notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o world_n 11.12.13_o ver_fw-la 11.12.13_o in_o persecute_v they_o to_o death_n god_n shall_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 and_o witness_v the_o same_o truth_n constant_o and_o continual_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n last_o it_o show_v etc._n ver_fw-la 14._o etc._n etc._n 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 unto_o i_o a_o reed_n like_o unto_o a_o rod_n and_o the_o angel_n stand_v by_o say_v arise_v 1._o verse_n 1._o and_o measure_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o alar_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_v unto_o a_o rod_n and_o hereupon_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_o prevail_v of_o popery_n 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 ezekiel_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 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 2._o verse_n 2._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 their_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 and_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 and_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 prophanesse_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 in_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_n 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 twelve_o chapter_n the_o fourteen_o verse_n and_o 1260._o day_n the_o twelve_o chapter_n the_o six_o verse_n 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 forty_o two_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 bytimes_o 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 and_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 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 definite_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 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 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 seven_o year_n as_o in_o daniel_n seven_n and_o a_o month_n for_o thirty_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 and_o unjudiciall_a for_o i_o only_o in_o this_o book_n seek_v the_o sense_n that_o be_v and_o not_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v not_o as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o 3._o verse_n 3._o but_o i_o will_v give_v power_n unto_o my_o two_o witness_n and_o they_o shall_v prophesy_v 1260._o day_n clothe_v in_o sackcloth_n have_v set_v down_o how_o antichrist_n and_o his_o company_n be_v those_o gentile_n which_o possess_v the_o outward_a court_n shall_v tread_v down_o the_o holy_a city_n that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o a_o short_a time_n now_o he_o come_v to_o show_v that_o even_o in_o the_o height_n and_o pride_n of_o the_o pope_n power_n and_o government_n yet_o the_o church_n be_v not_o utter_o extinct_a god_n do_v never_o utter_o forsake_v it_o but_o in_o all_o age_n and_o at_o all_o time_n god_n raise_v up_o one_o or_o other_o to_o withstand_v
numerative_a letter_n of_o the_o greek_a word_n lateinos_n do_v make_v just_a this_o number_n and_o yet_o further_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v as_o a_o very_a special_a thing_n that_o irenaeus_n haeres_fw-la irendi_fw-la contra_fw-la haeres_fw-la a_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v very_o near_o unto_o the_o apostle_n time_n mention_v this_o word_n lateinos_n as_o the_o name_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o moreover_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a receive_v opinion_n in_o his_o time_n and_o before_o that_o the_o beast_n shall_v so_o be_v call_v now_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o this_o fit_v first_o we_o know_v that_o the_o numerative_a letter_n of_o lateinos_n do_v just_o fit_a saint_n john_n greek_a numerative_a letter_n second_o we_o know_v that_o antichrist_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n or_o latin_a empire_n and_o therefore_o this_o very_a lateinos_n for_o here_o we_o do_v not_o inquire_v after_o the_o name_n of_o any_o particular_a man_n but_o about_o the_o name_n of_o a_o kingdom_n for_o the_o beast_n be_v a_o kingdom_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o man_n now_o italy_n in_o old_a time_n be_v call_v latinum_fw-la and_o the_o italian_n latini_n which_o note_v of_o what_o country_n the_o beast_n shall_v come_v moreover_o the_o beast_n name_n or_o name_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v lateinos_n because_o the_o empire_n both_o under_o the_o heathen_a tyrant_n and_o the_o pope_n especial_o have_v all_o their_o religion_n service_n prayer_n law_n decree_n writing_n and_o translation_n in_o latin_a all_o be_v in_o latin_a latin_a the_o pope_n prefer_v his_o latin_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n before_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a original_n thus_o than_o it_o be_v saint_n john_n tell_v we_o flat_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v six_o hundred_o sixty_o six_o irenaeus_n say_v that_o lateinos_n be_v his_o name_n which_o contain_v just_o the_o number_n therefore_o here_o we_o have_v his_o name_n here_o he_o be_v find_v for_o if_o his_o name_n be_v lateinos_n we_o need_v search_v no_o further_o