number is 666. 10. And then all Kingdoms and People shall see th' eternity of that Amm. Marcel l. 14. c. 13. l. 15. c. 17. Aeterna in antiquis inscriptionibus nominatur Ortel Thesaur voc Roma In numis antiquis insidens Scuto Roma victoriam dextrâ scipionem sinistrâ gerens cum hac inscriptione visitar Romae aeternae Martin Lex Philolog voc Roma eternall City as one of her own calleth it and th' immortality of her soul meaning the Soveraign power and supremacy of her Caesars and high Priests to wither die and forsake the earth for ever And as Babylon her Mother left unto her th' inheritance of her pride and prophanations so shall she also leave unto her the heritage of her Death and Judgements for as her glory hath been great so shall her dishonour when all her excellency shall be translated into shame and sorrow 11. And here by the way I thought fit to note and let the Reader know that it is now well understood and received as a truth as it ought that the Pope viz. the succession of Popes for 1260. years namely from the year 406. to 1666. is the very Antichrist the Man of sin foretold in the Scriptures and Rome Babylon signifyed under the name of Babylon Apoc. c. 17. 18. now denied almost by none except the blasphemoâ—s Sect of the Familists who violently wrest the Scriptures into sensless Notions inextricable monstrous Allegories pervert hide and darken their genuine true direct meaning by strange unheard of Dreams and Enthusiasms strains of Philosophicall inventions Exotick affected termes barbarous forreign and Uncouth Language whereof the writings of Henry Nicholas Jacob Behmen Dr. P. and other namelesse Impostors of our Age are ample testimonies It being the design of the said J. Behmen with his Translators and Abbettoâ—s as it seemeth by the multitude of irrational Atheistical Books which they have lately published and yet promote to undermine and subvert the true Christian Apostolical Faith and Doctrine of the Gospell and knowledge of Christ crucified and in stead thereof introduce and spread amongst us the horrible darknesse of the Gentiles vain Philosophy preferring their muddy poyson'd puddles before the pure wholsome fountain of Gods word their abstruse perplexed Speculations before the plaine comfortable saying doctrine of Christ his Prophets and Apostles that if it were possible they might draw in others into the same Condemnation with themselves Of which I thought fit to admonish the Reader that he may beware of their train and avoid the snares which they have craâ—â—ily spread throughout our Israel It being an undoubted truth that to entertain the doctrines of Familisme is to renounc the Christian Faith leave the way to Life everlasting because they are altogether repugnant to and inconsistent with the true estate of a Christian and means of salvation For these Familists have arrived to this height of impudence not to be asham'd to affirm That perfection may be attain'd in this life that there is no Resurrection of the body but what is past already that there is no Judgment to come but that Christ is now at this present upon his Throne and Seat of Judgment within every one judging and condemning the world that there will be no eternal Condemnation Reward or Punishment but that all at last must go into God and as a drop of water falls into the vast Ocean so all must as they dream be swallow'd up and involv'd in th' immense and boundlesse Abysse of Eternity c. From which sad and deadly imaginations the Lord preserve every poor humble penitent soul they being no other than the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 profunditates the depths the profound Profunditates Satanae sunt abditae latentes ejus cogitationes in speciem bonae honestae apparentes quando se in Angelum lucis transformat 2 Cor. 11. 14. Sed cum Paulus dicat se non ignorare profundas illas Satanae cogitationes 2 Cor. 2. 11. simplex erit sensus si profunditates pro sublimioribus quibusdam mysteriis accipiamus Acsi diceret qui non cognoverunt errores illos pestiferos quos ipsi haeretici profunda dei mysteria jactant cum tamen ex Satanae officina prodierint Marl. in loc Adverte non esse hic 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ut de elatione superbia accipias sed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. profunditates quibus versutiae nequitiae diabolicae fraudis intelliguntur Zeger in loc Impostores quales hodie sunt Familistae blasphemias suas vocabant profunditates seu profunda mysteria abstrusam sapientiam longè perfectiorem quam quae ab Apostolis praedicaretur Christus concedit esse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 profunditates sed Satarae à malo Doemone ex Orco inspiratas eoque aversandas exterminandas procul Par. in Apoc. 2. 24. wiles and deep delusions of Satan 12. And yet some of this Generation have had the face to affirm that this excellent Author was of their minde in this matter and thereupon have preferred and commended his writings to their Proselytes as a means to bring them to their principles Whereas on the contrary they might if they would have understood what their woful estate is like to be and what his minde thoughts concerning them were while he ranks them with such as are to be excluded from the holy City and Land of rest for ever writing thus And all those that so poison doctrines of death lifting To the Ch. of Rome p. 37. up their bold and shamelesse voice like Cantibanks in market places avouching the goodnesse and proofs of oyls and ointments which cannot give a foot to the lame nor Eye nnto the blind as Arians Vbiquitists Libertins Familists Coinonists or any such other Antichrists like to these shall be cast out and reap their part with Lyars and Sorcerers whose worm dyeth not whose cry is everlasting and shall not enter into the rest of God for ever nor see his holy City 13. But that these Enemies both of Scripture and reason may have no colour or occasion to alledge Behm myst mag c. 36. n. 15. I speak without book I shall declare the matter in their Rabby's own words as I find them rendred by his Translator who was best acquainted with them The Antichrist saith Behmen who is the Tower of Babel viz. the self will of the Ham-like man domineereth in the Temple of God and there hath set up himselfe in the place of the holy Spirit Sect. 16. He tells us That the temple of God is the formed word of the humane languages and tongues in mans understanding as it is written the word is nigh the namely in thy mouth and heart and the seat and habitation of the opposite adverse Divell is the monstrous property out of the dark world Sect. 17. In this formed word of divine understanding the Antichrist viz. the will of self out of the properties of nature hath set up
