point_a at_o and_o foreshowed_n shall_v take_v place_n in_o the_o church_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o antichrist_n be_v include_v in_o that_o bishop_n only_o but_o that_o pontifical_a kingdom_n which_o be_v opposite_a and_o contrary_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o truth_n to_o be_v term_v antichrist_n and_o see_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o kingdom_n i_o call_v he_o antichrist_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a wherein_o i_o whole_o follow_v the_o manner_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o that_o antichrist_n it_o mention_v sometime_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o body_n as_o it_o be_v as_o when_o paul_n say_v except_o there_o first_o come_v a_o defection_n or_o fall_v away_o and_o now_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n work_v and_o sometime_o again_o it_o specifi_v but_o some_o one_o be_v chief_a and_o principal_n in_o this_o kingdom_n of_o who_o depend_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o wickedness_n as_o when_o he_o say_v set_v and_o advaunce_v himself_o against_o whatsoever_o be_v call_v god_n or_o be_v worship_v and_o bear_v it_o out_o as_o if_o he_o be_v at_o god_n these_o two_o point_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n but_o of_o the_o head_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n himself_o thus_o then_o see_v it_o appear_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o name_n of_o antichrist_n let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o matter_n and_o thing_n itself_o and_o examine_v what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v antichrist_n whereby_o all_o man_n which_o be_v not_o already_o infect_v with_o the_o dregs_n of_o antichristianisme_n may_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o the_o roman_a bishop_n be_v as_o i_o say_v this_o antichrist_n and_o herein_o of_o purpose_n i_o will_v affect_v brevity_n endeavour_v to_o comprise_v many_o thing_n in_o a_o few_o word_n and_o much_o matter_n in_o a_o small_a compass_n all_o the_o ancient_a father_n almost_o and_o many_o of_o the_o late_a writer_n and_o those_o very_a learned_a divine_n do_v affirm_v that_o daniel_n in_o his_o 11._o chapter_n about_o the_o end_n do_v speak_v of_o antichrist_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v there_o speak_v by_o he_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o antiochus_n only_o figurative_o but_o be_v proper_o and_o in_o truth_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o antichrist_n there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o pope_n proctor_n themselves_o to_o my_o knowledge_n that_o make_v doubt_n but_o that_o the_o prophet_n in_o that_o place_n do_v speak_v of_o antichrist_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o we_o may_v even_o out_o of_o this_o place_n learn_v who_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o fellow_n this_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v for_o in_o that_o treatise_n of_o daniel_n we_o may_v behold_v not_o a_o sleight_n counterfeit_n but_o a_o lively_a picture_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o first_o say_v the_o prophet_n he_o shall_v do_v what_o he_o listen_v and_o indeed_o the_o pope_n have_v now_o these_o many_o year_n do_v even_o what_o he_o please_v in_o many_o matter_n as_o well_o civil_a as_o ecclesiastical_a for_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o create_v translate_v and_o put_v down_o king_n to_o discharge_v subject_n from_o their_o oath_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o have_v the_o like_a authority_n over_o all_o empire_n and_o kingdom_n to_o root_v out_o pull_v down_o bring_v to_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v again_o to_o build_v and_o plant_v they_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o this_o power_n he_o have_v put_v in_o practice_n not_o only_o heretofore_o against_o many_o king_n and_o keyser_n but_o of_o late_o he_o itch_v as_o you_o know_v to_o exercise_v upon_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_n and_o as_o for_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n he_o therein_o challenge_v to_o himself_o much_o more_o licentious_a liberty_n for_o therein_o all_o his_o say_n placard_n and_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o oracle_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o