we_o know_v who_o it_o be_v we_o know_v who_o be_v mean_v for_o be_v not_o the_o pope_n lateinos_n be_v not_o the_o succession_n of_o they_o latini_n be_v they_o not_o the_o head_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n and_o latin_a empire_n have_v they_o not_o all_o their_o worship_n and_o service_n in_o latin_a be_v they_o not_o latin_n for_o what_o be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o lateinos_n and_o what_o be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n but_o lateinos_n true_a it_o be_v indeed_o which_o the_o papist_n say_v that_o many_o name_n may_v be_v invent_v who_o letter_n make_v this_o number_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v not_o of_o feign_a name_n for_o thereof_o can_v come_v nothing_o but_o uncertainty_n but_o he_o will_v we_o to_o count_v the_o number_n of_o his_o name_n which_o then_o the_o beast_n have_v that_o be_v lateinos_n i_o do_v thus_o then_o conclude_v the_o beast_n be_v a_o kingdom_n and_o the_o papacy_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o latin_n therefore_o the_o papacy_n be_v the_o beast_n the_o papacy_n be_v lateinos_n and_o contain_v the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o what_o other_o monarchy_n can_v be_v show_v since_o the_o revelation_n be_v give_v who_o numerative_a letter_n contain_v this_o foresay_a number_n assure_o none_o and_o therefore_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n saint_n john_n point_v at_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o monarchy_n of_o the_o pope_n for_o lateinos_n do_v both_o contain_v the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n according_a to_o saint_n john_n computation_n and_o also_o his_o name_n which_o be_v the_o latin_a empire_n or_o roman_a empire_n and_o thus_o have_v we_o hear_v the_o description_n of_o these_o two_o huge_a and_o monstrous_a beast_n the_o sea-beast_n and_o the_o land_n beast_n which_o both_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n hitherto_o have_v indeed_o play_v the_o beast_n against_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o still_o do_v play_v the_o beast_n and_o will_v never_o cease_v play_v the_o beast_n till_o their_o horn_n and_o hoof_n head_n and_o body_n be_v clean_o cut_v off_o which_o will_v be_v short_o as_o we_o shall_v hear_v anon_o chap_n xiiii_o we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o description_n of_o the_o two_o great_a and_o dreadful_a beast_n we_o have_v hear_v how_o mighty_o they_o have_v prevail_v now_o many_o year_n and_o reign_v as_o monarch_n of_o the_o earth_n now_o in_o this_o chapter_n we_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o fall_n and_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o so_o that_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o all_o the_o chapter_n follow_v until_o the_o twenty_o chapter_n be_v to_o show_v that_o both_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o papacy_n shall_v ebb_v as_o fast_o as_o ever_o they_o do_v flow_v shall_v wain_n as_o fast_o as_o ever_o they_o do_v wax_v shall_v decrease_v as_o fast_o as_o ever_o they_o do_v increase_v and_o fall_v down_o as_o fast_o as_o ever_o they_o do_v rise_v up_o even_o until_o they_o come_v to_o utter_v ruin_n and_o desolation_n this_o chapter_n contain_v seven_o principal_a thing_n 5._o verse_n 1._o ver._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o first_o it_o show_v that_o god_n have_v his_o church_n upon_o the_o earth_n even_o then_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o extinct_a by_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o two_o outrageous_a beast_n 7._o verse_n 6_o 7._o second_o it_o show_v that_o the_o poor_a persecute_a church_n do_v sincere_o and_o zealous_o worship_n god_n even_o in_o the_o fire_n and_o flame_n of_o affliction_n 8._o verse_n 8._o three_o it_o show_v that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v with_o great_a success_n in_o these_o last_o day_n throughout_o many_o kingdom_n 11._o ver._n 9_o 10_o 11._o four_o it_o show_v that_o rome_n shall_v fall_v down_o at_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n five_o 13._o verse_n 12_o 13._o it_o show_v that_o all_o papist_n shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o cast_v into_o hell_n fire_n for_o ever_o six_o it_o show_v that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o god_n elect_v which_o have_v refuse_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o beast_n do_v live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n last_o it_o describe_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n etc._n verse_n 14_o etc._n etc._n wherein_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a shall_v have_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n then_o i_o look_v 1._o verse_n 1._o and_o behold_v a_o lamb_n stand_v on_o the_o mount_n zion_n and_o with_o he_o a_o hundred_o and_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o have_v his_o father_n name_n write_v in_o their_o forehead_n now_o at_o the_o last_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bring_v in_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o theatre_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o play_v his_o part_n in_o