somewhat short and his voice low I say this notorious Impostor the said Narrator of his Life tells us He doubts not but his Reader is sufficiently convinc'd that he was a Saint but how to get him a place in the Church Kalendar which is now so throng'd he confesseth he is to seek Yea and the above-said H. B. who seems to be perfectly baptized into his Behmens Spirit they are his own words is not affraid to H. B. Pref. to the Reader prefixed to the 4. Tables c. write that he was a deep illuminated man of God and further although all wise sober Christians the Children of God may easily discern that his dictates were no other then the meer frothy products of his own fancy vitiated and deluded by th' unclean and lying Spirit that he was a Man whose writings though not to us made Canonical by miracles manifestly appear to have been the dictates of Gods Spirit as he the said H B blasphemously affirms by divine influence as jt is his own expression out of his three-leav'd Book which the hand of God had opened in him wherein he found the knowledge not onely of all that Moses the Prophets Christ and the Apostles taught in sacred Scripture but of all Mysteries as himself affirms in his Epistles And further as he brings H. B. ibid. in his learned German relating it that God stirred up this our dear Brother Jacob Behmen a plain unlearned Tradesman and gifted him with such a noble endowment of the universal knowledge of God and Nature and shewn him the Centre of all beings how all things arise from God originally consist in God and again return and flow into him c. And in conclusion the said H. B. H. B. ubi supra tells us that this Deceiver had the knowledge of that wonderful Mystery containing the secrets of the whole Creation The Language of Nature and that in his native tongue whereby the very name of every thing gave him clear inspection into the nature of it This knowledge had Adam in his innocency but lost it by his fall else it had been understood saith he as Behmen affirms in the language of every Nation Parallel hereto is that of Mr. Hotham in his life Going abroad saith he into the Fields to a Green before Neys-Gate at Gorlitts he there sat down and viewing the Herbs and Grasse of the field in his inward light he saw into their Essences use and properties which were discovered to him by their Lineaments Figures and Signatures But leaving this blind leader of the blind and his monstrous horrible notions and delusions with his wretched possessed Disciples I proceed 17. And now let the Familists think of me and say what they please I have the testimony of my own conscience that what I have herein said hath not been out of disaffection to any of their persons though I know divers of them but only moved with sense of pitty to their Souls For undoubtedly unlesse they can now in this day of grace and time of salvation hear the voice of God unharden their hearts attain repentance and remission of sins they must at the second and glorious coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and Resurrection of the dead at which as close as they carry it they now make a mock and reject it as a Scare-Crow impudently affirming that it is past already as their predecessors Hymenaeus Allegoricam quandam Resurrectionem fingebant Hymenaeus Philetus quod etiam hac aetate tentarunt impuri quidam Canes Calv. in loc Resurrectionem ut quidam ferunt appellabant Hymenaeus Phil. successionem illam quae ex procreatione liberorum fit Vide autem quot mala oriantur si dicatur factam esse jam Resurrectiouem Privamur prâ—sentiâ Christi non est retributio neque ultio mentitur qui ista est pollicitus multa hujus generis ut si Resurrectio non est neque Christus resurrexit neque Judex erit Vivorum Mortuorum Isid Clar. Annot. ad 2. Tim. 2. 18. apud Crit. Sac. T. 7. Col. 3882. Qui aberrant à salutari doctrina gloriosae Resurrectionis non retinent fundamentum quia negata Resurrectione totus Christianismus negatur 1 Cor. 15. Tales igitur Apostolus dicit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Tim. 6. 21. h. e. veram doctrinam Apostolo ipso 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 per 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 exponente 2 Tim. 2. 18. Scult in Epist ad Tim. c. 5. apud Crit. Sac. Tom. 7. Col. 3887. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vid. 1 Cor. 15. 12. Siâ—ut Philosophis mala vita mors dicitur ita vita correcta 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 At in Evangelio 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aut 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tam apertè tot locis describitur ut non possit alia intelligi quam quae erit post Corporis ab Anima sejunctionem quae sejunctio vulgari sensu mors dicitur certê illa nisi speretur ne altera quidem illa morum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 talis erit qualis fuit in Apostolis fidelibus Discipulis Quare istis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sensum maximè necessarium excludentibus omni modo obsisti debet Grot. in loc apud Crit. Sac. Tom. 7. Col. 3896. Philetus Saturninus Basilides Cerdon Valentinian Marcion Apelles Hieraâ— Manes of late amongst others Tho. Muntzer David George Joh. of Leyden Knipperdoling Henry This H. N. Successor of David George affirmed that there is no other Christ but holinesse and no other Antichrist but sin that the Family of love hath attain'd the same perfection that Adam had before he fell that there is no Resurrection of the body that the day of Judgment is already come and that this H. N. is the Judge of the world that there had been Seaven great Lights in the world and that he was the Eighth and greatest of all that Angels were born of women that there was a World before Adam that in H. N. dwelleth all perfection c. and other blasphemous matters He further affirmed that at last God would bring all men nay the Devils and evil Spirits themselves into perfect happinesse All things that were spoken of Devils Hell or evil Angels and eternal Judgment he said were only told by Scripture to cause fear of civil punishment and establish right Policy Anonym in vit H. N. Nicholas and this new upstart Jacob Behmen did and a rabble of others their infatuated stupid followers at this day do subverting the faith of some I say unlesse they can now attain Repentance and forgivenesse of sinnes they must then be excluded the holy City and stand without and reap their part with the Abominable Murtherers Whoremongers Sorcerers Idolaters and all lovers and makers of lies whose worm dyeth not and torment is everlasting 18. Thus you may see by what is premised how the Familists have not been wanting to doe service to Satan in concealing Antichrist all they could from the world as
the earth shall be glad over them and shall send gifts one to another because these two Prophets tormented them that dwell upon the earth ANd all the worshippers of the Beast here noted for their number by the inhabitants of the earth shall clap their hands over their owne inventions and rejoyce in the death of the truth and make merry with Bonefires Vigils Festivals Processions and in token of joy they shall send as the Spirit saith gifts one to another Kings and Princes and people shall present and endow the Beast and his Church with donations immunities possessions gold and silver offerings c. and the Beast on the other side shall requite their kindnesse with titles bels pardons buls and such like and the Spirit yeildeth a reason of this their wicked and ungodly comfort because they had put out the eyes of his two Prophets that their whoredomes and pâ—ophanations might not be reproved then which nothing can be greater torment to the wicked nor more unsavoury to them that perâ—sh VERS 11. And after three dayes and a halfe the Spirit of life from God entred into them and they stood upon their feet and great feare fell upon all that saw them ANd forasmuch as in the death and extermination of Antichrist by way of dependencie consisteth the life and resurrection as it were of the Scriptures the Spirit foresheweth that after the reigne and persecution of the Beast which here as in the ninth verse is determined by three dayes and a halfe God will raise up faithfull and prudent Priests Shepheards of understanding hearts who shal rightly â—ivide the words and testimonies of his two witnesses which the holy Ghost signifieth in saying that the Spirit of life from God entred into them for as the letter text of the Scripture is the corps thereof so their true intent and meaning is the Spirit and life of them and by the faithfull ministry of such as the Lord shall raise in and about that time and for that purpose the testimony of his two Prophets shall be restored to their strength and as it were to their walking againe which the Spirit signifieth in saying They stood upon their feet as well to the terror and astonishment of all lying and stupidious expositors as to the fear and admiration of the children and justifiers of wisdome as the holy Ghost concludeth saying And great feare fell upon all that saw them VERS 12. