because_o they_o give_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o make_n of_o it_o for_o indeed_o the_o pope_n themselves_o be_v the_o chief_a agent_n and_o doer_n in_o it_o ver_fw-la 15_o and_o it_o be_v permit_v unto_o he_o to_o give_v a_o spirit_n unto_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n so_o that_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n shall_v speak_v and_o shall_v cause_v that_o as_o many_o as_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n shall_v be_v kill_v here_o be_v show_v that_o this_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v not_o a_o dead_a image_n but_o a_o live_a image_n for_o antichrist_n put_v a_o spirit_n into_o it_o that_o be_v life_n and_o power_n and_o great_a authority_n insomuch_o that_o this_o image_n can_v speak_v and_o not_o only_o speak_v but_o speak_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o terror_n so_o as_o whosoever_o will_v not_o worship_v this_o image_n that_o be_v submit_v himself_o to_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o may_v some_o man_n say_v how_o do_v this_o image_n speak_v i_o answer_v by_o the_o pope_n clergy_n for_o the_o romish_a rabble_n of_o cardinal_n abbot_n monk_n priest_n friar_n and_o all_o that_o curse_a corporation_n be_v the_o very_a breath_n life_n and_o spirit_n of_o this_o image_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o lifeblood_n of_o their_o external_a regiment_n do_v lie_v in_o the_o execution_n thereof_o by_o the_o clergy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o certain_a artery_n and_o vein_n for_o what_o be_v their_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n without_o this_o cruel_a execution_n of_o their_o sting_a clergy_n man_n but_o as_o a_o dead_a image_n without_o life_n but_o when_o antichrist_n have_v once_o consecrate_v and_o erect_v his_o romish_a priesthood_n than_o do_v he_o put_v life_n into_o his_o image_n which_o before_o he_o have_v cause_v to_o be_v make_v and_o erect_v then_o we_o do_v plain_o see_v that_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n be_v not_o a_o bare_a resemblance_n of_o the_o old_a roman_a policy_n to_o stand_v as_o a_o picture_n on_o a_o wall_n but_o have_v a_o spirit_n put_v into_o it_o by_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o speak_v with_o such_o power_n and_o terror_n in_o all_o kingdom_n that_o it_o cause_v all_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o it_o and_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o beast_n who_o know_v not_o this_o that_o as_o many_o in_o all_o country_n as_o will_v not_o embrace_v popery_n and_o the_o old_a roman_a tyranny_n the_o popish_a clergy_n their_o inquisitor_n and_o other_o officer_n do_v condemn_v they_o in_o their_o court_n as_o heretic_n schismatics_n and_o deliver_v they_o over_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o secular_a power_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o he_o make_v all_o both_o small_a and_o great_a vers_n 16_o rich_a and_o poor_a bond_n and_o free_a to_o receive_v a_o mark_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n or_o in_o their_o forehead_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v buy_v or_o sell_v vers_n 17_o save_v he_o that_o have_v the_o mark_n or_o the_o name_n of_o the_o beast_n or_o the_o number_n of_o his_o name_n antichrist_n be_v not_o content_a to_o murder_v and_o massacre_n all_o in_o all_o country_n which_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n that_o be_v stoop_v to_o his_o government_n and_o authority_n but_o he_o will_v go_v yet_o a_o step_n further_o and_o will_v have_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n bring_v in_o bondage_n unto_o he_o as_o his_o mark_a servant_n for_o as_o man_n use_v to_o set_v a_o brand_n upon_o their_o sheep_n and_o other_o cattle_n and_o to_o eare-marke_a they_o that_o it_o may_v open_o and_o manifest_o appear_v to_o who_o they_o appertain_v so_o do_v antichrist_n this_o romish_a beast_n cause_n all_o man_n in_o all_o kingdom_n to_o carry_v in_o open_a view_n his_o mark_n or_o brand_n whereby_o all_o may_v see_v that_o they_o do_v appertain_v unto_o he_o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o all_o the_o vassal_n of_o antichrist_n of_o what_o degree_n estate_n or_o condition_n soever_o must_v receive_v his_o mark_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n or_o in_o their_o forehead_n that_o be_v they_o must_v open_o profess_v and_o practice_v the_o worship_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o the_o forehead_n be_v put_v for_o the_o profession_n and_o the_o right_a hand_n for_o the_o action_n so_o that_o in_o one_o of_o they_o at_o the_o least_o every_o man_n must_v open_o declare_v that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v lord_n of_o his_o faith_n moreover_o it_o be_v add_v that_o no_o man_n may_v buy_v or_o sell_v save_v he_o that_o have_v the_o mark_n or_o the_o name_n of_o the_o beast_n or_o the_o number_n of_o his_o name_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o no_o man_n may_v traffic_v in_o the_o world_n or_o have_v any_o do_n among_o man_n nay_o he_o may_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o live_v except_o he_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o his_o forehead_n or_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v unless_o he_o do_v profess_v and_o practice_v the_o worship_n the_o religion_n the_o law_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o pope_n for_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v put_v for_o his_o worship_n religion_n law_n decree_n regiment_n and_o policy_n moreover_o the_o pope_n vassal_n have_v not_o only_o his_o mark_n upon_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v know_v but_o also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o they_o must_v be_v name_v after_o he_o even_o as_o child_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o their_o father_n and_o must_v be_v call_v of_o the_o pope_n or_o papa_n papist_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o they_o have_v another_o privy_a mark_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o number_n of_o his_o name_n which_o be_v latino_n or_o professor_n of_o the_o latin_a religion_n latin_a kingdom_n and_o italian_a church_n as_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v now_o then_o to_o grow_v to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o to_o make_v a_o brief_a recapitulation_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o speak_v concern_v the_o second_o beast_n which_o be_v antichrist_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o increasing_n and_o proceed_n he_o have_v make_v as_o it_o be_v by_o degree_n first_o although_o he_o have_v two_o horn_n like_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n yet_o he_o speak_v like_o the_o dragon_n that_o be_v he_o bend_v all_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n word_n and_o work_n for_o the_o devil_n second_o he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o the_o first_o beast_n can_v do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o dragon_n three_o he_o cause_v the_o first_o beast_n to_o be_v worship_v that_o be_v establish_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o religion_n four_o he_o make_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n that_o be_v add_v a_o form_n to_o the_o substance_n five_o he_o put_v life_n into_o his_o image_n by_o his_o clergy_n six_o he_o will_v have_v this_o image_n worship_v and_o yield_v unto_o on_o pain_n of_o death_n last_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n to_o wear_v his_o livery_n and_o to_o receive_v his_o mark_n as_o it_o be_v his_o hire_a and_o covenant_n servant_n here_o be_v wisdom_n let_v he_o that_o have_v wit_n count_v the_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o it_o be_v the_o number_n of_o a_o man_n and_o his_o number_n be_v six_o hundred_o theescore_n and_o six_o now_o last_o of_o all_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a high_a point_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o