this_o tragedy_n and_o to_o help_v the_o poor_a weak_a woman_n which_o we_o hear_v of_o before_o against_o the_o dragon_n and_o the_o two_o monstrous_a beast_n which_o will_v have_v tear_v she_o in_o piece_n and_o utter_o devour_v she_o if_o this_o lamb_n jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o step_v in_o and_o rescue_v she_o well_o now_o come_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o begin_v to_o stir_v in_o these_o matter_n and_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o protection_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o poor_a helpless_a woman_n against_o both_o the_o dragon_n and_o the_o dragon_n two_o great_a instrument_n but_o some_o may_v say_v what_o be_v a_o poor_a lamb_n to_o encounter_v with_o a_o dragon_n with_o a_o lion_n with_o a_o leopard_n and_o a_o bear_v i_o answer_v that_o although_o christ_n be_v a_o lamb_n to_o his_o church_n even_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v a_o slay_a sacrifice_n from_o the_o begin_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o elect_a yet_o to_o all_o his_o enemy_n he_o be_v a_o most_o strong_a and_o terrible_a lion_n even_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n as_o he_o be_v call_v before_o 5.5_o chap._n 5.5_o now_o this_o most_o terrible_a lion_n even_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o lord_n mighty_a in_o bartell_n come_v forth_o to_o protect_v and_o defend_v his_o church_n against_o all_o her_o enemy_n who_o be_v of_o such_o infinite_a might_n and_o puissance_n that_o neither_o the_o old_a dragon_n nor_o his_o young_a imp_n not_o all_o the_o curse_a hellhound_n that_o bark_v and_o bite_v and_o take_v their_o part_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o his_o hand_n for_o rage_n they_o never_o so_o much_o he_o shall_v hamper_v they_o all_o well_o enough_o for_o though_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o rein_v a_o long_a time_n and_o let_v they_o alone_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o play_v the_o tyrant_n with_o the_o woman_n his_o spouse_n yet_o now_o he_o will_v no_o long_o put_v
it_o up_o at_o their_o hand_n but_o will_v up_o and_o maintain_v the_o woman_n cause_n and_o bear_v she_o out_o against_o they_o all_o nay_o he_o will_v make_v ready_a his_o bow_n that_o he_o may_v shoot_v off_o and_o make_v his_o arrow_n drink_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o she_o and_o his_o enemy_n and_o will_v whet_v his_o glitter_a sword_n that_o he_o may_v sheathe_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o antichrist_n and_o all_o his_o adherent_n therefore_o now_o let_v both_o the_o great_a beast_n and_o their_o fire_n look_v to_o themselves_o for_o here_o come_v in_o one_o that_o will_v knock_v they_o all_o down_o and_o lay_v they_o in_o the_o dust_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o rise_v up_o again_o for_o this_o cause_n now_o at_o length_n s._n john_n in_o a_o vision_n see_v a_o lamb_n stand_v upon_o mount_n zion_n that_o be_v christ_n present_a with_o the_o church_n for_o mount_v zion_n be_v a_o ancient_a figure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v write_v mount_v zion_n lie_v northward_n be_v fair_a in_o situation_n 48.2_o psal_n 48.2_o it_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n and_o again_o the_o law_n shall_v go_v forth_o of_o zion_n 5.2_o mich._n 5.2_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n moreover_o saint_n john_n see_v here_o with_o the_o lamb_n a_o hundred_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o that_o be_v the_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n put_v a_o certain_a number_n for_o a_o uncertain_a and_o special_o allude_v to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n as_o before_o have_v be_v show_v for_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v where_o the_o church_n be_v when_o all_o the_o world_n wonder_v and_o follow_v the_o first_o beast_n and_o also_o when_o all_o 4._o chap._n 7_o 4._o both_o small_a and_o great_a rich_a and_o poor_a receive_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o second_o beast_n saint_n john_n answer_v that_o even_o then_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n god_n have_v his_o hide_a and_o invisible_a church_n who_o jesus_n christ_n do_v protect_v and_o preserve_v even_o in_o the_o very_a flame_n of_o persecution_n be_v always_o present_a with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o as_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n a_o little_a before_o his_o bodily_a departure_n from_o they_o loe_o i_o be_o with_o you_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o here_o he_o be_v say_v to_o stand_v upon_o mount_n zion_n with_o his_o hundred_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o and_o it_o be_v add_v that_o this_o number_n of_o god_n faithful_a elect_a child_n have_v his_o father_n name_n write_v in_o their_o forehead_n that_o be_v they_o do_v profess_v and_o practice_v the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o god_n their_o father_n only_o utter_o renounce_v and_o abhor_v the_o worship_n &_o religion_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o the_o father_n name_n in_o this_o place_n be_v