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying Come up hither and they went up into heaven in a cloud and their enemies saw them ANd the restauration of the true meaning of the Scriptures which their enemies so long kept under by all unjust and cunning shifts shall be more famously knowne and published then that they may any longer hinder or stop the glorious course of their wonderfull instauration which the Spirit intendeth in saying that I heard a voice from heaven saying Come up hither meaning that it should be more possible for their enemies to stay Elias Chariot from ascending or pull the wind back from pursuing his point then to resist the wisdome of the same the which shall vindicate the abuse of the Scriptures and by the power of their ministry as in the strength of a cloud shall hold them up and restore them to their spirituall and heavenly meaning againe and the Beast with all his Sorcerers and lyers which have been their long and ancient enemies shall see the glory of their regeneration and wonder and die VERS 13. And in that houre there was made a great earthquake and the teâ—â—h part of the City fell and there were slaâ—â—â— in the earth-quake names of men seven thousand and the rest were cast into a feare and gave glory to the God of heaven ANd at such time as it pleased God to begin his work of instauration and to cause the day-spring of his Gospel to shine out of the night of Antichrists darknesse the abominable and desolate profanation of the Beast which had so long time over-cast the earth was in such sort discovered that the very root of his throne and usurped authoritie was dangerously shaken which the holy Ghost closely foldeth up in saying There was made a great earth-quake And further fore sheweth that out of this concussion there should arise so great defection that the tenth part of his worshippers should revolt from him and that this revolt and defection must cost the lives of many thousand men which the Spirit uttereth in a manner of speech strange to us butusual with the Scriptures calling men names of men as Chap. 3. 4. and meaning by seven thousand many thousand using the determinate number of seven indefinitly and for a number indeterminate as it is also in Scripture often Which broils and bloodshed concerning the institution of religion are so sufficiently reported in the Commentaries of Bohemia and Germanie and in the troubles of France and Flanders and other Nations as if it were purposely registred in proofe of this prophesie Lastly the Spirit concluding foretelleth that many kingdoms in this defection should quite forsake the Beast and haste them out of Babylon home again to build the walls of Ierusalem and to restore the morning and the evening Sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving as in the former time and in the dayes of old in saying And the rest were cast into a feare and gave glory to the God of heaven VERS 14. The second Woe is gone and behold the third Woe will come quickly THe first woe was the blasphemy of Arianisme which the holy Ghost in the niâ—th Chapter most aptly resembleth unto a smoake ascending from the depth saying That the Sun was darkned and the aire with the smoake of the pit meaning by the Sunne the Son of God and by the aire the word of his truth by whose onely meane and interposition the object of his Deitie was truly discerned and in regard of this first woe which was kindled by Arius wherewith the inhabitants of the earth as the Spirit foretold us should be tormented five moneths meaning moneths of yeares which by Propheticall account amounteth to one hundred and fifty years which was the time of the Arian persecution as in the Ecâ—lesiasticall Histories more plainly appeareth The holy Ghost I say in regard of this first woe calleth the tragicall reigne of Antichrist the second woe whose long time of tyranny within this Chapter in a generall manner is declared and in the 13. Chapter following more particularly and exactly discovered though at the writing of this Prophesie it had his being onely in the foreknowledge of God and was not yet begun to be acted much lesse fully ended yet in respect it is here in a geneâ—all manner fully revealed the Lord to whom all things past and to come are present saith The second woe is gone upon determination whereof the third woe must ensue which for it surpasseth both the former in terror and greatnesse the holy Ghost bringeth it in
in honour of his people Gothia or after his owne name Ataulpha which counsell and purpose of his had it beene effected Sir Antichrist with all his primacies and supremacies had bid us good night long ago and all his gainfull enâ—erludes of Fides vestra and Ne deficiat fides tua and Pasce oves and Tibi dabo claves and Quorum remiseritis with all his pestilent painted traine of succession had been dasht in repeating before ever they had come on stage But to the end this recovery might be the plague sore of the earth his deadly wound was healed as the Spirit saith But the wound of his death was cured For by the pleasing prayers and subtile intercessions of the Emperours fister Placidia whose beauty and body was espoused to Ataulphus for such a time his fury was averted and his designe dissolved and himselfe not onely content at her amorous mediation to grant the City of Rome pardon for her name but also to leave her eclipsed and dying honour with all her Italy to her stupified Honorius who for feare was crept into his earth at Ravenna and taking his Spouâ—e Placidia with such dower as himselfe listed departed Italy and pitched his Tabernacle in France then one of the chiefest Provinces of the West Empire And to this Plaister the Spirit pointeth in saying But the wound of his death was cured And the holy Ghost foreseing the greatnesse of the Beasts power to come which was yet but like unto his sin and how that Satan his creator who had formed him after the image and perfection of his owne wickednesse should afford him such letters commendatory to all the world which naturally loveth wicked inventions that the primacie of his Church and supremacie of his person should overspread all and obtaine the praise of â—he earth concludeth of him in this manner And all the earth was in admiration of the Beast VERS 4. And they adored the Dragon which gave power to the Beast and they adored the Beast saying Who is like unto the Beast or who may war with him ANd the children of misheliefe ascribed to the Dragon inhibited honours decking his heathenish Christianisme with names of holy and most holy titles due to God alone and they adored his execrable inventions and doctrines of divels worshipping and divifying