count_v the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o require_v a_o sharp_a and_o pregnant_a wit_n and_o withal_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o number_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v such_o as_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o god_n spirit_n may_v find_v out_o then_o we_o be_v encourage_v to_o search_v into_o it_o since_o it_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o man_n reach_n it_o be_v no_o impossible_a thing_n if_o therefore_o we_o can_v find_v out_o his_o name_n we_o will_v desire_v no_o more_o then_o the_o field_n be_v win_v for_o his_o name_n will_v discover_v he_o and_o descry_v he_o to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o quite_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o papist_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o say_v for_o if_o saint_n john_n have_v say_v express_o and_o in_o plain_a term_n that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v this_o second_o beast_n and_o the_o very_a antichrist_n himself_o than_o the_o papist_n have_v be_v put_v to_o perpetual_a silence_n all_o matter_n quash_v and_o all_o controversy_n end_v betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o for_o ever_o but_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o tell_v we_o his_o name_n plain_o but_o mystical_o as_o many_o other_o thing_n in_o this_o book_n that_o the_o worldling_n which_o
the_o rvine_n of_o rome_n or_o a_o exposition_n upon_o the_o whole_a 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 the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n write_a especial_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o protestant_n and_o the_o daunt_a of_o papist_n seminary_n priest_n jesuit_n and_o all_o that_o curse_a rabble_n publish_a by_o arthur_n dent_n preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o south-shoobery_a in_o essex_n apoc._n 18_o vers_fw-la 7.8_o she_o say_v in_o her_o heart_n i_o sit_v as_o a_o queen_n and_o be_o no_o widow_n and_o shall_v see_v no_o mourning_n therefore_o shall_v her_o plague_n come_v at_o one_o day_n death_n and_o sorrow_n and_o famine_n and_o she_o shall_v be_v burn_v with_o fire_n for_o that_o god_n which_o condemn_v she_o be_v a_o strong_a lord_n london_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n be_v often_o request_v gentle_a reader_n and_o much_o importune_v by_o sundry_a both_o learned_a and_o godly_a to_o publish_v that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n which_o diverse_a of_o they_o with_o lively_a voice_n hear_v public_o deliver_v i_o do_v at_o last_o upon_o my_o most_o mature_a deliberation_n yield_v unto_o their_o reasonable_a request_n i_o mean_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o request_n indeed_o i_o do_v ingenious_o confess_v that_o i_o be_o the_o unmeet_a of_o many_o which_o this_o age_n god_n be_v thank_v do_v afford_v to_o deal_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n or_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o so_o great_a and_o honourable_a a_o service_n as_o this_o be_v but_o if_o i_o do_v industrious_o use_v my_o small_a talon_n and_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o a_o little_a i_o hope_v it_o shall_v have_v both_o cheerful_a and_o comfortable_a acceptation_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o this_o i_o presume_v will_v be_v grant_v of_o all_o that_o he_o which_o have_v but_o a_o little_a strength_n and_o yet_o put_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o uttermost_a to_o do_v good_a withal_o be_v more_o to_o be_v commend_v than_o he_o which_o have_v thrice_o his_o strength_n and_o use_v it_o not_o to_o the_o help_n and_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o sundry_a worthy_a labour_n of_o diverse_a excellent_a man_n upon_o the_o apocalyps_n be_v already_o extant_a so_o as_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o pour_v water_n into_o the_o sea_n or_o go_v about_o to_o mend_v the_o crow_n eye_n that_o will_v attempt_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o that_o which_o be_v already_o publish_v but_o know_v this_o o_o christian_n reader_n that_o the_o lord_n garden_n be_v so_o large_a and_o plentiful_a of_o all_o most_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a flower_n that_o where_o any_o one_o have_v gather_v a_o nosegay_n most_o fragrant_a and_o delectable_a another_o may_v come_v after_o and_o gather_v another_o not_o to_o be_v contemn_v for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v such_o a_o undrainable_a fountain_n and_o head-spring_n that_o where_o one_o have_v draw_v much_o before_o another_o may_v come_v happy_o and_o draw_v as_o much_o afterward_o yea_o though_o thousand_o do_v succeed_v yet_o can_v this_o fountain_n never_o be_v draw_v dry_a be_v it_o far_o from_o i_o to_o arrogate_v any_o thing_n to_o myself_o above_o other_o for_o i_o be_o privy_a enough_o to_o i_o own_o mean_n and_o do_v free_o confess_v that_o in_o this_o work_n i_o have_v receive_v much_o light_n from_o other_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o as_o a_o judge_n give_v sentence_n upon_o other_o man_n work_n but_o as_o one_o that_o will_v furnish_v the_o same_o feast_n bring_v in_o my_o dish_n among_o they_o or_o as_o one_o that_o in_o the_o same_o cause_n will_v come_v in_o as_o a_o three_o or_o a_o four_o witness_n to_o testify_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o very_o through_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n my_o simple_a purpose_n and_o indevor_n be_v to_o give_v a_o lift_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o my_o power_n to_o further_a that_o which_o be_v already_o happy_o begin_v and_o to_o provoke_v other_o of_o great_a gift_n to_o come_v after_o with_o their_o great_a light_n and_o lantern_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o descry_v and_o discover_v whatsoever_o in_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o yet_o full_o see_v into_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o will_v not_o have_v this_o book_n meddle_v withal_o nor_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v expound_v among_o the_o common_a people_n because_o say_v they_o it_o be_v so_o dark_a and_o hard_a to_o understand_v but_o let_v all_o such_o leave_v their_o own_o opinion_n and_o hearken_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v 1.3_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n etc._n etc._n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o or_o more_o effectual_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v and_o with_o all_o gladness_n to_o embrace_v this_o book_n then_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v be_v bless_v for_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n be_v no_o trifle_n they_o be_v not_o thing_n only_o for_o a_o show_n to_o move_v wonderment_n or_o to_o delight_v the_o curious_a mind_n of_o man_n but_o such_o as_o indeed_o do_v give_v true_a blessedness_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o they_o what_o thing_n be_v great_a then_o to_o be_v bless_v for_o evermore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o exceed_v dull_a yea_o even_o like_o stock_n and_o stone_n it_o must_v needs_o move_v we_o &_o stir_v we_o up_o for_o who_o will_v witting_o &_o willing_o loose_v his_o own_o blessedness_n or_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o when_o as_o he_o may_v have_v it_o if_o any_o will_v object_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v bless_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o book_n and_o that_o there_o be_v book_n enough_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o procure_v our_o blessedness_n without_o this_o and_o that_o thousand_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n which_o never_o know_v what_o this_o book_n mean_v i_o answer_v that_o all_o this_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v pronounce_v a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o those_o that_o read_v and_o study_v this_o book_n not_o because_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o