v find_v no_o such_o darkness_n as_o he_o fear_v for_o there_o be_v a_o notable_a coherence_n of_o matter_n and_o course_n of_o time_n observe_v in_o this_o book_n even_o from_o the_o first_o chapter_n unto_o the_o last_o as_o god_n will_v shall_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o appear_v in_o the_o particular_a open_n and_o interpretation_n thereof_o one_o great_a objection_n against_o this_o prophecy_n be_v that_o the_o father_n profesie_n it_o be_v full_a of_o mystery_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v it_o if_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v it_o say_v some_o how_o shall_v we_o understand_v it_o be_v it_o not_o great_a arrogancy_n for_o for_o we_o to_o say_v we_o understand_v it_o better_o than_o they_o do_v i_o answer_v no_o for_o a_o man_n of_o mean_a learning_n in_o comparison_n may_v now_o in_o these_o day_n more_o easy_o understand_v and_o expound_v this_o book_n than_o the_o learned_a doctor_n and_o father_n in_o ancient_a time_n the_o reason_n be_v this_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n wherein_o the_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n prophesy_v in_o this_o book_n be_v fulfil_v now_o the_o fulfil_n of_o a_o prophecy_n be_v the_o best_a exposition_n of_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o father_n they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n wherein_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v nor_o fulfil_v and_o therefore_o more_o hard_a for_o they_o to_o interpret_v and_o understand_v for_o these_o thing_n in_o this_o pprophecy_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v be_v hard_a for_o we_o of_o this_o age_n to_o understand_v and_o resolve_v of_o but_o when_o a_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n some_o thing_n in_o this_o book_n be_v fulfil_v before_o the_o day_n of_o the_o father_n and_o some_o thing_n in_o
all_o saint_n upon_o the_o golden_a altar_n which_o be_v before_o the_o throne_n we_o hear_v before_o that_o when_o the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v stop_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n yet_o god_n be_v very_o careful_a for_o the_o safety_n and_o seal_v up_o of_o his_o own_o servant_n so_o likewise_o we_o be_v now_o to_o hear_v of_o the_o like_a care_n and_o providence_n for_o now_o that_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o be_v sow_v in_o the_o world_n whereby_o many_o be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o he_o himself_o from_o heaven_n do_v proclaim_v open_a enmity_n against_o the_o despiser_n of_o his_o gospel_n by_o give_v they_o up_o to_o blindness_n and_o error_n he_o do_v double_a his_o care_n and_o providence_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a worshipper_n for_o here_o we_o do_v plain_o see_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o mediator_n and_o that_o he_o which_o keep_v israel_n neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n do_v most_o of_o all_o break_v forth_o upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o contempt_n of_o his_o grace_n yet_o the_o church_n be_v remember_v and_o set_v in_o safety_n with_o all_o her_o child_n for_o her_o prayer_n come_v up_o before_o god_n and_o be_v accept_v through_o the_o mediator_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o drift_n of_o this_o three_o verse_n by_o this_o angel_n be_v mean_v jesus_n christ_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o who_o be_v not_o a_o angel_n by_o nature_n but_o by_o office_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o old_a law_n there_o be_v a_o golden_a altar_n and_o a_o golden_a censor_n on_o which_o the_o priest_n do_v burn_v sweet_a incense_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o do_v figure_v the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v accept_v now_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n allude_v to_o that_o sacrifice_a priesthood_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o incense_n be_v offer_v at_o the_o altar_n which_o now_o be_v the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n through_o who_o both_o we_o and_o all_o our_o sacrifice_n be_v season_v and_o sweeten_v who_o therefore_o be_v this_o angel_n but_o christ_n what_o be_v the_o sweet_a odour_n with_o the_o which_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o saint_n come_v before_o god_n but_o the_o most_o sweet_a mediation_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o odour_n which_o with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n go_v up_o before_o god_n out_o of_o the_o angel_n hand_n sure_o the_o sweet_a incense_n of_o christ_n mediation_n wherewith_o our_o prayer_n be_v spice_a and_o perfume_v that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o sweet_a incense_n of_o christ_n mediation_n wherewith_o our_o prayer_n be_v spice_a and_o perfume_v that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o