set_v opposite_a to_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n to_o signify_v that_o as_o the_o worshipper_n of_o antichrist_n receive_v his_o mark_n so_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n receive_v his_o brand_n which_o be_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o whereby_o they_o be_v perfect_o discern_v from_o those_o which_o have_v the_o beast_n mark_v so_o then_o it_o clear_o appear_v from_o this_o place_n that_o god_n preserve_v many_o thousand_o of_o his_o true_a worshipper_n even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o great_a antichrist_n when_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o few_o or_o none_o remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o elias_n in_o vain_a therefore_o do_v the_o papist_n ask_v we_o where_o our_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n time_n since_o the_o holy_a apostle_n here_o stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o christ_n have_v his_o little_a flock_n in_o the_o wilderness_n even_o then_o when_o it_o be_v in_o great_a strait_n and_o as_o we_o say_v drive_v to_o the_o wall_n and_o therefore_o visibility_n be_v no_o sound_a note_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v most_o ignorant_o dispute_v for_o it_o be_v a_o fond_a and_o absurd_a kind_n of_o reason_v to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o because_o it_o do_v not_o visible_o appear_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v reason_v that_o there_o be_v no_o moon_n in_o the_o heaven_n because_o sometime_o there_o be_v none_o see_v as_o in_o the_o change_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n and_o as_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o great_a thunder_n 2._o verse_n 2._o and_o i_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o harper_n harp_v with_o their_o harp_n here_o be_v set_v forth_o how_o his_o company_n of_o true_a worshipper_n do_v magnify_v and_o praise_n god_n for_o his_o great_a mercy_n towards_o they_o first_o john_n hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a voice_n or_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n praise_v and_o glorify_v god_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o 8.1_o chap._n 8.1_o that_o heaven_n in_o this_o book_n be_v sometime_o put_v for_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o wheresoever_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v assemble_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o there_o be_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o a_o heavenly_a voice_n now_o this_o voice_n be_v compare_v to_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n second_o to_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o great_a thunder_n three_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o harper_n harp_v with_o their_o harp_n it_o be_v liken_v to_o many_o water_n because_o it_o proceed_v from_o sundry_a sort_n of_o people_n of_o sundry_a nation_n country_n and_o kingdom_n as_o the_o word_n water_n be_v take_v afterward_o in_o this_o prophecy_n 17.25_o chap._n 17.1_o chap._n 17.25_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o thunder_n because_o the_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o loud_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o any_o thunder-crack_a it_o be_v compare_v to_o harper_n harp_v with_o their_o harp_n both_o because_o their_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o service_n be_v as_o sweet_a unto_o god_n as_o any_o music_n unto_o man_n as_o also_o because_o all_o god_n faithful_a people_n do_v tune_n together_o among_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o worship_n as_o the_o string_n of_o a_o wel-tuned_n instrument_n of_o music_n or_o as_o many_o musician_n play_v together_o which_o make_v a_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o most_o melodious_a ditty_n 3._o verse_n 3._o and_o they_o sing_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a song_n before_o the_o throne_n and_o before_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o no_o man_n can_v learn_v that_o song_n but_o the_o hundred_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o which_o be_v bring_v from_o the_o earth_n now_o it_o show_v how_o this_o holy_a society_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v continue_v their_o pray_n and_o glorify_v of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o weary_a of_o well_o do_v but_o hold_v on_o constant_o in_o the_o course_n of_o god_n worship_n have_v new_a song_n of_o thanksgiving_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o serve_v god_n daily_o with_o renew_a affection_n as_o man_n inflame_v with_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o all_o this_o they_o do_v perform_v before_o the_o throne_n before_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o the_o elder_n that_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o his_o holy_a congregation_n and_o no_o man_n can_v learn_v that_o song_n but_o the_o hundred_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o that_o be_v none_o of_o the_o reprobate_n and_o ungodly_a worldling_n can_v inward_o feel_v and_o understand_v this_o spiritual_a worship_n