it_o but_o because_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n which_o it_o minister_v unto_o we_o of_o this_o age_n and_o have_v minister_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o it_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o age_n and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o all_o the_o age_n since_o christ_n wherein_o be_v full_o show_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n thereof_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n according_a to_o his_o admirable_a wisdom_n &_o mercy_n have_v never_o from_o the_o beginning_n leave_v his_o church_n without_o a_o prophecy_n for_o the_o great_a comfort_n thereof_o for_o we_o know_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n god_n himself_o for_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o his_o church_n do_v foretell_v and_o foreprophesie_v long_o before_o of_o that_o restauration_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v by_o the_o messiah_n his_o son_n 15._o according_a as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n afterwards_o he_o do_v foretell_v his_o people_n of_o israel_n of_o their_o great_a servitude_n and_o intolerable_a bondage_n in_o egypt_n and_o also_o of_o the_o end_n and_o full_a determination_n thereof_o after_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o all_o this_o he_o foretell_v by_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n of_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o the_o full_a expiration_n thereof_o at_o the_o end_n and_o term_v of_o seventie_o year_n 25._o and_o yet_o further_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n of_o his_o people_n 38._o he_o foretell_v by_o daniel_n and_o ezechiel_n of_o the_o great_a affliction_n &_o trouble_n which_o his_o church_n shall_v endure_v by_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o divide_a greek_a empire_n i_o mean_v alexander_n posterity_n 8._o especial_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n and_o syria_n which_o descend_v of_o ptolomeus_n and_o seleucus_n 9_o 11._o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o king_n of_o the_o north_n and_o of_o the_o south_n by_o the_o space_n of_o 294_o year_n and_o of_o the_o precise_a determination_n thereof_o at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n loe_o than_o what_o care_n god_n have_v have_v of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n before_o the_o come_n
of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v well_o foresee_v this_o practice_n of_o satan_n and_o therefore_o bring_v the_o more_o reason_n for_o the_o confirmation_n thereof_o if_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n shall_v never_o have_v be_v impugn_a there_o need_v not_o any_o such_o special_a confirmation_n but_o now_o god_n be_v thank_v there_o be_v no_o question_n or_o controversy_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o prophecy_n it_o be_v receive_v as_o authentical_a by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n almost_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v canonical_a the_o new_a writer_n do_v with_o one_o voice_n give_v their_o consent_n &_o approbation_n unto_o it_o the_o papist_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o sacred_a &_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n though_o of_o all_o scripture_n they_o can_v endure_v it_o shall_v be_v meddle_v withal_o because_o it_o cut_v they_o so_o near_o the_o bone_n moreover_o it_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v that_o god_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n chapter_n 22._o verse_n 6._o which_o prove_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v of_o old_a in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o same_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o this_o book_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o same_o account_n with_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n for_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o shall_v as_o certain_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o time_n as_o they_o be_v in_o isaiah_n in_o jeremie_n in_o ezechiel_n in_o daniel_n and_o in_o the_o rest_n we_o find_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n show_v by_o they_o long_o before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v even_o so_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n foreshow_v &_o fore-prophesied_n in_o this_o book_n which_o in_o their_o time_n shall_v be_v assure_o fulfil_v nay_o we_o see_v and_o know_v that_o many_o thing_n here_o foretell_v be_v already_o fulfil_v &_o some_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v even_o in_o these_o our_o day_n he_o that_o shall_v look_v into_o the_o time_n that_o be_v past_a since_o this_o prophecy_n be_v give_v shall_v find_v that_o all_o thing_n have_v fall_v out_o agreeable_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n and_o sure_o if_o there_o be_v none_o other_o thing_n to_o persuade_v we_o touch_v the_o authority_n thereof_o this_o may_v suffice_v that_o every_o thing_n have_v fall_v out_o just_a and_o jump_o as_o this_o prophecy_n do_v foreshewe_v it_o be_v our_o great_a negligence_n that_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o see_v so_o much_o and_o i_o do_v humble_o entreat_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o look_v more_o diligent_o and_o narrow_o into_o it_o in_o all_o time_n to_o come_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o circumstance_n now_o as_o concern_v the_o book_n itself_o it_o may_v very_o fit_o be_v divide_v into_o three_o vision_n as_o it_o be_v into_o three_o general_a part_n the_o first_o vision_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n the_o second_o vision_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o next_o eight_o chapter_n follow_v from_o the_o 4._o to_o the_o 12._o chapter_n and_o the_o last_o vision_n be_v contain_v in_o all_o the_o chapter_n follow_v from_o the_o 12._o to_o the_o end_n as_o concern_v the_o first_o vision_n my_o purpose_n be_v not_o to_o stand_v much_o upon_o it_o because_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o understand_v and_o because_o it_o contain_v no_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v but_o only_o open_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n &_o also_o because_o i_o have_v already_o touch_v the_o sum_n of_o it_o in_o handle_v the_o circumstantial_a point_n i_o will_v therefore_o content_v myself_o with_o a_o very_a brief_a open_n and_o resolution_n of_o it_o beginning_n at_o the_o first_o chapter_n chap._n i._n the_o sum_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n the_o first_o chapter_n contain_v four_o principal_a thing_n the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n the_o salutation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o manner_n of_o johns_n calling_n to_o receive_v this_o prophecy_n the_o description_n of_o christ_n the_o person_n that_o call_v he_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v he_o vers_fw-la 1_o it_o contain_v three_o thing_n first_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n receive_v it_o from_o god_n the_o father_n vers_fw-la 1.2_o second_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o this_o book_n which_o be_v to_o show_v unto_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n which_o must_v short_o be_v do_v vers_fw-la 3_o three_o the_o singular_a fruit_n and_o benefit_n which_o the_o church_n shall_v receive_v by_o it_o in_o these_o word_n bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 4_o the_o salutation_n be_v in_o these_o word_n john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o &_o peace_n etc._n etc._n it_o contain_v a_o description_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o father_n be_v describe_v of_o his_o eternity_n namely_o to_o be_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v vers_fw-la 4_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v describe_v of_o his_o diverse_a gift_n and_o operation_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o