sweet_a smell_a sacrifice_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o god_n for_o as_o water_v cast_v into_o a_o fire_n raise_v a_o smoke_n so_o the_o tear_n of_o the_o faithful_a besprinkle_v in_o their_o prayer_n make_v they_o as_o sweet_a incense_n acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o heresy_n and_o those_o hellish_a trouble_n which_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o by_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o clergy_n the_o turk_n and_o his_o army_n as_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n we_o shall_v see_v the_o elect_a have_v their_o prayer_n hear_v for_o their_o preservation_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n 5._o verse_n 5._o and_o the_o angel_n take_v the_o censor_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o cast_v it_o into_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v voice_n and_o trumpet_n thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o earthquake_n here_o we_o see_v how_o jesus_n christ_n take_v the_o censor_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o altar_n that_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o so_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o altas_n be_v take_v in_o esay_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v baptize_v with_o fire_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o sense_n also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v rest_n upon_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o cleave_a tongue_n like_o fire_n whereupon_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o gift_n and_o grace_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v compare_v to_o fire_n because_o he_o burn_v out_o our_o dross_n purge_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o set_v they_o on_o fire_n with_o the_o burn_a love_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n so_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o before_o there_o be_v provision_n have_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n by_o her_o mediator_n so_o here_o many_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o grace_n be_v bestow_v upon_o she_o for_o christ_n cast_v this_o fire_n of_o the_o altar_n upon_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v upon_o his_o dwell_n in_o the_o earth_n hereupon_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v voice_n and_o thundering_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o broil_n tumult_n uproar_n slaughter_n and_o division_n for_o after_o the_o gospel_n be_v sound_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o devil_n be_v disturb_v and_o the_o world_n molest_v and_o hence_o spring_v all_o these_o broil_n and_o tumult_n thunder_a and_o lightning_n and_o we_o must_v look_v for_o such_o stir_n after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n while_o there_o be_v a_o world_n and_o a_o devil_n therefore_o our_o lord_n jesus_n say_v he_o come_v not_o to_o bring_v peace_n into_o the_o earth_n 10.34_o mat._n 10.34_o but_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o to_o set_v a_o man_n at_o variance_n against_o his_o father_n and_o likewise_o the_o daughter_n against_o her_o mother_n etc._n etc._n for_o division_n and_o civil_a dissension_n do_v always_o follow_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o thing_n be_v not_o yet_o simple_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n but_o accident_o through_o the_o frowardness_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n which_o will_v not_o yield_v unto_o it_o but_o most_o stubborne_o rebell_v against_o it_o then_o the_o seven_o angel_n which_o have_v the_o seven_o trumpet_n 6._o verse_n 6._o prepare_v themselves_o to_o blow_v now_o begin_v this_o open_a war_n to_o be_v proclaim_v against_o the_o world_n for_o their_o great_a ungodliness_n and_o rebellion_n against_o the_o truth_n so_o the_o first_o angel_n blow_v the_o trumpet_n 7._o verse_n 7._o and_o there_o be_v hail_n and_o fire_n mingle_v with_o blood_n and_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o three_o part_n of_o tree_n be_v burn_v and_o all_o green_a grass_n be_v burn_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o verse_n be_v to_o be_v take_v literal_o see_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o matter_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v expound_v mystical_o and_o allegorical_o therefore_o by_o this_o hail_n and_o fire_n mingle_v with_o blood_n be_v mean_v error_n and_o heresy_n for_o as_o hail_n do_v beat_v down_o corn_n and_o destroy_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n fire_n do_v consume_v and_o blood_n do_v corrupt_a and_o putrify_v so_o false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n do_v annoy_v consume_v and_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n mingle_v