his uncircumcised train of Caesars who had granted unto Antichristsuch power incomparable and uncontrollable jurisdiction which the Spirit anatomizeth in these words And they adored the Dragon which gave power to the Beast And as in evil there is no meane so these children of unbeliefe went on and bestowed like titles and magnifications upon this base and vile Antichrist who as the Prophet long agoe foretold us by policie should prosper and by peace destroy many and strike Dan. 8. his adorers with such a spirituall drunkennesse that they should not onely hang their gold but their faith also upon him and verily beleeve that this vile and despicable Antichrist Delegate to Romulus and Deputie to Caesar was Vicar to the Lamb and successor to Peter And thus rejoycing over the errour of their owne fantasie should with Pigmalion admire and dote upon the idol of their owne carving and falling downe should adore and â—rie with that drunken King Great art thou O Bell and in thee is no deceit which occasioneth the Spirit in detestation of their madnesse to disclose their shame saying And they adored the Beast and said who is like unto the Beast or who may war with him VERS 5. And there was given to it a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies and power was given to it to worke fourty two moneths ANd as the Dragon did bequeath unto Antichrist his throne and his power in so large and ample manner that his priestly key was in cutting and killing so like the Dragons sword that he that is wise may easily perceive one craftsman made them both so Satan the Master and seducer of them both endowed his Antichrist with mouth and lips so like his own that whoso hears him open may truly say Quam similes habent labra lactucas like lips like lettice at which the Spirit pointeth in saying And there was given to it a mouth and proveth it by an argument drawne from the fruit of his lips speaking great things Dan. 7. and blasphemies Whereof the Prophet Daniel also inditeth him foreâ—elling that he should open his execrable mouth and speake words against the most High of which presumptuous and blasphemous magniloquence the holy Ghost arraigneth him more particularly in the verse following And the Prophet also forther reporteth that times and laws and great power should be given into his hand for Dan. â— a time and times and the dividing of a time butting and bounding his tyrannous reigne and government within the self-same circle and period as here the Spirit doth by another like propheticalâ— construction saying And power was given unto it to worke forty two moneths VERS 6. And he opened his mouth unto blasphemie against God to blaspheâ—â—e his name and Tabernacle and those which dwell in heaven IN dâ—scovering the blasphemous mouth of Antichrist the holy Ghost doth first and principally challenge him for presuming to lay hand upon his divine and spirituall sword and to weare the name and title of Vicar to the Lamb which title name and honour is onely due to the Spirit of the Lamb the onely moderator comforter commander of all the Lambs affaires and forces in heaven and in earth and of tâ—is principall blasphemy the Apostle condemneth him in saying And he opened his mouth unto blasphemy against God Next the Lord challengeth him for presuming to blaspheme the word of God superadvancing his whorish Church above the divine eternall testimony in and by which the Son of God is named and knowne which contumely offered to his most holy word the Lord accounteth as done to himselfe and his most holy name for so the holy Ghost speaking of that Lord that is faithfull and true who with justice judgeth and fighteth saith that he was cloâ—â—hed with a garment sprinkled with blood and his name is called The Word of God The pourtraiture of which divine and essentiall word is the ingraven Scripture of his most holy and written word and of this blasphemy the Spirit inditeth him in these words To blaspheme his name Lesse marvell then if like a raging â—lood down bearing all before him and over flowing all banks of obedience towards God he dare extoll his cursed head above all that is called or named God that is to say all magistracie authority and power secular which by Gods owne ordinance and commandement is the onely true lively and immediate representation of his owne person justice and government here on earth in and over all temporall causes and persons as well Ecclesiasticall as civill of which high treason one Apostle also convinceth him 2 Thess 2. No marvell then if thus daring to blaâ—pheme the Lord of the house and
shame and losse 23. But if any doubt arise how the overthrow of Rome could be a Sign to the Queen that he spoke not of himself seeing it was to be 77 years after that time and she dyed long before The Reader is to note that he doth not say This shall be for a Sign unto you ô Queen but This shall be for a Sign that I speak not of my self A Sign to the world that is to say a sure signe an evident undoubted token an undeniable firm insoluble Argument to the succeeding age the following Generation viz. to the People that should be living in 666. and see Rome the habitation of Antichrist laid even with the ground a clear convincing Sign and demonstration to them that he spoke not of himself but as a humble Servant of God guided and directed by his holy Spirit that revealeth secrets and giveth wisedome and understanding and leadeth into all truth Wherefore it is written Apoc. 13. 18. Here is wâ—â—dome let him that Apoc. 13. 18. hath understanding count the number of the Beast c. as intending or pointing at the very man as one well observeth whom God foreknew and had determined first of all to give that special gift of wisdome understanding unto it being the great secret on which the knowledg of that other greater secret concerning the year of th' end of the world depended as Daniel declareth Chap. 12. 11 12 13. Which undoubtedly was Dan. 12. 11 12 13. no other then the Author of this ensuing Treatise he being the first discoverer of that great secret of the number of the Beast i. e. of th' end and determination of the raign of the Beast as above is noted 24. Agreeable to this namely that a Sign for assurance of a truth affirmed or confirmation of a thing promised doth not alwaies necessarily come to pass in the life time of him or her to whom the promise is made or truth declared but may be for posterities sake and be accomplished and fulfil'd long after for their establishment and confirmation an eminent Example we have in Abraham Gen. 15. When God had promised him the Land of Canaan to inherit it Gen. 15. 8. Lord God saith he whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In quo i. e. unde quanam re qua ratione ut Vatablus Mercerus Pareus alii viz. By what means token or Sign shall I know c. The answer is Know of a surety that thy Seed shall be a stranger in a Land which is not theirs and shall serve them and they shall afflict them 400. years and thou shalt go to thy Fathers in peace and be buried in a good old age but in the 4 th Generation they shal come hither again 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full v. 13. 15 16. Which Sign came not to pass in Abrahams daies but long after in the fourth generation after 400. Munst Clar. Caiet in Gen. 15. 13 Musc in loc Q. 3 p. 375. Zeg in Act. 7. 6. Riv. in Ex. 12. 40 years that is to say at th' end of 430. years from the promise first made to Abraham Gen. 12. in the 70. Musc ubi suprà Q. 2. p. 373 P. Mart. in Gen. 15. 