the_o throne_n or_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o throne_n but_o s._n john_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o the_o vision_n show_v he_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n where_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v seven_o eye_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n send_v into_o all_o the_o the_o world_n of_o the_o which_o afterward_o vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o jesus_n christ_n be_v describe_v of_o his_o three_o great_a office_n of_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o also_o of_o his_o glorious_a power_n and_o eternity_n vers_fw-la 7.8_o first_o touch_v his_o kingly_a office_n he_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v vers_n 5_o king_n of_o king_n for_o he_o be_v king_n of_o zion_n he_o be_v a_o king_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v his_o church_n he_o must_v reign_v over_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n for_o ever_o he_o must_v reign_v over_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n even_o till_o he_o have_v tread_v they_o all_o under_o his_o foot_n and_o this_o benefit_n we_o have_v by_o it_o that_o we_o be_v make_v king_n in_o he_o in_o this_o life_n to_o reign_v over_o our_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o after_o this_o life_n to_o reign_v as_o crown_v king_n forever_o with_o he_o in_o infinite_a glory_n and_o endless_a felicity_n second_o touch_v his_o priesthood_n vers_fw-la 5_o he_o be_v say_v to_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n for_o he_o be_v our_o only_a high_a priest_n which_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n have_v once_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o us._n he_o only_o it_o be_v 9.12_o which_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o fault_n to_o god_n 9.14_o to_o purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n so_o then_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n have_v free_a access_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v make_v priest_n in_o he_o to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o he_o vers_fw-la 6_o for_o he_o have_v make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n even_o his_o father_n three_o concern_v his_o prophetical_a office_n he_o be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n for_o he_o say_v to_o pilate_n vers_fw-la 5_o 37._o for_o this_o cause_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o may_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n 6.13_o and_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o witness_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n a_o good_a confession_n so_o then_o jesus_n christ_n be_v one_o of_o those_o three_o great_a witness_n which_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n 5._o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o prince_n of_o prophet_n even_o that_o great_a prophet_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n through_o who_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o he_o be_v that_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v come_v down_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o his_o father_n he_o both_o by_o his_o doctrine_n life_n and_o miracle_n have_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n
next_o chapter_n when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o open_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n thereof_o for_o the_o thing_n which_o fall_v out_o upon_o the_o open_n of_o the_o several_a seal_n do_v plain_o declare_v that_o all_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o particular_a matter_n contain_v in_o this_o present_a book_n this_o book_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n because_o all_o the_o secret_n reveal_v in_o it_o come_v from_o the_o counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o be_v order_v by_o his_o mere_a direction_n and_o providence_n it_o be_v call_v a_o write_a book_n to_o show_v that_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v so_o firm_o decree_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n that_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v fail_v but_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o season_n they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v write_v of_o as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o they_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n this_o book_n be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v within_o and_o without_o for_o the_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o there_o be_v both_o many_o and_o great_a thing_n which_o shall_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o time_n that_o john_n receive_v this_o prophecy_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o book_n be_v seal_v with_o seven_o seal_n that_o be_v to_o say_v perfect_o seal_v because_o the_o thing_n contain_v herein_o be_v counsel_n and_o secret_n only_o know_v to_o god_n till_o it_o please_v he_o to_o reveal_v they_o to_o his_o church_n by_o his_o son_n the_o elect_a angel_n know_v nothing_o of_o the_o thing_n write_v in_o this_o book_n before_o the_o seal_n be_v open_v vers_fw-la 2_o and_o i_o see_v a_o strong_a angel_n which_o proclaim_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n who_o be_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n and_o to_o loose_v the_o seal_v thereof_o here_o be_v proclamation_n make_v to_o all_o creature_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o manner_n of_o person_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n among_o man_n or_o angel_n that_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o open_v and_o expound_v this_o book_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v forth_o and_o show_v themselves_o and_o be_v very_o willing_o and_o glad_o hear_v but_o alas_o the_o next_o verse_n do_v show_v vers_fw-la 3_o that_o none_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n be_v able_a to_o open_v the_o book_n and_o expound_v it_o whereupon_o john_n weep_v very_o much_o vers_n 4_o because_o no_o man_n be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v and_o interpret_v this_o book_n the_o cause_n of_o johns_n weep_v and_o lament_v be_v for_o fear_v the_o church_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o such_o profitable_a and_o excellent_a thing_n as_o he_o know_v be_v contain_v in_o this_o book_n such_o be_v his_o love_n to_o the_o church_n such_o be_v his_o zeal_n and_o care_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o example_n worthy_a of_o all_o imitation_n to_o mourn_v and_o weep_v for_o the_o conceal_n of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o open_n of_o it_o but_o papist_n and_o atheist_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n for_o they_o rejoice_v in_o the_o conceal_n and_o keep_v close_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v much_o grieve_v with_o the_o open_n and_o reveal_v thereof_o because_o thereby_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o villainy_n be_v detect_v and_o discard_v upon_o this_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n say_v unto_o john_n weep_v not_o vers_n 5_o behold_v the_o lion_n which_o be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n the_o root_n of_o david_n have_v obtain_v to_o open_v the_o book_n and_o to_o lose_v the_o seal_n thereof_o here_o we_o see_v how_o john_n be_v comfort_v and_o cheer_v up_o by_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n be_v now_o very_o pensive_a and_o sad_a and_o be_v will_v to_o pluck_v up_o a_o good_a heart_n and_o to_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n for_o he_o can_v tell_v he_o good_a news_n to_o wit_n of_o one_o that_o can_v open_v and_o expound_v this_o book_n and_o all_o the_o secret_n in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a revealer_n of_o secret_n and_o only_a expounder_n of_o all_o riddle_n and_o hide_a mystery_n as_o before_o have_v be_v speak_v jesus_n