together_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o tree_n that_o be_v the_o number_n of_o man_n or_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v corrupt_v for_o tree_n in_o the_o scripture_n signify_v man_n and_o all_o green_a grass_n be_v burn_v that_o be_v 61._o esa_n 61._o the_o fresh_a fruit_n of_o grace_n do_v wither_v apace_o and_o dry_v up_o for_o as_o error_n and_o heresy_n do_v prevail_v so_o truth_n and_o godliness_n do_v decay_v all_o this_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o heresy_n of_o sabellius_n manicheus_fw-la martion_n fotinus_fw-la paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la nestorius_n novatus_n diodorus_n apolinaris_n pelagius_n and_o many_o other_o which_o about_o this_o time_n be_v four_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n begin_v to_o spring_v up_o and_o grow_v apace_o and_o the_o second_o angel_n blow_v the_o trumpet_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mountain_n burn_v with_o fire_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o sea_n become_v blood_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o second_o trumpet_n by_o the_o second_o angel_n here_o appear_v a_o great_a mountain_n burn_v with_o fire_n whereby_o be_v mean_v some_o great_a and_o notable_a heresy_n as_o that_o of_o arrius_n which_o
the_o blow_n of_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n that_o be_v all_o notable_a thing_n which_o be_v to_o fall_v out_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n chap._n xii_o now_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o vision_n we_o be_v come_v unto_o the_o three_o contain_v in_o all_o the_o chapter_n follow_v even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n wherein_o divers_a thing_n which_o be_v obscure_o and_o dark_o set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a vision_n be_v more_o plain_o and_o full_o open_v and_o expound_v so_o that_o this_o three_o vision_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o commentary_n or_o more_o clear_a exposition_n of_o sundry_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o second_o vision_n 6._o chap._n 6._o but_o especial_o of_o the_o persecute_v roman_a empire_n mention_v in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o second_o seal_n and_o also_o of_o the_o papacy_n mention_v at_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o first_o trumpet_n 9_o chapt._n 9_o but_o the_o general_a sum_n of_o this_o three_o vision_n be_v a_o lively_a paint_n out_o of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o the_o great_a upholder_n thereof_o the_o devil_n the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o the_o pope_n it_o show_v also_o the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o the_o papacy_n it_o show_v also_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o both_o together_o with_o the_o eternal_a condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o set_v they_o all_o a-work_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o church_n last_o of_o all_o it_o show_v the_o eternal_a felicity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o unconceivable_a happiness_n of_o all_o god_n choose_v in_o the_o heaven_n for_o evermore_o the_o principal_a drift_n of_o this_o twelve_o chapter_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a and_o militant_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n who_o head_n be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o also_o the_o false_a malignant_a church_n who_o head_n be_v the_o devil_n together_o with_o the_o continual_a enmity_n and_o war_n which_o be_v always_o betwixt_o they_o this_o chapter_n may_v very_o fit_o be_v divide_v into_o five_o part_n the_o first_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o church_n enemy_n the_o three_o contain_v the_o church_n battle_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o her_o victory_n the_o four_o show_v the_o joy_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o church_n victory_n over_o satan_n the_o five_o and_o last_o show_v the_o fury_n and_o malice_n of_o satan_n who_o although_o he_o be_v foil_v in_o battle_n by_o the_o church_n yet_o will_v not_o give_v over_o but_o continue_v persecute_v the_o church_n in_o her_o member_n and_o make_v war_n against_o the_o remnant_n of_o her_o seed_n and_o there_o appear_v a_o great_a wonder_n in_o heaven_n 1._o verse_n 1._o 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 first_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o chapter_n a_o great_a wonder_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o attention_n for_o man_n be_v much_o move_v with_o wonder_n and_o a_o wonder_n indeed_o it_o be_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n to_o see_v a_o woman_n clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n etc._n etc._n but_o a_o far_o great_a wonder_n in_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v and_o