like_v he_o must_v be_v take_v for_o catholic_a and_o whatsoever_o displease_v he_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v heretical_a though_o he_o shall_v draw_v with_o he_o infinite_a soul_n of_o man_n into_o hell_n yet_o it_o be_v impiety_n for_o any_o man_n to_o say_v what_o do_v you_o do_v 40._o si_fw-mi papa_n and_o it_o be_v a_o old_a principle_n among_o papist_n which_o none_o of_o they_o dare_v deny_v that_o the_o bare_a will_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v reason_n enough_o further_o the_o prophet_n say_v he_o shall_v exalt_v and_o magnify_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v god_n the_o which_o also_o paul_n very_o flat_o affirm_v of_o antichrist_n now_o how_o the_o pope_n perform_v this_o i_o shall_v afterward_o show_v when_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o handle_v that_o place_n of_o paul_n three_o the_o prophet_n add_v and_o he_o shall_v prosper_v until_o by_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o be_v bring_v to_o nought_o who_o be_v ignorant_a how_o wonderful_o the_o kingdom_n of_o popery_n increase_v until_o such_o time_n as_o the_o lord_n reveil_v antichrist_n unto_o his_o people_n four_o it_o follow_v neither_o shall_v he_o regard_v the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n and_o sure_o the_o romanistes_n have_v devise_v we_o a_o new_a god_n which_o be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n of_o the_o christian_n they_o have_v a_o counterfaict_n god_n and_o a_o strange_a christ_n a_o new_a heaven_n and_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o our_o father_n the_o apostle_n never_o know_v but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o can_v invent_v and_o frame_v for_o their_o own_o turn_n the_o which_o i_o will_v after_o make_v manifest_a five_o the_o prophet_n write_v he_o shall_v not_o care_v for_o the_o desire_n of_o woman_n the_o papist_n although_o they_o be_v not_o the_o least_o effeminate_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v yet_o they_o condemn_v marriage_n as_o utter_o unlawful_a among_o they_o in_o all_o their_o order_n and_o profession_n in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o prefer_v abominable_a sodomitry_n and_o filthy_a rage_a lust_n before_o honest_a and_o holy_a matrimony_n six_o he_o shall_v worship_v god_n with_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n among_o the_o catholic_n the_o spiritual_a and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v clean_o decay_v and_o all_o their_o religion_n stand_v in_o outward_a show_n and_o stately_a furniture_n of_o their_o church_n and_o image_n and_o mask_a pomp_n in_o celebrate_v their_o mass_n last_o he_o add_v he_o shall_v increase_v his_o glory_n and_o shall_v make_v his_o accompliss_n to_o rule_v over_o many_o and_o shall_v divide_v the_o land_n among_o they_o what_o riot_n what_o glory_n what_o magnificence_n what_o power_n what_o riches_n and_o treasure_n can_v be_v great_a they_o that_o the_o papist_n possess_v whatsoever_o be_v pleasant_a in_o all_o christendom_n whatsoever_o be_v gainful_a delightsome_a fat_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v whole_o not_o long_o since_o in_o the_o pope_n favourer_n wherefore_o i_o think_v assure_o that_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o these_o thing_n do_v so_o touch_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v so_o fit_o with_o any_o other_o whosoever_o but_o see_v there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o resolve_v that_o daniel_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v of_o antichrist_n or_o if_o he_o do_v yet_o that_o he_o there_o speak_v but_o figurative_o as_o under_o the_o person_n of_o a_o other_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o this_o antichristian_a monster_n be_v plain_o and_o clear_o set_v out_o unto_o us._n and_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o prosecute_v every_o place_n but_o make_v instance_n only_o of_o such_o proof_n as_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o pregnant_a there_o be_v never_o any_o christian_a that_o as_o yet_o make_v doubt_n that_o in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thess_n cap._n 2._o mention_n be_v make_v of_o antichrist_n wherefore_o let_v we_o advise_o consider_v and_o make_v search_n into_o that_o place_n and_o let_v we_o compare_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n