but_o only_o the_o elect_a to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v the_o secret_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o son_n kingdom_n these_o be_v they_o which_o be_v not_o defile_v with_o woman_n 4._o verse_n 4._o for_o they_o be_v virgin_n these_o follow_v the_o lamb_n wheresoever_o he_o go_v these_o be_v buy_v from_o man_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o the_o lamb._n and_o in_o their_o mouth_n be_v find_v no_o guile_n 5._o verse_n 5._o for_o they_o be_v without_o spot_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n this_o holy_a company_n be_v not_o defile_v with_o woman_n that_o be_v with_o gross_a and_o divers_a sin_n or_o rather_o with_o idolatrous_a pollution_n for_o they_o be_v virgin_n that_o be_v chaste_a worshipper_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o pollute_v with_o the_o defilement_n of_o antichrist_n these_o follow_v the_o lamb_n christ_n whithersoever_o he_o go_v they_o hear_v his_o voice_n they_o profess_v his_o worship_n and_o obey_v his_o doctrine_n they_o abhor_v antichrist_n they_o follow_v not_o the_o beast_n nor_o receive_v his_o mark_n they_o be_v buy_v from_o
the_o day_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o both_o those_o they_o do_v clear_o understand_v some_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v after_o their_o day_n as_o the_o rise_n and_o reign_v of_o the_o great_a antichrist_n which_o they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o see_v into_o hereupon_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o thing_n which_o unto_o they_o be_v very_o obscure_a be_v unto_o we_o most_o clear_a and_o manifest_a 〈◊〉_d be_v already_o fulfil_v insomuch_o that_o all_o which_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_v may_v see_v and_o understand_v they_o yea_o the_o most_o unlearned_a be_v not_o therefore_o discourage_v gentle_a reader_n at_o the_o darkness_n and_o difficulty_n of_o this_o book_n do_v not_o prejudicial_o resolve_v and_o set_v down_o with_o thyself_o that_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o this_o book_n can_v be_v give_v nor_o the_o tute_a meaning_n find_v out_o but_o that_o we_o must_v be_v fain_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v to_o rest_v in_o uncertain_a conjecture_n some_o follow_v one_o sense_n and_o some_o another_o as_o seem_v most_o like_a and_o profitable_a but_o no_o man_n can_v say_v confident_o and_o precise_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n oh_o be_v not_o of_o that_o mind_n good_a christian_a brother_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o undoubted_a certainty_n for_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o prophecy_n we_o be_v never_o the_o near_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o papist_n will_v drive_v we_o unto_o but_o know_v for_o a_o certainty_n that_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o be_v find_v out_o as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o to_o our_o uncertain_a conjecture_n and_o doubtful_a interpretation_n behold_v the_o merciful_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n who_o himself_o do_v expound_v the_o dark_a and_o most_o mystical_a thing_n in_o this_o prophecy_n or_o at_o least_o so_o many_o of_o they_o and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o rest_n be_v thereby_o lay_v open_a and_o make_v manifest_a the_o lord_n himself_o expound_v some_o thing_n in_o chap._n 1._o which_o give_v clear_a light_n to_o the_o first_o vision_n the_o angel_n expound_v divers_a other_o thing_n in_o the_o 17._o chapter_n which_o be_v the_o key_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o angel_n do_v of_o purpose_n open_a and_o interpret_v all_o the_o great_a doubt_n of_o this_o book_n as_o who_o be_v the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n who_o be_v the_o beast_n what_o be_v his_o seven_o head_n what_o be_v his_o ten_o horn_n what_o be_v the_o water_n which_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v the_o whore_n of_o rome_n sit_v upon_o moreover_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n we_o must_v note_v that_o the_o writing_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n unto_o which_o there_o be_v sundry_a allusion_n and_o from_o the_o which_o sundry_a thing_n be_v draw_v do_v clear_a divers_a thing_n in_o this_o revelation_n the_o knowledge_n of_o antiquity_n minister_v much_o aid_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o particular_a state_n thereof_o in_o divers_a age_n bring_v great_a light_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speech_n use_v by_o the_o old_a prophet_n do_v help_v also_o not_o a_o little_a the_o serious_a and_o deep_a weigh_v of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o confer_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o the_o consequent_n with_o the_o antecedent_n and_o the_o antecedent_n with_o the_o consequent_n further_v great_o for_o the_o bolt_n out_o of_o the_o true_a and_o natural_a sense_n and_o furthermore_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o prophecy_n so_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o it_o and_o do_v open_a and_o reveal_v it_o to_o all_o such_o as_o use_v all_o