the_o great_a wonder_n of_o all_o that_o a_o poor_a weak_a woman_n shall_v encounter_v with_o a_o great_a red_a dragon_n and_o overcome_v he_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o wonder_n in_o heaven_n because_o the_o church_n here_o in_o vision_n appear_v not_o upon_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o heaven_n in_o as_o much_o as_o her_o birth_n be_v from_o heaven_n her_o inheritance_n in_o heaven_n and_o her_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n the_o church_n be_v here_o compare_v to_o a_o woman_n as_o in_o the_o 45._o psalm_n and_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o the_o canticle_n and_o that_o for_o three_o reason_n first_o as_o a_o woman_n be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a and_o in_o law_n can_v do_v nothing_o of_o herself_o without_o her_o husband_n so_o we_o of_o ourselves_o be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a and_o in_o matter_n of_o god_n law_n and_o worship_n can_v do_v nothing_o without_o our_o husband_n christ_n as_o he_o say_v without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o second_o as_o a_o woman_n through_o the_o company_n of_o her_o husband_n be_v fruitful_a and_o bring_v forth_o child_n so_o the_o church_n by_o her_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n do_v bring_v forth_o many_o child_n unto_o god_n three_o as_o the_o love_n and_o affection_n of_o a_o woman_n be_v to_o her_o husband_n as_o genesis_n chapter_n 2._o verse_n 16._o so_o the_o love_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o church_n be_v altogether_o to_o christ_n and_o christ_n to_o she_o this_o woman_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v clothe_v with_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n 4.2_o mal._n 4.2_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v the_o moon_n be_v under_o her_o foot_n whereby_o be_v mean_v that_o the_o church_n tread_v under_o her_o foot_n all_o worldly_a thing_n which_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o moon_n for_o their_o often_o change_n waxing_n waining_n and_o increasing_n decreasing_n continual_a mutation_n and_o uncertainty_n the_o church_n tread_v all_o transitory_a thing_n under_o her_o foot_n that_o be_v she_o make_v light_a account_n of_o they_o she_o regard_v they_o not_o in_o comparison_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o he_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n care_v little_a for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o moon_n she_o have_v upon_o her_o head_n a_o crown_n of_o twelve_o star_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o church_n be_v adorn_v and_o beautify_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o crown_n of_o gold_n of_o pearl_n and_o precious_a stone_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o crown_n of_o the_o church_n and_o she_o be_v with_o child_n 2._o verse_n 2._o and_o cry_v travel_v in_o birth_n and_o be_v pain_v ready_a to_o be_v deliver_v the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v with_o child_n after_o she_o have_v conceive_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 4.15_o 2_o cor._n 4.15_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o galatian_n o_o you_o little_a child_n of_o who_o i_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o you_o it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v that_o this_o woman_n waâ—_n with_o child_n but_o also_o that_o she_o be_v very_a neeâ—_n her_o time_n ready_a to_o bring_v forth_o and_o to_o be_v deliver_v and_o that_o she_o cry_v in_o travel_n now_o the_o child_n which_o she_o bring_v forth_o be_v christ_n jesus_n 5.19_o gal._n 5.19_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o five_o verse_n for_o there_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v rule_v all_o nation_n with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n now_o although_o christ_n be_v bear_v but_o of_o one_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o virgin_n mary_n yet_o may_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v before_o his_o come_n do_v even_o travel_n with_o pain_n to_o bring_v he_o forth_o because_o they_o have_v through_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n a_o longing_n and_o fervent_a desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o his_o come_n for_o from_o the_o first_o promise_n make_v to_o adam_n and_o afterward_o renew_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n the_o church_n stand_v in_o a_o continual_a expectation_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n look_v wishly_o every_o day_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v actual_o exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n for_o which_o cause_n here_o she_o be_v say_v to_o cry_v travel_v in_o birth_n and_o not_o unfit_o also_o may_v the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o cry_v travel_v