13 Bibliand in Tab. 3. Chron. Capel in an Abr. 70 Tremel in Gen. 11. Exod. 12. 40. Codom Chron. l. 1. c. 3. Mercer in Gen. 15. 13. D. Ed. Sims Chron. ad an Mundi 2077. Abr. 70. Vid. Scal. in Can. Isagog 322. Drus in Act. 7. 6 apud Crit. Sac. T. 7. Col. 2204. year of his age when he went out of Chaldaea to go into Canaan And it came to passe at th' end of 430. years even the self same day it came to passe that all the Hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt It is a night to be much observed unto the Lord for bringing them out from the Land of Egypt Exod. 12. 41. 42. And thereby Moses all the faithful posterity of Abraham were comforted Hoc expetiverat Abram cupiens promissionem illam possessionis terrae Chanaan insigni aliquo foedere notabili signo confirmari ad roborandam posterorum suorum fidem fiduciam Perer. in Gen. 15. 9. post Videlicet id facere Deus voluit de foedere cum Abramo firmato agit ad ingenerandum animis posterorum Abrae certam ejus terrae possidendae atque obtinendae fiduciam Id. ibid. v. 18. Hoc quidem partim Abrahae causâ testatum est oportuit sed maxime ejus posteros spectavit Dominus ne in suis aerumnis deficerent quorum exitum fore laetum faelicem Dominus promiserat praesertim cum ipsa diuâ—uâ—nitas ingenti taedio non careret Calvin in loc Nec dubium est quin Abraham hoc posteris suis assiduis concionibus inclucarit commendarit ne fracti calamitatibus cederent sed urgerent firmà fide in concussâ spe promissionem terrae Chanaan liberationem Luther in loc Quemadmodum legimus Joseph hujus rei certissimum fuisse cum de ossibus suis mandavit fratribus Marlorat in loc Hoc in Abrahami Israelitarum ejus posterorum consolationem est scriptum nec dubium quin diligenter à majoribus Mosis literis consignatum in posterorum consolationem Vnde fideliter à Mose relatum ut Israelitae quibus tunc haec scribebat in Aegypto vel in Deserto cum essent moâ— in terram Chanaan introducendi animum in tam gravi servitute non desponderent sed scirent praestitutum esse afflictionibus tempus post quod eorum persecutores poenas darent ipsi liberarentur gloriosè Mercer Praelect in Gen. 15. 13 14. confirmed and ascertain'd of the truth of Gods promise made to that Patriark renewed to Isaac Gen. 26. 3 4 5. and to Jacob Gen. 28. 14. 15. 35. 11. 12. namely that they should inherit the Land of Canaan for an everlasting possession as it is written Gen. 17. 8. In Abrahams time the iniquity of the Amorites was not full and so the punishment was deferr'd till after four Generations viz. 400. years when they were ripe for Judgement And when this Author writ the sins of the Romanists the wickednesse and impieties of the Western Babylon were not full but when the measure of her iniquity is fill'd up and her sins shall have reach't unto Heaven Apoc. 18 5. when her unjust dealing is ascended unto the most High and her pride to the Almighty 4 Esd 11. 43. then will God remember her iniquity and violence done unto Sion and visit her transgressions in his wrath and vex her lay her wast and make her utterly desolate in his sore displeasure For after 77. years viz. after the said year 1589. when her wickedness blasphemies are arrived to the heighth when there is no remedy nor healing when she is ripe for punishment then shall the Judgement that hath so long
to their use of honour and dishonour when he shall come in glory to judge and reward the world separate the stranger from the child the goaâ— from the sheep the sinner from the just and this is the Kingdome whereof it is written Many are called Lords of Sodome may it then pleaâ—e your dead and dry eyes to consider that in this great company of hearers two speciall differing companies are commended unto yee th' one that hearing the voyce obeyeth and doth it th' other that hearing transgresseth and doth not called in Scripture Haâ—ed bond forsaken cast out children of evill vessells of wrath and such like compared to a Man who built a house and laid no foundation and when the day of reckoning the day of tempest came the building fell and the fall thereof was great and lamentable for ever But they that heaâ—ing the Commandements of God observe and do them are called in Scripture beloved free chosen beautifull children of promise vessells of mercy Israel Jacob his people his heritage a holy Nation a holy City a kingly holy Priest-hood his house his Temple his Tabernacle Saints Sion Hierusalem from above the pillar and upholder of truth his vine his Church his Body his Spouse and such like compared to a Builder that digged deep and laid his foundation on the Rock whose work endured the day to come and gave glory to the worker to a Graine of Mustard-seede whose great increase for his little body is marvellous compared with other hearbs to Leaven which seasoneth the whole wherein it is hid to a Pearle of price for which the Jeweller adventureth by Sea by Land by fire by water to attaine to a Field wherein lyeth hidden a treasure of such quality that the possessor selleth all he hath to make a purchase thereof to a Seede prospering from Blade to stalk from stalk to head the Lord of the ground neither sleeping nor waking knowing how And this is the generation of them that seek him the portion and Kingdome whereof it is written But few are chosen And of this company and no other speaketh the Scripture which saith Where two or three be gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them And againe And behold I am with you from day to ever even to the worlds end And againe Feare not little flocke for it hath pleased your Father to give you a Kingdome And againe And I will intreate the Father and he shall give you another Comforter who shall remaine with you for ever And againe But when the Spirit of truth commeth he shall leade you into all truth And this is the City and house spirituall built upon the head of the corner which through the strength and glory of the foundation remaineth and liveth for ever as it is written And upon this Rock will I build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevaile against her And this is the Church and Sanctuary of God the stones of life and glory everlasting disdained and trodden under of worldly builders prepared notwithstanding from above and appointed to serve for his Tabernacle and place of his dwelling for he that is highest dwelleth not in Temples made with hands as testifieth the Prophet Heaven is my seat and earth is my foot-stoole what place of rest will yee build unto me saith the Lord O house of Israel These things had yee understood then had yee beene wise and learned Scribes and like unto the housholder which bringeth forth of his store and provision as time and occasion serveth old and new And this is she which erreth not dissenteth not for all her Children are endued with a tongue and taster of truth all are prepared with one and selfe-same water all are purged by one and self-same fire all are Servants to one and self same Lord who by the sweet and accepted Sacrifice of his owne body hath sanctified and made them of sinners Sonnes of God as it is written He that sanctifieth and they which are sanctified are all of one And this is shee which prepareth her selfe for the Wedding arrayed in a white and righteous garment which her Lord the Bride-groome giveth her with Lamp watching night and day waiteth and attendeth his comming whose modest countenance whose chast and comely steps walk in our streets and the world regardeth not for her name is hidden written in