other_o good_a mean_n be_v earnest_a and_o humble_a suitor_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o illumination_n thereof_o whereby_o they_o may_v all_o understand_v both_o this_o and_o other_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v god_n have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o all_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o knowledge_n of_o art_n tongue_n and_o the_o learned_a writing_n and_o interpretation_n of_o sundry_a excellent_a man_n which_o all_o do_v bring_v great_a furtherance_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n sith_o then_o there_o be_v so_o many_o help_n for_o the_o open_n and_o expound_v of_o this_o revelation_n why_o shall_v any_o be_v discourage_v from_o the_o read_n and_o study_v thereof_o but_o if_o any_o man_n demand_v a_o reason_n why_o saint_n john_n write_v this_o revelation_n in_o such_o mystical_a and_o allegorical_a manner_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o may_v be_v divers_a reason_n yield_v hereof_o first_o that_o the_o world_n be_v blind_v may_v fulfil_v the_o thing_n herein_o specify_v second_o because_o john_n be_v to_o publish_v this_o revelation_n in_o such_o manner_n and_o form_n as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v figurative_a and_o allegorical_a three_o because_o it_o be_v much_o more_o wisdom_n to_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o all_o that_o time_n bear_v the_o sway_n almost_o over_o all_o the_o world_n under_o covert_n and_o figurative_a speech_n then_o in_o plain_a term_n lest_o the_o roman_a prince_n shall_v rage_v more_o against_o the_o christian_n even_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o like_a also_o may_v be_v say_v for_o daniel_n dark_a manner_n of_o deliver_v his_o prophecy_n for_o if_o he_o have_v utter_v those_o thing_n in_o plain_a term_n which_o he_o speak_v dark_o and_o allegorical_o it_o may_v have_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n for_o the_o heathen_a enemy_n will_v never_o have_v endure_v to_o hear_v that_o all_o their_o empire_n glory_n and_o renown_n shall_v fall_v one_o after_o another_o and_o one_o by_o another_o and_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o only_a holy_a people_n who_o god_n do_v defend_v and_o to_o who_o in_o the_o end_n god_n will_v not_o only_o give_v a_o quiet_a possession_n of_o their_o own_o land_n and_o kingdom_n but_o also_o a_o kingdom_n everlasting_a and_o that_o through_o their_o messiah_n and_o great_a deliverer_n but_o to_o grow_v to_o a_o conclusion_n gentle_a reader_n thou_o shall_v find_v in_o this_o poor_a travel_n first_o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o first_o thirteen_o chapter_n unto_o the_o twenty_o reduce_v all_o to_o one_o head_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o five_o point_n propound_v and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o three_o chapter_n follow_v brief_o and_o plain_o expound_v if_o any_o through_o laziness_n will_v not_o or_o through_o want_n of_o leisure_n can_v read_v over_o this_o short_a travel_n yet_o for_o his_o comfort_n let_v he_o read_v choose_v thing_n only_o which_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n and_o thus_o christian_n reader_n hope_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o neglect_v that_o which_o may_v be_v for_o thy_o own_o good_a i_o commend_v there_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v further_o and_o to_o give_v thou_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v thou_o in_o the_o lord_n arthur_n dent._n upon_o the_o 14._o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n these_o five_o point_n be_v handle_v first_o that_o babylon_n in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v call_v rome_n second_o that_o rome_n shall_v fall_v and_o how_o three_o that_o rome_n shall_v fall_v final_o and_o come_v to_o utter_v desolation_n in_o this_o life_n before_o the_o last_o judgement_n four_o by_o who_o and_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v overthrow_v five_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o utter_a ruin_n and_o overthrow_v thereof_o apoc._n 18._o verse_n 4._o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v go_v out_o of_o heâ—_n my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n the_o rvine_n of_o rome_n or_o a_o exposition_n upon_o the_o revelation_n wherein_o be_v plain_o show_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o popish_a religion_n together_o with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o rome_n shall_v ebb_v and_o decay_v still_o more_o and_o more_o throughout_o all_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n and_o come_v to_o a_o utter_a overthrow_n even_o in_o this_o life_n before_o i_o enter_v into_o the_o exposition_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o handle_v six_o circumstantial_a point_n which_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o whole_a matter_n follow_v and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o the_o instrument_n that_o write_v