in_o birth_n when_o through_o many_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n she_o bring_v forth_o child_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o church_n bring_v forth_o no_o child_n at_o ease_n but_o with_o hard_a travel_n and_o much_o ado_n have_v so_o few_o friend_n to_o help_v she_o and_o so_o many_o enemy_n against_o she_o as_o anon_o we_o shall_v hear_v and_o there_o appear_v another_o wonder_n in_o heaven_n 3.4_o verse_n 3.4_o for_o behold_v a_o great_a red_a dragon_n have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n and_o seven_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o his_o tail_n draw_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o cast_v they_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o dragon_n stand_v before_o the_o woman_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v deliver_v now_o
pope_n emperor_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o yet_o die_v in_o his_o bed_n in_o a_o good_a old_a age_n what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o of_o famous_a memory_n shall_v renounce_v rome_n oppose_v himself_o against_o the_o pope_n and_o suppress_v the_o abbey_n priory_n and_o monastery_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o take_v their_o land_n and_o live_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o when_o god_n have_v decree_v the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o rome_n we_o must_v not_o ask_v this_o question_n how_o can_v it_o be_v or_o which_o way_n shall_v it_o be_v bring_v about_o for_o the_o scripture_n do_v teach_v that_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v do_v the_o great_a exploit_n either_o by_o himself_o alone_o without_o mean_n or_o else_o by_o weak_a mean_n or_o contrary_a to_o all_o mean_n 20._o 2_o chron._n 20._o by_o himself_o without_o mean_n he_o overthrow_v the_o moabite_n amorites_n and_o they_o of_o mount_n seir_n which_o make_v war_n against_o good_a king_n jehosaphat_n 14._o exod._n 14._o by_o himself_o he_o destroy_v pharaoh_n and_o his_o army_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n 6._o josh_n 6._o by_o himself_o he_o overthrow_v jericho_n that_o great_a city_n 19_o 2_o king_n 19_o by_o himself_o he_o slay_v the_o huge_a army_n of_o the_o assyrian_n that_o make_v war_n against_o ezekias_n 14._o 2_o chro._n 14._o by_o himself_o he_o smite_v the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a army_n of_o the_o ethiopian_n before_o asa_n and_o before_o judah_n 6._o 2_o king_n 6._o by_o himself_o he_o smite_v the_o syrian_n which_o besiege_v dothan_n the_o city_n where_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n be_v 7._o judg._n 7._o by_o weak_a mean_n he_o overthrow_v the_o innumerable_a army_n of_o the_o midianite_n even_o by_o gideon_n three_o hundred_o by_o weak_a mean_n he_o slay_v a_o garrison_n of_o the_o philistines_n 14._o 1_o sam._n 14._o even_o by_o jonathan_n and_o his_o armourbearer_n by_o weak_a mean_n he_o overthrow_v the_o king_n of_o sodom_n and_o thereabouts_o 1â—_n gen._n 1â—_n even_o by_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n he_o overthrow_v goliath_n by_o david_n 6._o 1_o sam._n 17._o judg._n 4._o judg._n 6._o sisera_n by_o jael_n abimelech_n by_o a_o woman_n contrary_n to_o mean_n he_o save_v the_o three_o child_n 3._o dan._n 3._o from_o burn_a be_v in_o the_o fire_n contrary_n to_o mean_n 2._o ionas_n 2._o he_o save_v ionas_n from_o drown_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n contrary_n to_o mean_n 6._o dan._n 6._o he_o preserve_v daniel_n from_o devour_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n contrary_n to_o mean_n 14._o exod._n 14._o he_o keep_v the_o israelite_n from_o drown_v be_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n contrary_n to_o mean_n and_o all_o expectation_n 1â—_n josh_n 1â—_n he_o cause_v the_o sun_n to_o stand_v still_o at_o noon_n day_n while_o he_o overthrow_v the_o five_o king_n of_o canaan_n by_o joshua_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n in_o aâ—l_a age_n have_v effect_v the_o most_o strange_a and_o admirable_a thing_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d overthrow_v of_o rome_n conclude_v of_o either_o by_o himself_o without_o mean_n or_o by_o very_o weak_a mean_n or_o contrary_a to_o all_o mean_n â—herefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o ask_v this_o question_n how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n shall_v rome_n be_v destroy_v for_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o come_v to_o utter_v desolation_n and_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v so_o often_o and_o plain_o affirm_v this_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v any_o more_o make_v any_o doubt_n of_o it_o or_o once_o call_v it_o into_o question_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a 18.8_o chapt._n 14.8_o chapt._n 16.2_o chapt._n 17.8_o chap._n 17.11_o