with_o that_o antichrist_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o very_a antichrist_n that_o by_o his_o true_a and_o proper_a mark_n we_o may_v learn_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o very_a truth_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o thessalonian_o have_v wronglie_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n draw_v near_o the_o apostle_n endevour_v to_o rid_v they_o of_o that_o error_n and_o withal_o deliver_v doctrine_n most_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n the_o simple_a and_o plain_a proposition_n whereof_o be_v this_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n this_o antichrist_n he_o diverslie_o describe_v that_o every_o church_n and_o congregation_n may_v know_v what_o a_o manner_n of_o one_o he_o shall_v be_v let_v we_o several_o consider_v of_o each_o
antichrist_n be_v not_o come_v to_o his_o height_n or_o perfection_n and_o partly_o also_o for_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v so_o forestalled_n by_o prejudice_n of_o a_o other_o matter_n and_o so_o dazzle_v yea_o and_o blind_v with_o the_o glorious_a show_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v persuade_v that_o such_o mischief_n can_v possible_o ever_o rise_v from_o thence_o and_o although_o in_o time_n by_o little_a and_o little_a those_o foresay_a token_n begin_v to_o appear_v and_o show_v themselves_o whereby_o that_o horrible_a monster_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o withal_o although_o that_o sea_n itself_o begin_v now_o in_o that_o behalf_n to_o be_v suspect_v by_o many_o yet_o so_o great_a be_v the_o dreadful_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o who_o have_v espy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n dare_v not_o for_o their_o life_n mutter_v or_o speak_v the_o least_o word_n for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o be_v by_o and_o by_o not_o only_o condemn_v in_o the_o next_o synod_n as_o schismatic_n but_o also_o put_v to_o death_n by_o magistrate_n as_o heretiek_n more_o pestilent_a and_o heinous_a than_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v and_o so_o by_o mean_n of_o fear_n and_o terror_n they_o hold_v their_o tongue_n notwithstanding_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o ancestor_n namely_o about_o the_o year_n 350._o when_v leo_n the_o first_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n one_o hilarious_fw-la bishop_n of_o vienna_n in_o france_n do_v open_o gainsay_a the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n which_o then_o begin_v to_o advance_v and_o enlarge_v itself_o after_o that_o about_o 400._o year_n ago_o there_o arise_v one_o arnold_n in_o italy_n surname_v brixianus_n who_o with_o strong_a argument_n and_o vehement_a persuasion_n for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n account_v for_o his_o time_n both_o learned_a and_o eloquent_a handle_v plain_o and_o urge_v pithy_o this_o point_n and_o that_o very_o common_o publicklie_o and_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n itself_o by_o which_o his_o labour_n and_o force_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o move_v many_o indeed_o but_o yet_o general_o he_o can_v not_o prevail_v so_o great_a a_o coil_n it_o be_v always_o find_v to_o pluck_v the_o romish_a sea_n to_o ground_n in_o so_o much_o as_o one_o bernardus_n clarevallensis_n a_o man_n who_o otherwise_o stand_v not_o so_o great_o affect_v to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n yet_o by_o mean_n that_o man_n in_o those_o day_n be_v general_o so_o bewitch_v with_o a_o reverend_a opinion_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o that_o sea_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o toss_v and_o canva_v that_o censure_n of_o arnold_n although_o it_o be_v most_o true_a and_o just_a and_o this_o ancient_a and_o receive_v opinion_n touch_v the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n continue_a many_o generation_n and_o be_v never_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n control_v by_o any_o save_v only_o the_o greek_a bishop_n and_o that_o but_o by_o a_o few_o of_o they_o and_o in_o truth_n therein_o the_o grecian_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o a_o more_o free_a judgement_n and_o wise_a disposition_n than_o be_v our_o man_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n