the_o earth_n by_o the_o sign_n which_o be_v permit_v he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o beast_n say_v to_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n which_o have_v the_o wound_n of_o a_o sword_n and_o do_v live_v these_o two_o verse_n contain_v two_o special_a thing_n the_o one_o be_v the_o false_a and_o feign_a miracle_n of_o antichrist_n the_o other_o be_v the_o curse_a effect_n thereof_o to_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n which_o antichrist_n shall_v work_v it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o elias_n do_v the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v not_o that_o the_o pope_n can_v indeed_o cause_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o elias_n do_v but_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o blind_a world_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v as_o great_a power_n as_o elias_n have_v for_o partly_o by_o counterfeit_a miracle_n and_o partly_o by_o some_o strange_a thing_n do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n the_o seduce_a world_n have_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o clergy_n have_v as_o great_a power_n to_o work_v miracle_n as_o ever_o have_v elias_n touch_v the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o wonder_n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v papist_n and_o worldling_n be_v gross_o deceive_v and_o delude_v by_o they_o even_o by_o those_o lie_a wonder_n which_o be_v permit_v he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o beast_n that_o be_v in_o the_o face_n and_o open_a view_n of_o the_o empire_n according_a as_o the_o apostle_n foretold_v 2._o 2_o thes_n 2._o that_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o in_o all_o deceiveablenesse_n of_o unrighteousness_n among_o they_o that_o perish_v etc._n etc._n but_o concern_v the_o popish_a counterfeit_a sign_n and_o wonder_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o write_v be_v so_o well_o know_v unto_o all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v and_o so_o common_a and_o notorious_a in_o all_o story_n say_v to_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n 14._o verse_n 14._o that_o they_o shall_v make_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n which_o have_v the_o wound_n of_o a_o sword_n and_o do_v live_v now_o antichrist_n have_v get_v the_o world_n under_o he_o by_o his_o counterfeit_a miracle_n do_v lay_v his_o commandment_n on_o they_o to_o make_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n now_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o discuss_v some_o think_v that_o by_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n which_o have_v the_o wound_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o do_v live_v be_v mean_v the_o repair_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o decay_a estate_n of_o the_o empire_n by_o the_o pope_n to_o his_o full_a strength_n and_o virtue_n we_o do_v read_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o empire_n under_o nero_n otho_n galba_n and_o vitellius_n be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o under_o augustus_n tiberius_n and_o claudius_n we_o do_v read_v also_o that_o the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n make_v horrible_a rent_n and_o dissipation_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n we_o do_v further_o read_v that_o the_o empire_n be_v divide_v and_o rend_v in_o piece_n so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o emperor_n of_o the_o east_n and_o the_o emperor_n of_o the_o west_n yea_o at_o last_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o west_n fall_v quite_o down_o so_o that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o 300_o year_n and_o more_o there_o be_v no_o emperor_n of_o the_o west_n till_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n leo_n the_o three_o make_v charles_n the_o great_a the_o king_n of_o france_n emperor_n then_o be_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o west_n again_o erect_v and_o in_o time_n grow_v to_o as_o great_a a_o height_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o pope_n as_o before_o yea_o far_o great_a now_o i_o say_v some_o do_v take_v this_o restore_n of_o the_o decay_a estate_n of_o the_o empire_n by_o the_o pope_n to_o his_o former_a strength_n and_o power_n to_o be_v the_o make_n of_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n which_o have_v the_o wound_n of_o a_o sword_n and_o do_v live_v but_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o my_o reason_n be_v that_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o decay_a estate_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o his_o former_a condition_n be_v the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o beast_n himself_o for_o the_o empire_n be_v the_o beast_n and_o not_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o we_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v two_o several_a thing_n but_o the_o pope_n in_o recover_v the_o empire_n to_o his_o pristine_a estate_n set_v up_o the_o beast_n again_o and_o therefore_o not_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n therefore_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o decay_a estate_n of_o the_o empire_n beside_o this_o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o make_v this_o image_n