chap._n 18.21_o chap._n 18.8_o then_o to_o say_v rome_n be_v fall_v rome_n shall_v fall_v great_a hailstone_n like_o talent_n shall_v fall_v upon_o it_o it_o shall_v go_v to_o perdition_n it_o shall_v fall_v to_o destruction_n it_o shall_v be_v cast_v down_o like_o a_o great_a millstone_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n it_o shall_v be_v burn_v with_o fire_n 18.22_o chap._n 17.16_o chap._n 18.22_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v desolate_a and_o naked_a it_o shall_v be_v without_o inhabitant_n all_o the_o popish_a sort_n 18.9_o chap._n 18.9_o both_o high_a and_o low_a shall_v with_o great_a mourning_n and_o lament_v bewail_v the_o desolation_n thereof_o 16.16_o chap._n 16.16_o their_o army_n shall_v come_v to_o armageddon_n 19.28_o chap._n 19.28_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o their_o captain_n and_o soldier_n slay_v by_o infinite_a heap_n and_o their_o carcase_n make_v meat_n for_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o plain_a enough_o i_o can_v tell_v what_o can_v be_v plain_a enough_o true_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o name_n rome_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o circumstance_n that_o all_o these_o place_n must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o rome_n of_o romish_a power_n and_o of_o thâ—â—omish_a army_n for_o there_o can_v no_o other_o sound_a sense_n be_v give_v of_o they_o as_o all_o divine_a writer_n and_o interpreter_n do_v affirm_v both_o new_a and_o old_a and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o saint_n john_n in_o this_o prophecy_n can_v not_o speak_v more_o plain_o except_o he_o shall_v have_v name_v rome_n for_o he_o name_v babylon_n he_o name_v the_o great_a city_n which_o then_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o name_v the_o city_n situate_v upon_o seven_o hill_n he_o name_v the_o city_n which_o have_v seven_o several_a government_n and_o therefore_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n he_o mean_v rome_n well_o then_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o rome_n and_o all_o romish_a power_n and_o authority_n shall_v fall_v flat_o down_o and_o come_v to_o utter_v destruction_n and_o desolation_n in_o this_o life_n let_v all_o man_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o join_v with_o rome_n how_o they_o join_v with_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o how_o they_o receive_v the_o beast_n mark_v for_o assure_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v destroy_v together_o both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v as_o we_o shall_v hear_v by_o and_o by_o let_v all_o the_o wise_a man_n therefore_o and_o all_o such_o as_o have_v any_o care_n of_o their_o salvation_n follow_v the_o wholesome_a counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o say_v 5._o chap._n 18.4_o 5._o go_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n for_o her_o sin_n be_v come_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o god_n have_v remember_v her_o iniquity_n our_o only_a wisdom_n than_o will_v be_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n that_o be_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o join_v ourselves_o with_o all_o speed_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o protestant_n for_o this_o shall_v stand_v and_o flourish_v the_o other_o shall_v fall_v down_o and_o perish_v but_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v sorry_a for_o the_o fall_n of_o babylon_n 18.20_o god_n people_n be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o overthrow_n of_o rome_n chap._n 18.20_o and_o the_o ruin_n of_o rome_n no_o no_o the_o holy_a ghost_n counsel_v we_o great_o to_o rejoice_v in_o her_o destruction_n and_o overthrow_n say_v o_o heaven_n rejoice_v over_o she_o and_o you_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n because_o god_n have_v give_v you_o judgement_n on_o she_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o mourning_n and_o lament_v for_o the_o desolation_n of_o rome_n the_o king_n merchant_n mariner_n and_o other_o her_o friend_n as_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o very_a joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o our_o heart_n for_o saint_n john_n say_v that_o not_o only_o the_o holy_a angel_n prophet_n apostle_n and_o martyr_n shall_v rejoice_v at_o the_o destruction_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o all_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v that_o after_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o rome_n 2._o chap._n 19.1_o 2._o he_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n of_o a_o great_a multitude_n in_o heaven_n say_v haleluia_o that_o be_v praise_v you_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o have_v condemn_v the_o great_a whore_n which_o do_v corrupt_v the_o earth_n with_o her_o fornication_n and_o have_v avenge_v the_o blood_n of_o his_o servant_n shed_v by_o her_o hand_n and_o again_o say_v saint_n john_n they_o say_v haleluia_o haleluia_o haleluia_o thrice_o together_o thereby_o express_v the_o great_a joy_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o destruction_n and_o overthrow_n of_o the_o great_a whore_n and_o even_o so_o ought_v all_o that_o love_n