christ_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n because_o he_o be_v lineal_o descend_v of_o that_o tribe_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o lion_n by_o allusion_n unto_o jacob_n word_n in_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n concern_v judah_n namely_o that_o he_o shall_v couch_v as_o a_o lion_n 49.9_o and_o as_o a_o lioness_n &_o none_o shall_v stir_v he_o he_o be_v fit_o compare_v to_o a_o lion_n for_o his_o great_a &_o admittable_a power_n &_o strength_n for_o he_o reign_v and_o must_v reign_v over_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n yea_o till_o he_o have_v tread_v all_o his_o enemy_n under_o his_o foot_n he_o be_v call_v the_o root_n of_o david_n both_o here_o and_o also_o in_o the_o 22._o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n verse_n 16._o because_o he_o spring_v out_o of_o david_n the_o son_n of_o ishai_n as_o a_o branch_n out_o of_o his_o root_n 11.1_o as_o the_o prophet_n do_v foretell_v that_o a_o rod_n shall_v come_v forth_o of_o the_o stock_n of_o ishai_n and_o a_o graft_n shall_v grow_v out_o of_o his_o root_n 1.3_o and_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n vers_fw-la 6_o then_o say_v john_n i_o behold_v and_o lo_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n stand_v a_o lamb_n as_o though_o he_o have_v be_v kill_v which_o have_v seven_o horn_n and_o seven_o eye_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n send_v into_o all_o the_o world_n here_o john_n take_v a_o view_n and_o sight_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o the_o throne_n &_o of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o the_o elder_n christ_n do_v not_o appear_v about_o the_o throne_n as_o do_v the_o saint_n and_o angel_n which_o be_v but_o minister_n and_o minister_a spirit_n but_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o four_o beast_n etc._n etc._n because_o he_o be_v god_n everlasting_a coequal_a and_o coeternal_a with_o the_o father_n in_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a or_o essential_o and_o here_o afterward_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o honour_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o both_o by_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n which_o before_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n the_o father_n christ_n be_v here_o compare_v to_o a_o lamb_n for_o his_o innocence_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o be_v as_o a_o sheep_n dumb_a before_o his_o shearer_n 1.29_o he_o be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n 13.8_o he_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o lion_n for_o his_o great_a &_o incomparable_a strength_n in_o conquer_a hell_n death_n and_o damnation_n and_o all_o infernal_a power_n and_o to_o a_o lamb_n because_o he_o have_v dispatch_v all_o this_o upon_o the_o cross_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o once_o offer_v for_o he_o never_o do_v more_o lively_a show_n forth_o his_o lion-like_a power_n then_o when_o he_o be_v as_o a_o lamb_n slay_v and_o sacrifice_v upon_o the_o cross_n this_o lamb_n christ_n be_v here_o say_v to_o have_v seven_o horn_n which_o signify_v his_o manifold_a power_n or_o fullness_n of_o power_n or_o perfect_a power_n according_a as_o this_o metaphor_n or_o borrow_a speech_n of_o horn_n be_v usual_o so_o take_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n this_o lamb_n also_o be_v say_v to_o have_v seven_o eye_n which_o be_v interpret_v to_o be_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o manifold_a grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o his_o church_n now_o then_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o number_n of_o seven_o in_o this_o book_n be_v a_o number_n of_o perfection_n and_o always_o note_v perfection_n therefore_o by_o christ_n seven_o horn_n and_o seven_o eye_n we_o may_v and_o that_o sound_o understand_v his_o perfect_a power_n and_o his_o perfect_a sight_n and_o knowledge_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o his_o seven_o eye_n be_v so_o take_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o zacharie_n where_o it_o be_v say_v 3.9_o upon_o one_o stone_n shall_v be_v seven_o eye_n mean_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o corner_n stone_n of_o the_o
show_v how_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v gather_v together_o and_o build_v 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 second_o it_o describe_v the_o builder_n that_o be_v ver_fw-la 3.4.5.6_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n which_o have_v and_o shall_v resist_v antichrist_n three_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 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 a_o other_o for_o joy_n that_o they_o be_v rid_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n five_o ver_fw-la 11.12.13_o it_o show_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o world_n in_o persecute_v they_o to_o death_n god_n will_v not_o only_o receive_v their_o soul_n to_o glory_n but_o also_o raise_v up_o other_o endue_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o shall_v preach_v profess_v &_o witness_v the_o same_o truth_n constant_o &_o continual_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n last_o it_o show_v vers_fw-la 14.15.16.17.18.19_o that_o after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n some_o good_a time_n in_o this_o last_o age_n the_o seven_o angel_n shall_v blow_v the_o trumpet_n and_o the_o world_n shall_v end_v and_o there_o be_v give_v i_o a_o reed_n like_o unto_o a_o rod_n vers_fw-la 1_o and_o the_o angel_n stand_v by_o say_v arise_v and_o measure_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n therein_o here_o jesus_n christ_n give_v a_o reed_n unto_o john_n like_a unto_o a_o rod_n and_o thereupon_o he_o be_v command_v by_o a_o angel_n to_o go_v about_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o altar_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o measure_n with_o a_o reed_n like_o a_o rod_n be_v signify_v the_o restore_n and_o build_v up_o of_o god_n house_n which_o now_o be_v great_o ruinate_v and_o run_v into_o decay_n through_o the_o long_a prevail_a of_o popery_n 21.15_o measure_v with_o a_o reed_n be_v take_v for_o the_o build_n up_o of_o god_n church_n after_o the_o decay_a estate_n thereof_o both_o in_o ezechiel_n zachary_n and_o this_o prophecy_n john_n in_o the_o person_n of_o all_o faithful_a minister_n have_v this_o measure_v rod_n give_v he_o because_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v restore_v and_o build_v up_o by_o the_o minister_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v measure_v be_v the_o temple_n the_o altar_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n therein_o this_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o legal_a worship_n whereby_o our_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v represent_v for_o by_o the_o material_a temple_n be_v mean_v the_o spiritual_a temple_n or_o church_n of_o god_n by_o the_o altar_n of_o stone_n be_v mean_v the_o spiritual_a worship_n by_o they_o that_o worship_n therein_o with_o carnal_a sacrifice_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n now_o then_o both_o the_o church_n the_o true_a worship_n and_o worshipper_n be_v all_o to_o be_v measure_v repair_v and_o build_v up_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o all_o be_v decay_v and_o almost_o lay_v waste_n by_o the_o pope_n tyranny_n but_o the_o court_n which_o be_v without_o the_o temple_n cast_v out_o and_o measure_v it_o not_o for_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o holy_a city_n shall_v they_o tread_v under_o foot_n two_o and_o forty_o month_n john_n be_v here_o forbid_a to_o measure_v and_o build_v up_o the_o court_n which_o be_v without_o the_o temple_n whereby_o be_v mean_v all_o heretic_n hypocrite_n worldling_n &_o all_o such_o as_o have_v a_o place_n in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n this_o phrase_n of_o speech_n be_v take_v from_o the_o old_a shadowish_a worship_n as_o the_o rest_n before_o for_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o