for_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o writing_n of_o nilus_n bishop_n of_o thessalonica_n a_o eloquent_a man_n earnest_o avouch_v that_o antichrist_n be_v not_o only_o come_v and_o seat_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n himself_o be_v the_o very_a party_n and_o this_o they_o enforce_v with_o such_o pregnant_a and_o strong_a proof_n as_o the_o best_a proctor_n that_o ever_o that_o sea_n have_v be_v never_o able_a as_o yet_o to_o overthrow_v but_o as_o for_o the_o western_a bishop_n they_o indeed_o disagree_v in_o this_o point_n but_o not_o upon_o any_o good_a ground_n or_o settle_a judgement_n but_o only_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o common_a custom_n nay_o they_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o great_a subtlety_n of_o satan_n who_o now_o begin_v to_o work_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n as_o paul_n have_v foretold_a proceed_v further_o and_o give_v their_o help_a hand_n to_o the_o sprede_n abroad_o of_o that_o pestilent_a infection_n the_o suppression_n whereof_o it_o behoove_v each_o christian_n to_o have_v endeavour_v and_o very_o busy_a and_o pettish_a they_o be_v in_o help_v and_o uphold_v it_o and_o in_o put_v oil_n as_o you_o will_v say_v to_o the_o fire_n and_o so_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o say_a bishop_n of_o rome_n become_v as_o big_a as_o arm_n as_o monstrous_a giant_n which_o have_v a_o hundred_o arm_n briareus_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o proverb_n who_o before_o be_v as_o little_a as_o a_o foolish_a leveret_fw-la at_o first_o in_o very_a deed_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o henry_n and_o after_o of_o the_o frederick_n emperor_n of_o germany_n the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n receive_v great_a strength_n and_o encroch_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n for_o although_o even_o from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o satan_n begin_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n thereof_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o bright_a shine_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o in_o those_o day_n be_v keep_v in_o all_o integrity_n in_o the_o church_n he_o take_v repulse_n and_o so_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o work_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v as_o it_o be_v new_o proclaim_v and_o take_v in_o hand_n he_o be_v enforce_v to_o be_v quiet_a &_o to_o defer_v his_o business_n unto_o some_o other_o time_n afterward_o look_v what_o he_o have_v long_o since_o begone_v and_o somewhat_o bring_v forward_o he_o find_v the_o mean_n to_o finish_v and_o bring_v to_o perfection_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o constantinus_n beard_n constantinus_n beard_a for_o which_o have_v a_o great_a beard_n pogonatus_n a_o emperor_n of_o constantinople_n now_o satan_n be_v by_o the_o mean_n and_o industry_n of_o antichrist_n as_o it_o be_v his_o legate_n once_o set_v over_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o chair_n of_o estate_n he_o nestle_v himself_o therein_o so_o sure_o that_o after_o it_o prove_v a_o thing_n almost_o inpossible_a by_o any_o power_n or_o policy_n to_o remove_v he_o thence_o but_o even_o as_o the_o strong_a arm_a man_n of_o who_o christ_n speak_v in_o matthew_n look_v how_o more_o vehement_o he_o be_v assault_v by_o the_o valiant_a soldier_n of_o christ_n church_n arnold_n wickliff_n husse_n jerom_n of_o prage_n and_o some_o more_o such_o like_a so_o do_v he_o as_o busy_o oppose_v against_o they_o more_o wicked_a and_o unclean_a spirit_n as_o a_o supply_n of_o fresh_a soldier_n in_o way_n of_o rescue_n for_o the_o pomp_n &_o power_n of_o antichrist_n be_v maintain_v by_o such_o man_n as_o be_v of_o as_o lewd_a a_o disposition_n and_o of_o as_o brazen_a face_n as_o ever_o live_v and_o that_o not_o only_o long_a ago_o but_o even_o of_o late_a in_o our_o day_n as_o by_o eckius_fw-la faber_n cochley_n and_o such_o other_o prate_v jack_n of_o the_o like_a stamp_n by_o who_o toilsome_a travail_n mingle_v with_o cavil_n cog_n and_o cozen_a trick_n the_o cause_n be_v a_o while_n cherish_v and_o upheald_v but_o god_n the_o father_n of_o all_o mercy_n in_o great_a compassion_n pity_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o world_n vouchsafe_v in_o this_o old-age_n thereof_o to_o raise_v and_o send_v among_o we_o the_o