therein_o be_v that_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o but_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o seven_o angel_n 7._o ver_fw-la 7._o when_o he_o shall_v begin_v to_o blow_v the_o trumpet_n even_o the_o ministry_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v finish_v as_o he_o have_v declare_v unto_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n the_o sum_n of_o these_o three_o verse_n be_v that_o christ_n give_v warn_v of_o the_o last_o judgement_n that_o man_n may_v awake_v and_o look_v out_o in_o time_n 1._o amo._n 6_o 1._o and_o because_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v careless_a and_o secure_a put_v the_o evil_a day_n far_o from_o they_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v therefore_o here_o christ_n bind_v it_o with_o a_o solemn_a oath_n and_o solemn_a gesture_n thereunto_o annex_v as_o be_v the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o hand_n in_o ancient_a time_n genesis_n 14.22_o the_o thing_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n dispose_v be_v that_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o that_o be_v time_n as_o it_o be_v now_o or_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v now_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o flat_o that_o as_o six_o angel_n have_v already_o blow_v their_o trumpet_n so_o when_o the_o seven_o angel_n shall_v blow_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v finish_v that_o be_v the_o time_n of_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o reward_v the_o godly_a shall_v come_v which_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o mystery_n because_o the_o world_n understand_v it_o not_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n 3.14_o mal._n 3.14_o they_o imagine_v there_o be_v no_o reward_n for_o the_o just_a or_o punishment_n for_o the_o wicked_a as_o the_o prophet_n say_v but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a 58.18_o psa_fw-la 58.18_o doubtless_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o judge_v the_o earth_n and_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v declare_v it_o to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o voice_n which_o i_o hear_v from_o heaven_n speak_v unto_o i_o agine_v 8._o verse_n 8._o and_o say_v go_v and_o take_v the_o little_a book_n which_o be_v open_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o stand_v upon_o the_o sea_n and_o upon_o the_o earth_n so_o i_o go_v unto_o the_o angel_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o give_v i_o the_o little_a book_n 9_o verse_n 9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o take_v it_o and_o eat_v it_o up_o and_o it_o shall_v make_v thy_o belly_n bitter_a but_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o thy_o mouth_n as_o sweet_a as_o honey_n then_o i_o take_v the_o little_a book_n out_o of_o the_o angel_n hand_n and_o eat_v it_o up_o 10._o ver_fw-la 10._o and_o it_o be_v in_o my_o mouth_n as_o sweet_a as_o honey_n but_o when_o i_o have_v eat_v it_o my_o belly_n be_v bitter_a and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o 11._o verse_n 11._o thou_o must_v prophesy_v again_o among_o the_o people_n and_o nation_n and_o tongue_n and_o to_o many_o king_n the_o brief_a sense_n of_o these_o four_o verse_n be_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v allow_v and_o authorize_v by_o christ_n unto_o their_o ministry_n shall_v study_v the_o scripture_n with_o great_a diligence_n even_o until_o they_o have_v eat_v up_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v preach_v and_o publish_v unto_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n that_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o now_o a_o long_a time_n have_v lie_v hide_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o john_n in_o this_o place_n represent_v the_o person_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o these_o last_o day_n for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o restauration_n of_o true_a religion_n for_o john_n himself_o do_v not_o live_v to_o these_o time_n further_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o all_o godly_a student_n and_o zealous_a minister_n do_v eat_v up_o the_o book_n of_o god_n by_o read_v study_n prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o they_o find_v it_o sweet_a in_o their_o mouth_n that_o be_v they_o find_v and_o feel_v great_a joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o study_n and_o meditation_n thereof_o especial_o when_o god_n reveal_v thereby_o great_a