outward_a court_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o good_a &_o bad_a the_o holy_a place_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o the_o holy_a of_o holy_a or_o most_o holy_a place_n where_o none_o may_v come_v but_o the_o high_a priest_n only_o here_o be_v a_o reason_n add_v why_o the_o lord_n god_n refuse_v all_o papist_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o all_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o outward_a court_n only_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o outward_a court_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v to_o all_o false_a christian_n and_o counterfeit_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o invisible_a these_o be_v compare_v to_o gentile_n in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o profaneness_n for_o they_o be_v as_o profane_a as_o the_o heathen_a second_o in_o respect_n of_o persecute_v the_o truth_n for_o hypocrite_n and_o atheist_n be_v as_o forward_o in_o persecute_v the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n which_o persecute_v the_o church_n by_o the_o space_n of_o 300._o year_n all_o come_v to_o this_o that_o when_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v gather_v and_o build_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n god_n will_v have_v all_o papist_n atheist_n and_o hypocrite_n shut_v out_o moreover_o here_o be_v the_o second_o reason_n yield_v why_o the_o outward_a court_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o not_o measure_v to_o wit_n because_o they_o shall_v tread_v the_o holy_a city_n under_o foot_n forty_o and_o two_o month_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v persecute_v the_o church_n all_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v for_o forty_o two_o month_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o 1260._o day_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a verse_n 9_o and_o time_n time_n and_o half_o a_o time_n in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n verse_n 14._o and_o 1260_o day_n chapter_n 12._o verse_n 6._o do_v signify_v all_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o short_a reign_n of_o antichrist_n for_o these_o month_n these_o day_n and_o these_o time_n do_v every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o 42._o month_n make_v just_a three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a and_o that_o 1260._o day_n make_v even_o so_o much_o also_o and_o by_o time_n he_o mean_v a_o year_n by_o time_n two_o year_n and_o by_o half_a a_o time_n half_o a_o year_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o antichrist_n reign_n be_v number_v by_o day_n month_n and_o half_a time_n &_o all_o amount_v but_o to_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a be_v to_o note_v the_o short_a continuance_n thereof_o 20.3_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o in_o sundry_a place_n of_o this_o prophecy_n where_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o plain_a word_n that_o antichrist_n shall_v reign_v but_o a_o short_a time_n for_o what_o be_v five_o or_o six_o hundred_o year_n in_o comparison_n of_o eternity_n but_o here_o the_o papist_n do_v show_v themselves_o most_o sottish_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o that_o they_o will_v gather_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o antichrist_n for_o say_v they_o antichrist_n shall_v reign_v but_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a but_o the_o pope_n have_v reign_v many_o year_n therefore_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o antichrist_n now_o to_o answer_v the_o proposition_n of_o their_o argument_n take_v from_o this_o place_n first_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o this_o place_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o but_o mystical_o as_o many_o other_o thing_n in_o this_o book_n second_o here_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n put_v for_o a_o uncertain_a a_o definit_a number_n for_o a_o indefinite_a which_o also_o be_v usual_a in_o this_o book_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o chapter_n 7_o concern_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o every_o tribe_n 12000._o which_o make_v 144000._o now_o no_o man_n be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o think_v there_o be_v just_a so_o many_o seal_v and_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o three_o here_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o daniel_n week_n 9_o and_o other_o prophetical_a computation_n wherein_o sometime_o a_o day_n be_v put_v for_o a_o year_n a_o week_n for_o 7._o year_n as_o in_o daniel_n seaven_n and_o a_o month_n for_o 30._o year_n so_o then_o i_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_a folly_n to_o interpret_v this_o place_n literal_o the_o curious_a and_o frivolous_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n and_o such_o like_a in_o this_o book_n by_o some_o writer_n i_o do_v of_o purpose_n omit_v as_o matter_n untrue_a unsound_a &_o uniudiciall_a for_o i_o only_o in_o this_o book_n seek_v
of_o heaven_n by_o impeach_v her_o election_n and_o salvation_n in_o christ_n nor_o yet_o root_v she_o out_o the_o earth_n by_o persecution_n be_v hide_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o lock_v up_o in_o the_o privy_a chamber_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o sometime_o young_a joash_n be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o priest_n chamber_n from_o the_o fury_n of_o athaliah_n 11.2_o now_o he_o go_v another_o way_n to_o work_v and_o set_v upon_o she_o in_o her_o seed_n and_o posterity_n which_o remain_v in_o the_o earth_n unto_o this_o day_n so_o that_o now_o since_o he_o can_v do_v what_o mischief_n he_o will_v against_o the_o church_n yet_o will_v he_o do_v what_o he_o can_v see_v he_o can_v wound_v she_o in_o her_o head_n yet_o will_v he_o bite_v and_o pinch_v at_o her_o heel_n as_o it_o be_v write_v that_o he_o shall_v bruise_v her_o heel_n 3.15_o and_o as_o be_v the_o malice_n of_o satan_n against_o the_o church_n so_o be_v the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o all_o his_o member_n even_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a against_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n they_o be_v restless_a in_o malice_n and_o in_o mischief_n if_o they_o can_v vex_v they_o one_o way_n they_o will_v try_v another_o if_o they_o can_v touch_v they_o in_o their_o life_n yet_o will_v they_o molest_v they_o in_o their_o good_n and_o good_a name_n if_o they_o can_v do_v what_o they_o will_v yet_o will_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v they_o will_v never_o give_v over_o if_o they_o can_v spite_v they_o in_o the_o least_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v sure_a of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v as_o full_a of_o venom_n as_o a_o toad_n and_o as_o full_a of_o malice_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o egg_n be_v full_a of_o meat_n and_o i_o stand_v on_o the_o sea_n sand_n ver_fw-la 18_o now_o john_n affirm_v that_o he_o stand_v upon_o the_o sea_n sand_n to_o behold_v the_o beast_n which_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n or_o else_o because_o the_o greek_a word_n may_v be_v of_o the_o three_o person_n which_o be_v he_o stand_v that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o dragon_n stand_v it_o may_v bear_v this_o sense_n that_o the_o devil_n stand_v upon_o the_o sea_n sand_n as_o it_o be_v work_v and_o frame_v out_o of_o the_o sea_n his_o chiefâ—_n instrument_n which_o be_v the_o beast_n now_o follow_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o chap._n xiii_o we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o her_o arch-enemie_n the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o battle_n betwixt_o they_o with_o the_o success_n thereof_o now_o in_o this_o chapter_n we_o be_v to_o hear_v of_o the_o dragon_n two_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o he_o fight_v against_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o papacy_n