the heart not in the skinne and the light of her beauty is in the spirit within not in the 〈◊〉 without whose praise is not of men but of God And yet thou sayest let me see her behold he that writeth testifieth before the Throne of God and all his holy Angells that he knoweth not any one this day after the flesh that taketh part with him what then shall I say I am left alone God forbid for I see and heare with th' ears and eyes of my soule the groans the chains and tears of seven thousand whose obedience is greater then mine and of which number I am the least and as a poore and miserable and borne out of time am not worthy to be one of them And this is she who once Balaam walkt in thy streets and all th' earth was filled with her beauty untill thy Father lifted up his sawcie head pursuing her blood and generation for there is enmity betweene him and her her seed and his for ever but she laid her Babe before the Throne of God whose eye defended it from all his teeth and fury And in those dayes her Lord the Bridegroome gave her two wings whose Feathers were made of the word of truth and she flew into the Wildernesse where she had a rest provided from the face and feare of her enemy a time and times and halfe a time and there remaineth shee her houre her day her moneth and her yeare eating no other thing then that which God giveth her And thy Father fell heavy exceeding wroth thereat and sat him downe by the Sea side in a Throne newly erected to th' honour of his name mourning and pining that the woman with her Boy had scap't his hands so And calling his powers and counsell about him devising found out a way t' appease his wrath namely to be reveng'd but on the remnant of her seed which shee left behind and while he sat in Consistory seeking best means t' accomplish his purpose thou liftedst up thy Nose out of the many waters and presently his dump was turn'd to a dance thy heads and hornes were so like his owne that he rejoyced wholly to see thy unhappy day and having nothing greater to shew his love parted with thee his Kingdomes and glory thereof planted thee in his old and ancient Throne where once his name was honoured and gave into thy hand his great power and chiefest of his hoast Wonders Lyes Murder and bad thee warre and have no feare for it was appointed the third borne among the Sons of men should be subdued unto thee And it pleased
Jerusalem his steps beautifull as are the steps of God the flames and Angells of heaven ascending and descending at his commandement and it was fulfiled which was spoken In Jury is God knowne great is his name in Israel and opening his mouth taught them and marvellous gracious and true were the words which proceeded from him told them their Fathers were wonderfully indeed fed and cloathed in the Wildernesse and yet were dead because they were not fed nor cloathed with him who feedeth and arayeth to life everlasting and the food and rayment which he gave was his blood and they that are fed and apparrelled therewith are those that beleeve in him commanded them not to work as did their Fathers in the Wildernesse but as did Abraham whose Children they pretended to be and were not for he beleeved in him being yet but promised whom they refused now performed and witnessed plainly in their eares that day there were no other works but these alone that led from the rod of th' oppressor to the Land of promise saying This is to doe the work and commandement of God to believe in him whom God hath sent Which thing your Fathers the Pharisees denying to doe evermore seeking after their hard and brazen progenitors t' establish a righteousnesse and justice of their owne to work the works and Commandements of God according to their way and meaning by doing refusing the justice appointed by God to work his works and Commandements according to his way meaning by beleeving rushed against the square approved precious stone which was set up in Sion and were bruised and broken to death everlasting And doest thou know Balaam what it is to beleeve in him whom God hath sent We speak the things we know and testifie what we have seen and learnt That which is borne from below is flesh subdued unto sin imbondaged to death and cannot see th' inheritance and Kingdome of God wherefore it was requisite a new birth to be established subduing the flesh unto the spirit delivering from the power of sin and breaking the chaines of death Without the which vaine and impossible is the Commandement to believe in him whom God hath sent as it is written Vnlesse a man be begotten by water and by the holy Ghost he cannot enter into the Kingdome of God So many Baalists heapt on another at your conspiracy heâ—d at Trent against God and his anointed and knew not what it is to be borne of water and of the holy Ghost have ye indeed so planed the câ—â—atures of God wrought in them a beliefe ye are successors and dispensers in heavenly things and understand not earthly There was a man sent from God his name was John your Fathers ran out in troops to see him a strange and sour fellow was not lodg'd like a Prince nor cloathed like a Courtier neither wine nor water dranke he no other drinke but â—ears and in his mouth never entered bread Murderers how chanceth it that hanging up his dead body in your Courts and Caves drawing it through your streets once a yeare at the least denying it the naturall courtesie of buriall you have not considered that he was appointed from heaven the Minister of the Baptisme of water as of himselfe he testifieth in a place saying He that sent me to baptize with water said unto me on whom thou seest the Spirit discend and tarry he it is that baptizeth with the holy Ghost Doe yee know wherefore his Lord gave him that honourable testimony namely that he was more then a Prophet and that among all the sons of women there was none to be found his greater because who so is not prepared by him which was appointed the Minister of the baptisme of water shall never be purged by his Lord which comes after who sanctifieth with fire and with the holy Ghost for this was the Angell appointed to goe before the face of the great Dominator and teach the Children that sat in Prison in darknesse and shadow of death that if they would be Sons of the Fathers Abraham Isaac and Jacob they should prepare their hearts by water as did the Fathers Abraham Isaac and Jacob. And therefore his Lord in parable calleth him the Mourner wot ye why because who so sorroweth not with him shall never rejoyce with the Bridegroome shall never see the birth of the holy Ghost the faith which beleeveth in him which God hath sent The poor woman which entred into the house of Simon the Pharisee where her Lord was at meat and falling downwashed kissed his feet how commeth it to passe ye wise that nayling up her dead body in your Groves and Temples to the view ye have not considered her tears and her love preaching and crying so many hundred years the birth of water of the holy Ghost but yee say when Elias commeth he shall restore all Murderers and doe ye indeed lie in wait for another Elias behold the first came and had not his God delivered him from your hands by wonder sending downe his Chariot and Horsemen of fire ye had slaine him with the rest of his Prophets for ye sought his life also and the second came a righteous and holy man and behold as innocent as ye pretend to be his righteous blood shall be found in your Courts and his holy head in one of your vessells and doe ye yet more attend a third Elias