and_o hide_a secret_n unto_o they_o and_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a of_o this_o world_n this_o i_o say_v be_v sweet_a unto_o their_o mouth_n than_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n concern_v their_o phrase_n of_o eat_v up_o the_o book_n look_v ezek._n 2.9_o for_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n allude_v thereunto_o this_o book_n be_v so_o sweet_a in_o the_o mouth_n yet_o be_v eat_v and_o digest_v be_v better_a in_o the_o belly_n there_o may_v be_v three_o reason_n yield_v of_o this_o bitterness_n first_o because_o it_o be_v once_o take_v down_o into_o our_o soul_n by_o godly_a meditation_n do_v mortify_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o bring_v under_o our_o lust_n and_o therefore_o seem_v bitter_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n second_o because_o affliction_n and_o trial_n do_v always_o necessary_o follow_v the_o sound_a digestion_n of_o the_o gospel_n three_o because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v swallow_v by_o the_o minister_n thereof_o must_v not_o be_v keep_v to_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v close_v up_o in_o their_o stomach_n but_o they_o must_v out_o with_o it_o again_o as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o loathsome_a and_o bitter_a thing_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v cast_v up_o again_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n that_o they_o must_v prophesy_v again_o among_o the_o people_n and_o nation_n and_o tongue_n and_o many_o king_n now_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o to_o live_v in_o this_o age_n wherein_o we_o do_v with_o our_o eye_n behold_v and_o see_v the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n let_v we_o therefore_o praise_n god_n for_o this_o great_a work_n which_o we_o see_v wrought_v in_o our_o day_n and_o let_v we_o still_o more_o and_o more_o magnify_v this_o little_a book_n which_o will_v utter_o destroy_v popery_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o proud_a antichrist_n do_v all_o that_o fight_v for_o he_o what_o they_o can_v chap._n xi_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o little_a book_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o publish_v to_o many_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n after_o the_o great_a darkness_n of_o popery_n and_o that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o luther_n melancthon_n calvin_n peter_n virit_n peter_n martyr_n bullinger_n bucer_n and_o all_o their_o faithful_a successor_n unto_o this_o day_n now_o in_o this_o chapter_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o effect_n and_o good_a success_n of_o their_o preach_n and_o publish_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v restore_v reform_v and_o build_v up_o thereby_o which_o a_o long_a time_n have_v be_v waste_v and_o oppress_v by_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o many_o shall_v embrace_v this_o gospel_n forsake_v their_o idolatry_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n yea_o whole_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n in_o europe_n shall_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n as_o we_o see_v this_o day_n god_n be_v praise_v so_o then_o the_o principal_a drift_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v to_o show_v those_o thing_n which_o yet_o remain_v to_o be_v fulfil_v under_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o six_o trumpet_n which_o be_v the_o preach_v and_o prevail_v of_o the_o gospel_n even_o unto_o the_o world_n end_n and_o also_o the_o thing_n which_o follow_v upon_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n which_o be_v the_o resurrection_n and_o last_o judgement_n this_o chapter_n contain_v six_o principal_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v six_o part_n thereof_o first_o it_o show_v how_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v gather_v together_o 1.2_o ver_fw-la 1.2_o and_o build_v up_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o wicked_a refuse_v and_o cast_v out_o 3.4.5.6_o ver_fw-la 3.4.5.6_o second_o it_o describe_v the_o bvilder_n that_o be_v all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n which_o have_v and_o shall_v resist_v antichrist_n three_o 7.8_o ver_fw-la 7.8_o it_o show_v how_o antichrist_n shall_v persecute_v the_o preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o death_n and_o murder_v they_o by_o heap_n four_o it_o show_v that_o papist_n atheist_n and_o wicked_a worldling_n 9.10_o ver_fw-la 9.10_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o the_o death_n of_o god_n people_n and_o not_o vouchsafe_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o honour_n of_o burial_n but_o send_v gift_n one_o to_o another_o for_o joy_n that_o they_o be_v rid_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n five_o it_o show_v that_o