for_o by_o these_o two_o as_o it_o be_v his_o two_o hand_n he_o have_v in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o this_o day_n most_o cruel_o assail_v and_o afflict_v the_o church_n therefore_o the_o main_a drift_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v to_o describe_v at_o large_a these_o two_o beast_n together_o with_o all_o their_o beastly_a proceed_n so_o that_o this_o chapter_n may_v fit_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o principal_a part_n the_o first_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o roman_a monarchy_n when_o it_o be_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n until_o the_o 11._o verse_n the_o second_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o papacy_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o pride_n and_o exaltation_n in_o all_o the_o verse_n follow_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o main_a branch_n the_o roman_a empire_n be_v diverse_o describe_v first_o of_o the_o pedigree_n thereof_o second_o of_o her_o seven_o several_a government_n vers_fw-la 1_o three_o of_o her_o great_a and_o outstretch_a power_n four_o of_o her_o victory_n five_o of_o her_o blasphemy_n vers_fw-la 2_o vers_n 3_o six_o of_o her_o fury_n rapine_n and_o pride_n after_o this_o be_v set_v down_o the_o wound_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o empire_n with_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o same_o vers_fw-la 4.5.6.7.8_o 9.10_o last_o be_v set_v down_o the_o great_a and_o admirable_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o rule_v over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v many_o nation_n subject_a unto_o it_o especial_o when_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n thereof_o in_o the_o second_o main_a part_n be_v the_o papacy_n very_o lively_o describe_v first_o from_o the_o pedigree_n thereof_o which_o be_v of_o the_o earth_n vers_fw-la 11_o second_o from_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n thereof_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o come_v from_o christ_n although_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n after_o this_o be_v set_v down_o that_o the_o papacy_n shall_v be_v as_o mighty_a vers_fw-la 12.13.14_o and_o perform_v as_o much_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o dragon_n against_o god_n as_o ever_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o heathen_a can_v do_v both_o by_o authority_n and_o force_n and_o especial_o by_o lie_v wonder_n then_o be_v show_v that_o as_o the_o papacy_n do_v in_o substance_n of_o matter_n set_v up_o and_o restore_v again_o the_o old_a roman_a tyranny_n to_o be_v worship_v and_o wonder_v at_o vers_n 14_o so_o have_v it_o frame_v a_o hierarchy_n or_o ecclesiastical_a government_n after_o the_o very_a form_n and_o precedent_n of_o the_o ancient_a roman_a tyranny_n which_o be_v indeed_o so_o like_o it_o that_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lively_a image_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 15_o and_o he_o have_v by_o his_o clergy_n and_o their_o jurisdiction_n put_v such_o life_n and_o spirit_n into_o this_o image_n that_o it_o speak_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n in_o all_o country_n and_o kingdom_n vers_fw-la 16.17_o in_o so_o much_o that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o submit_v himself_o thereunto_o and_o both_o profess_v and_o practice_v popery_n and_o yield_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o papacy_n he_o shall_v die_v for_o it_o last_o of_o all_o ver_fw-la 18_o be_v descry_v and_o discover_v from_o the_o numerative_a letter_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o second_o beast_n both_o who_o he_o be_v and_o from_o whence_o he_o shall_v spring_v text._n vers_fw-la 1_o and_o i_o see_v a_o beast_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o sea_n have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n and_o upon_o his_o horn_n be_v ten_o crown_n and_o upon_o his_o head_n the_o name_n of_o blasphemy_n first_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o a_o beast_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v signify_v a_o kingdom_n or_o monarchy_n and_o that_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n thereof_o which_o be_v of_o god_n 13._o as_o it_o be_v write_v there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o tyranny_n cruelty_n ambition_n pride_n and_o other_o such_o like_a beastly_a quality_n thereof_o which_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o this_o beast_n be_v say_v to_o ascend_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n chap._n 17.8_o this_o word_n beast_n be_v thus_o take_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o daniel_n 7.4.5.6_o where_o the_o three_o great_a monarchy_n of_o the_o babylonian_n mede_n and_o persian_n and_o of_o the_o grecian_n be_v compare_v for_o their_o pride_n rapine_n and_o cruelty_n to_o a_o lion_n a_o bear_n and_o a_o leopard_n the_o angel_n in_o that_o chapter_n say_v express_o 7.17_o that_o these_o beast_n be_v king_n that_o be_v kingly_a government_n or_o dominion_n by_o the_o beast_n in_o this_o place_n be_v mean_v the_o roman_a monarchy_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n thereof_o but_o especial_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o tyranny_n of_o it_o in_o oppress_v the_o church_n by_o the_o sea_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o troublesome_a state_n of_o the_o nation_n as_o it_o be_v take_v chap._n 4._o vers_fw-la 6._o and_o chap._n 21._o vers_fw-la 1._o for_o from_o the_o boil_a and_o broil_v estate_n of_o the_o former_a kingdom_n and_o heathen_a nation_n which_o be_v as_o a_o rage_a sea_n do_v the_o roman_a empire_n spring_v up_o as_o all_o story_n do_v witness_v and_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n do_v flat_o teach_v that_o through_o the_o division_n of_o the_o greek_a empire_n 10._o which_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o posterity_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a 11._o especial_o betwixt_o his_o two_o son_n ptolemeus_n and_o seleucus_n this_o roman_a monarchy_n by_o degree_n make_v a_o head_n till_o at_o last_o it_o come_v to_o this_o pitch_n which_o now_o we_o shall_v hear_v of_o by_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o this_o beast_n be_v mean_v the_o seven_o several_a government_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n first_o by_o king_n second_o by_o consul_n three_o by_o decemuiri_fw-la four_o by_o dictator_n five_o by_o triumuiri_fw-la chapter_n 17.9_o six_o by_o emperor_n and_o last_o by_o pope_n as_o hereafter_o shall_v more_o
withal_o remember_v the_o fat_a revenue_n the_o good_a cheer_n the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o sometime_o they_o have_v have_v in_o those_o place_n it_o cut_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o shake_v their_o head_n at_o it_o say_v alas_o alas_o that_o great_a city_n that_o be_v clothe_v in_o fine_a linen_n and_o purple_a and_o scarlet_a and_o gild_a with_o gold_n vers_n 16_o and_o precious_a stone_n and_o pearl_n for_o in_o one_o hour_n so_o great_a riches_n be_v come_v to_o desolation_n mark_v then_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o great_a city_n with_o all_o the_o pomp_n pleasure_n and_o riches_n thereof_o be_v that_o which_o yet_o stick_v in_o their_o stomach_n three_o the_o mariner_n do_v great_o mourn_v and_o lament_v chapter_n 18._o verse_n 17.18.19_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o profit_n and_o commodity_n for_o while_o rome_n have_v dominion_n over_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o pope_n rule_v over_o all_o even_o as_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o trudge_v over_o the_o sea_n to_o rome_n out_o of_o all_o land_n and_o again_o from_o thence_o there_o be_v carry_v and_o recarry_v in_o somuch_o that_o multitude_n of_o mariner_n and_o shipmaster_n be_v continual_o set_v on_o work_n &_o gain_v great_o thereby_o no_o marvel_n then_o though_o these_o mariner_n be_v bring_v in_o among_o other_o