like to your stiffe reprooved brethren which walke stinking in your streets to day gaping the comming of a second Messias wherefore thus saith the truth there shall no Elias come and he that reading considereth the dwelling the fare and rayment of the second Elias how read and swolne were his eyes with tears how dry his lips with sighs and doth not weep and wayle with him if seven thousand Mourners should rise from the dead they cannot make that man to sorrow This was the voyce who in the dayes of his flesh called unto Israel from out of the Wildernesse crying that if the would be sons and daughters of God they should not look up unto their paâ—entage boasting their pedegree â—etcht from the loins of Abraham but should take up the true and perfect sorrow for their sin and th' unspeakable deâ—iâ—e to be reconciled to God as did his servant Abraham that then the God of Abraham would turne to thâ— Children aâ— he did unto the Fathers write his Laws â—n their hearts cover their offences and be unto them a God and a Father and they to him sons and daughters and every one which was to receive the light that followed in whose hand was the power to make of a â—â—nner a Son unto God hearkened to the Mourner of Israel sate downe and sorrowed with him And he that sorrowed sorrowed indeed his eye refused sleep his mouth dened t'eate lost and dead was his cheere his mirth was tâ—â—n'd to sadnesse and if an asked what ill he had seight and could not speake so great was his sorrow
wherewith thou art baptized and yet was neither begotten by water nor by the holy Ghost for it was not possible for him to be purg'd with Peter his heart unbroken hard and cruell râ—fusing to sorrow with the Mourner And this was the faith of Julian thy Pastor I touch your mysterie now Sir Balaam whose broad seale and subscription hangeth even this day unto thy letters Pattens confirming thy Throne and Vicardome to thee and thy posterity was baptized with the selfe-same baptisme where-with thou art baptized and begotten by the selfe-same faith which thou beleevest and yet th'uncleane spirit re-entred his house prepared and swept and his blasphemous end is knowne to yee all this day to be worse then his beginning but had he been begotten by the faith which Abraham beleeved th' enemy at the returne with his seven thousand powers had found his house guarded by the stronger the watchman of Israel had defended his gates and kept his walls from ruine but it was not possible for him to be clensed with Abraham his heart not prepared with water like unto Abrahams for his soule was found among the stiffe uncircumcised children which would not regard their fellowes crying Wee have mourned and ye have not sorrowed But I will leave thy penance thy beliefe with all and every point of thy Doctrine to him that commeth after behold a voyce shall rise against thee discover thy blasphemies contained in thy conspiracy held at Trent against the holy one of Israel and Jacob his chosen and strike thee so with the two witnesses of God out of whose mouth comes fire to destroy the gainesayer that all thy Magicians all thy false reformed Prophets shall not be able to recover thee to life againe and returne unto the man who once laboured and was lost but now refreshed and is found againe whose warre and woes are turned to such a peace and joy as the world can neither give nor take away from him and let us make research into his life beholding how he worketh he that is wise will marke his steps and follow where he goeth Like as the good and fruitfull Tree planted by the river side bringeth forth her fruit in time and due season so fruitfull now is this branch become and after the two noble parts of his faith spreadeth out his root to moistnesse and bringeth forth a double fruit Th' assurance of mercy and forgivenesse of his sinne worketh in him such a true and perfect hatred of sinne as no man knoweth but he that is baptized in Silo with him and this hatred dwelleth not idle hidden up and sleeping in him but as a Citie built upon a hill sheweth his bastions and beauty to the passers by so breaketh forth this fire within him making knowne to all his members the power and strength thereof retiring them from their old and wonted wayes remembring unto him with what a precious bath and price he is washt and bought from th'uncleane and vaine conversation wherein once he walked now and ever after to be holy as he is holy that hath chosen him What fountaines may yeeld water enough to bewaile the state of this man for in his members he findeth a law bidding and commanding unrighteousnesse intising to regard his pleasures past maintaining to be bold to returne againe casting before him day and night the vomit which now his soule hath cast up and bleedeth to see or to remember more and in his spirit findeth another law remembring unto him the day of his trouble when feare and judgement led him chained to death and how he followed weeping and had nothing to say for himselfe how then and in that day he pittyed and delivered him with charge to remember with what a great and precious charge he was redeemed and recovered againe commanding him therefore not to dare to look backe or grieve the seed of God the holy one that hath done all these things for him Ah poore and miserable soule who shall deliver him from his body of sinne for to the law of his spirit consenteth he loveth and faine would doe thereafter but cannot for he dwelleth in a house of rebellion not contented alone to pursue him by day as it is written All the day long am I punished and chastised every morning but while the night lendeth the little ease unto his heavie eye his members watch to sinne Like righteous Lot in Sodome so dwelleth he closed in a Citie whose buildings are transgressions whose streets are wayes of error whose bulwarkes are the strength of death whose gates doe leade to hell dying daily tormented daily crying daily to be delivered from sinne or from the body thereof and in a great and strong patience though now of all creatures most miserable scorned of Angels disdained of men hated of the world pursued of his owne unspeakeably endureth all hoping with a hope which cannot be confounded for the revelation of his life laid up in the bosom of his Lord and Redeemer then and in that houre to be declared and given him when he shall come to judge the world with a righteous judgement rendring to every man just and truly according to the wayes wherein his heart hath walked And this is the death to sinne the great affliction happy man that hath his part therein for he shall see the day wherein he shall hunger no more nor thirst any more wherein the Sunne shall not burne him by day nor fire by night any more for the Lambe that loveth him shall feed and cover him and lead him to the fountaines of water of life and satisfie him and deliver his eye from teares and he shall weepe no more Th' other branch of his faith namely th' assurance that God loveth him worketh in him of the contrary part such a love of God and of his Lord and Redeemer as no man knoweth but he that hath it and this hidden and secret name resteth not idle covered or sleeping in him but as a Sacrifice salted doth prove it selfe seasoned to the mouth of the taster so breaketh forth this hidden light and sheweth her beams unto the Worlds end according to the Commandement He that loveth God loveth his brother also not him alone with whom he prayeth weepeth rejoyceth daily which love is commended unto him by the names of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but now loveth he every man as his brother knowledging every man his neighbour on whom he may have mercy every man his brother whom he may love which love is commended unto him by the names of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and called in Scripture the love of God Because it is not learnt of flesh nor after the will of flesh but of God and by his example who being fellowed in glory with the highest disrobed himselfe of his beauty came downe into the world was found amongst us in weaknesse in flesh and shape of a servant obedient to death even to the