but_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n bear_v small_a sway_n in_o the_o recover_n and_o erection_n of_o the_o empire_n for_o therein_o the_o pope_n be_v all_o in_o all_o after_o it_o come_v into_o their_o hand_n therefore_o this_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o empire_n but_o of_o some_o other_o thing_n let_v we_o then_o diligent_o search_v out_o what_o may_v be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o place_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o by_o the_o beast_n which_o have_v the_o wound_n of_o a_o sword_n and_o do_v live_v be_v mean_v the_o recover_a estate_n of_o the_o empire_n as_o before_o ver_fw-la 12._o and_o by_o the_o image_n thereof_o i_o understand_v the_o form_n of_o government_n for_o a_o image_n do_v signify_v a_o likeness_n a_o similitude_n a_o figure_n or_o form_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o as_o in_o all_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n there_o be_v both_o a_o substance_n and_o a_o form_n a_o matter_n and_o a_o manner_n so_o here_o have_v before_o set_v down_o that_o antichrist_n have_v erect_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o roman_a tyranny_n now_o he_o show_v that_o he_o will_v also_o set_v up_o the_o image_n and_o form_n of_o the_o same_o for_o before_o ver_fw-la 12._o it_o be_v say_v that_o antichrist_n this_o second_o beast_n cause_v the_o world_n to_o worship_v the_o first_o beast_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o law_n worship_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o old_a heathenish_a roman_a tyrant_n as_o before_o have_v be_v show_v &_o now_o here_o be_v add_v that_o he_o do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o cause_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o worship_v the_o old_a beast_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o also_o he_o lay_v commandment_n upon_o they_o to_o make_v his_o image_n that_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o external_a form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n after_o the_o very_a pattern_n and_o form_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o old_a empire_n yea_o so_o like_v it_o that_o it_o be_v call_v the_o very_a image_n of_o the_o same_o for_o as_o the_o form_n of_o government_n under_o the_o old_a emperor_n be_v cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a and_o altogether_o bend_v against_o the_o church_n so_o the_o form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n under_o the_o pope_n be_v cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a and_o altogether_o bend_v against_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o here_o it_o be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v as_o like_v it_o as_o it_o can_v look_v then_o it_o follow_v that_o antichrist_n have_v set_v up_o that_o external_a form_n of_o worship_n which_o the_o idolatrous_a roman_n of_o old_a use_v and_o that_o he_o have_v renew_v the_o persecute_v empire_n not_o only_o in_o substance_n of_o matter_n but_o also_o in_o form_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o popish_a church_n policy_n and_o external_a regiment_n be_v the_o very_a image_n of_o the_o beast_n here_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v say_v to_o make_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n 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 of_o it_o 15._o verse_n 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 clergyman_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 the_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 17._o verse_n 16_o 17._o and_o he_o make_v all_o both_o small_a and_o great_a 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-hand_a or_o in_o their_o forehead_n and_o 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 antichrist_n be_v not_o content_a to_o murder_v and_o massacre_n 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 stoup_n 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 ear-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 man_n 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 this_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-hand_a that_o be_v unless_o he_o do_v profess_v and_o practice_v the_o worship_n the_o religion_n law_n 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 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 his_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 1â—_n verse_n 1â—_n let_v he_o that_o have_v wit_n count_v 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 threescore_o 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 than_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 shall_v fulfil_v they_o may_v be_v blind_v while_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n elect_v be_v open_v to_o see_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o matter_n well_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n s._n john_n do_v only_o here_o set_v down_o the_o numerative_a letter_n of_o the_o beast_n name_n he_o write_v in_o greek_a and_o he_o only_o set_v down_o three_o greek_a letter_n or_o character_n which_o in_o greek_a numeration_n make_v six_o hundred_o sixty_o six_o now_o further_o we_o be_v to_o note_v the_o