friend_n of_o rome_n bewail_v her_o destruction_n even_o with_o dust_n upon_o their_o head_n weep_v and_o cry_v and_o say_v vers_fw-la 19_o alas_o alas_o that_o great_a city_n wherein_o be_v make_v rich_a all_o that_o have_v ship_n on_o the_o sea_n by_o her_o costlines_n for_o in_o one_o hour_n she_o be_v make_v desolate_a thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o king_n and_o merchant_n and_o mariner_n shall_v bewail_v the_o utter_a ruin_n and_o great_a desolation_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o pleasure_n their_o gain_n and_o their_o profit_n moreover_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o old_a prophet_n isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n touch_v the_o utter_a desolation_n of_o old_a babel_n be_v apply_v by_o saint_n john_n to_o new_a babel_n which_o be_v rome_n touch_v the_o old_a eastern_a babylon_n the_o prophet_n say_v thus_o 13.19_o babel_n the_o glory_n of_o kingdom_n the_o beauty_n and_o pride_n of_o the_o chaldean_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o destruction_n of_o god_n in_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v inhabit_v for_o ever_o neither_o shall_v the_o arabian_a pitch_n his_o tent_n there_o neither_o shall_v the_o sheppehearde_n make_v their_o fold_n there_o but_o ziim_n shall_v lodge_v there_o and_o their_o house_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o ohim_n ostrich_n shall_v dwell_v there_o and_o the_o satyr_n shall_v dance_v there_o that_o be_v fairies_z hobgoblin_n night-spirit_n and_o such_o like_a whereby_o be_v signify_v the_o utter_a desolation_n of_o old_a babylon_n chapter_n 18._o v._n 2._o now_o saint_n john_n apply_v all_o this_o to_o rome_n say_v babylon_n that_o great_a city_n be_v become_v the_o habitation_n of_o devil_n and_o the_o hold_v of_o all_o foul_a spirit_n and_o a_o cage_n of_o every_o unclean_a and_o hateful_a bird_n note_v hereby_o both_o the_o filthiness_n of_o rome_n and_o also_o her_o utter_a desolation_n but_o now_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o our_o last_o and_o great_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o final_a fall_n and_o utter_a destruction_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o romish_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o nineteen_o chapter_n of_o this_o prophecy_n our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v describe_v sit_v upon_o his_o white_a horse_n chapter_n 6.2_o which_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o have_v before_o be_v prove_v and_o be_v most_o glorious_o bring_v in_o by_o saint_n john_n as_o grand_a captain_n and_o general_n of_o the_o field_n fight_v with_o all_o his_o army_n against_o antichrist_n and_o his_o soldier_n saint_n john_n give_v he_o goodly_a name_n and_o title_n call_v he_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n chapter_n 19_o v._n 12.13.14.15.16_o and_o say_v that_o he_o have_v a_o name_n write_v that_o no_o man_n know_v but_o himself_o which_o be_v his_o infinite_a glory_n and_o majesty_n and_o moreover_o that_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o on_o his_o head_n many_o crown_n and_o a_o sharp_a sword_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o warlike_a garment_n dip_v in_o blood_n and_o all_o his_o heavenly_a soldier_n follow_v he_o upon_o white_a horse_n meaning_n thereby_o all_o christian_a king_n duke_n lord_n nobles_z captain_n preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o true_a religion_n this_o grand_a captain_n with_o all_o these_o worthy_a soldier_n say_v saint_n john_n shall_v muster_v together_o and_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o all_o their_o force_n and_o at_o last_o he_o see_v they_o join_v battle_n vers_fw-la 19_o i_o see_v say_v saint_n john_n the_o beast_n and_o the_o king_n if_o the_o earth_n vers_fw-la 19_o and_o their_o army_n gather_v together_o to_o make_v battle_n against_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o white_a horse_n and_o against_o his_o army_n now_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o battle_n betwixt_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o protestant_n in_o these_o last_o day_n but_o may_v some_o man_n say_v who_o shall_v have_v the_o victory_n what_o be_v the_o success_n what_o be_v the_o issue_n let_v we_o hear_v of_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n answer_v that_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v take_v foil_v and_o overcome_v day_n use_v a_o warlike_a phrase_n because_o in_o the_o war_n they_o use_v to_o take_v the_o great_a captain_n and_o commander_n alive_a and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o their_o raunsom_n the_o like_a unto_o this_o we_o have_v in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n where_o saint_n john_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o popish_a king_n and_o potentate_n shall_v make_v war_n against_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n they_o shall_v have_v the_o like_a success_n unto_o this_o for_o say_v he_o these_o have_v one_o mind_n chapter_n 17._o v._n 13.14_o and_o shall_v give_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o beast_n they_o shall_v fight_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o lamb_n shall_v overcome_v they_o for_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n but_o may_v some_o man_n say_v when_o the_o leader_n and_o commander_n of_o the_o popish_a army_n shall_v be_v take_v captive_a and_o set_v at_o their_o ransom_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o the_o inferior_a captain_n and_o soldier_n the_o holy_a ghost_n answer_v that_o the_o remnant_n be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o horse_n that_o be_v they_o be_v put_v to_o the_o sword_n chapter_n 19_o v._n 21._o and_o all_o the_o fowl_n be_v fill_v full_a with_o their_o flesh_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n s._n john_n say_v that_o he_o see_v a_o angel_n stand_v in_o the_o sun_n chapter_n 19_o v._n 17._o who_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n say_v to_o all_o the_o fowl_n that_o do_v fly_v by_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n come_v and_o gather_v yourselves_o together_o unto_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o great_a god_n now_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a we_o know_v that_o they_o which_o proclaim_v any_o matter_n seek_v some_o market_n cross_n or_o high_a place_n to_o stand_v in_o where_o they_o may_v best_o be_v hear_v so_o this_o angel_n which_o proclaim_v the_o victory_n against_o antichrist_n before_o any_o stroke_n be_v strike_v because_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o sun_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o theatre_n and_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o place_n most_o fit_a for_o his_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v be_v hear_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n now_o this_o proclamation_n be_v direct_v to_o all_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n to_o bid_v they_o to_o a_o supper_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o great_a god_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v what_o cheer_n shall_v they_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n answer_v that_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o king_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o great_a captain_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o mighty_a man_n vers_fw-la 18_o and_o the_o flesh_n of_o horse_n and_o of_o horseman_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o all_o freeman_n and_o bondman_n and_o of_o small_a and_o great_a this_o we_o know_v that_o when_o man_n be_v slay_v in_o great_a number_n in_o the_o war_n their_o body_n lie_v scatter_v as_o meat_n for_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o therefore_o here_o all_o fowl_n be_v invite_v and_o bid_v to_o a_o great_a supper_n make_v they_o by_o the_o great_a god_n who_o hand_n be_v in_o all_o this_o their_o cheer_n and_o their_o dainty_n be_v reckon_v up_o to_o