his annoiuted Deputies he dare blaspheme the house of God wherein his name is honoured cursing reviling and reputing it a house of schismatiques heretiques excommunicates which blasphemous and undeserved wrong the holy Ghost layeth to his charge in these words and his tabernacle And last of all to shew that there is neither end nor measure in his black presumptuous and blasphemous mouth the Spirit further chargeth him with blaspheming the Saints and servants of God deceased cursing reviling and condemning their doctrine and yet blessing adoring and erecting their shadowes sepulchers and shrines for mediators intercessors and reconciliators betweene God and the sinner like their cursed fore elders the Israelites who boasted in the descent of their Father Abraham and yet balsphemed the faith of Abraham their Father of which blasphemous and indicible contumely against the Son of God and his most holy Spirit the Apostle condemneth him saying And those that dwell in heaven VERS 7. And it was given unto him to make battel with the Saints and to overcome them and power was given him upon every people tribe tongue and Nation ANd as after lightning followeth thunder so after Antichrists blasphemy followeth his persecution as the Spirit testifieth saying And it was given him to bid battel to the Saints which the Prophet Daniel by way of exposition also plainly fetteth forth saying That he should murther and consume the Saints and servants of the most High and with the cursed Philistims should make his festivalls of Samsons afflictions And in further amplification of this his carnificious fury the Spirit setteth forth the largenesse of his charter and commission by an excessive loquution foretelling us that it should be so large and generall that the fire of his prophane and sycophanticall keys should take hold upon every nation and tribe as if we please to cast an eye upon the time past and confer what he had with what he hath we shall easily discerne the meaning of the holy Ghost in these words And power was given him upon every tribe people tongue and nation VERS 8. And all that inhabit the earth adored it whose names be not written in the booke of life of the Lamb which was slain from the beginning of the world THe holy Ghost having in the former part of this Chapter discovered the birth place person power blasphemie and persecution of Antichrist descendeth now to the description of his creatures and devotaries foretelling us that they should be such onely for unto such onely the particle all is here restrained as have their portion and interest in this life whose pâ—eâ—y heaven hope and glory is here and not elsewhere which kind of out and overcast Châ—istians the Spirit describeth by a periphrasis most proper to theâ—r naturall and inbred disposition saying thâ—y are those that inhabite the earth therein discovering them as by a difference divisive from such as are the Lords pilgrims and strangers on earth having here no permanent abode or place of rest but seeking the things which are above attend with patience the revelation of a life and City to come not made with hands where their Lord and their Redeemer liveâ—h And the Spirit proceeding sheweth further the supreme hidden and unperceivable reason why the adorers of Antichrist thus defiled the ornaments of their calling and why they loved lyes more then truth the Beasts penance more then Gods repentance the Beasts beliefe more then faith towards God the Beasts miserable merits more then the fruits of the Spirit hatred of sin and love of God because as holy David saith they were not found in the Lords record nor written with the righteous for so much the Spirit unfoldeth saying whose names be not written in the Booke of life of the Lamb which was slaine from the beginning of the world VERS 9. If any man have an eare let him heare TH' Apostle having sufficiently deciphered the nature and carriage of Antichrist and his creatures commeth now to discover his reward and judgment which howsoever it tarry little or long is of necessity the reward of sinne But before the Spirit draweth out his sword it pleaseth him in his accustomed mercy to awake his Church and her enemies and to move them to a feare and reverent attention by a generall summons proclaiming If any man have an eare let him heare VERS 10. He that shall lead into captivity goeth into captivity and he that shall kill with the sword must be killed with the sword here is the patience and the faith of the Saints THe holy Ghost in this verse calleth Anâ—ichrist to the Barre and sets him befâ—re the world for the very hee on whom the wrath of God and his heavy displeasure is to be executed For he who under colour and pretence of weeding out and rooting up of heretiques hath bâ—ought into the Church captivity inquisitions tortures and torments to the horrible murther and slaughter of the Saints when in such cases notwithstanding he had neither precept nor example in the life of the Lamb or his Apostles so to doe hee even hee saith the Lord is that party against whom this just judgement of taliation is laid up in store to be executed upon him in that day when the Lord shall bring againe the captivity of his Church which for their sings he hath given up to the sword and fury of the Beast untill she have boâ—ne the burthen of her shame and as the Prophet saith renewed her beauty by her sorrows and her glory by Ezek. 39. her persecutions and then shall be fullfilled that which was spoken by the Prophet Wo to thee that spoyledst and wast not spoyled and didst deale wickedly Isa 33. when they did not wickedly against thee for when thou shalt cease to spoyle thou shalt be spoyled and when thy sin is ended thou shalt be rewarded as here also the Spirit denounceth contesting that God shall scourge him with his owne inventions and repay him home in his owne coine saying He that shall lead into captivity shall goe into captivity and he that shall kill shall be killed And in consolation of the Spouse concludeth that howsoever Antichrist and his Delegates foolishly thought by afflicting the Church to destroy the Church yet in her afflictions consisteth the very strength and approbation of her children for by the things they suffer they learne obedience and through patience their faith is consecrated by the which they are perfected and made inheritable of the promise of God all which mercy and favour is commended unto them under the hand and seale of afflictions by which their mad and drunken adversaries thought to consume them and like fools did not consider that as the workman doth square the stone by strokes and as the Snake doth cast his old skinne by passing through sharpe stones so the Lord doth renew his Spouse by stripes and brusheth off her old affections by passing her through the asperitie of tribulation which holy and hidden consideration causeth