light_n of_o his_o glorious_a gospel_n the_o power_n whereof_o be_v the_o only_o instrument_n to_o bring_v antichrist_n underfoot_o therefore_o he_o lighten_v the_o mind_n of_o our_o understanding_n display_v the_o foggy_a mist_n of_o antichristian_a darkness_n and_o stir_v up_o his_o worthy_a servant_n as_o valiant_a champion_n to_o bruise_v and_o break_v to_o quell_v and_o kill_v the_o power_n of_o antichrist_n for_o in_o this_o quarraile_a wherein_o antichrist_n be_v to_o be_v encounter_v many_o have_v deal_v with_o very_o prosperous_a success_n as_o first_o and_o cheiflie_o m._n luther_n and_o after_o he_o for_o let_v i_o speak_v it_o without_o the_o offence_n of_o some_o he_o be_v not_o the_o last_o of_o the_o prophet_n hen._n bullinger_n &_o ralph_n gualther_n all_o which_o be_v great_a and_o excellent_a man_n both_o for_o learning_n and_o godliness_n and_o who_o of_o set_a purpose_n write_v treatise_n against_o antichrist_n as_o for_o john_n caluin_n theod_n beza_n jerom_n zanchus_fw-la very_o worthy_a captain_n and_o continual_a wrestler_n with_o antichrist_n i_o purpose_v to_o pretermit_v as_o also_o those_o more_o ancient_a fellow_n math._n paris_n mich._n cesennate_n io._n de_fw-mi poliaco_fw-it militzius_n of_o bohem_n by_o who_o learned_a writing_n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n have_v be_v shake_v yea_o and_o shiver_v notwithstanding_o see_v that_o there_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o
great_a as_o that_o the_o say_v bishop_n do_v there-by_a easy_o take_v occasion_n to_o abuse_v it_o where-upon_o bernard_n lib._n 1._o &_o 4._o the_o considerate_a ad_fw-la eugenium_fw-la complain_v greivous_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n bestir_v himself_o so_o as_o where-by_a he_o show_v that_o he_o have_v indeed_o all_o fullness_n of_o power_n but_o not_o of_o justice_n when_o once_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o apostolic_a authority_n that_o monstrous_a man_n &_o very_o prodigious_a beast_n shall_v be_v admit_v unto_o bishopric_n and_o high_a ecclesiastical_a preferment_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o second_o degree_n whereby_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n be_v advance_v the_o three_o &_o last_o be_v the_o excessive_a &_o coy_n favour_n that_o certain_a prince_n &_o especial_o emperor_n bare_a to_o that_o sea_n for_o this_o three_o point_n be_v likewise_o a_o principal_a pillar_n in_o that_o build_n for_o in_o those_o day_n not_o only_o all_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n contend_v to_o their_o utmost_a even_o like_o mad_a man_n to_o lade_v those_o bishop_n with_o immoderate_a wealth_n and_o possession_n but_o even_o emperor_n themselves_o heap_v upon_o they_o honour_n privilege_n and_o other_o dignity_n belong_v to_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o emperor_n or_o the_o office_n of_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o submit_v unto_o the_o censure_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n both_o their_o own_o decree_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o synod_n justinian_n the_o emperor_n send_v ambassador_n unto_o john_n bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o procure_v his_o approbation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o civil_a law_n which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o publish_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o epistle_n prefix_v before_o the_o say_a coade_n of_o justinian_n yea_o some_o emperor_n have_v over_o submissie_a give_v it_o out_o thus_o that_o their_o law_n do_v not_o disdain_v in_o way_n of_o imitation_n to_o resemble_v the_o holy_a canon_n as_o though_o forsooth_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o imperial_a edict_n be_v far_o inferior_a unto_o that_o of_o the_o pope_n decree_n and_o canon_n and_o in_o truth_n whereas_o those_o emperor_n do_v not_o so_o provident_o bestow_v upon_o those_o bishop_n so_o great_a revenue_n what_o else_o do_v they_o bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o end_n but_o only_o a_o dispersion_n of_o deadly_a poison_n in_o the_o church_n the_o which_o some_o of_o the_o pope_n own_o clawback_n have_v write_v be_v hear_v in_o the_o life_n of_o silvester_n the_o first_o distinct_o utter_v in_o the_o air_n what_o time_n so_o large_a revenue_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o constantine_n the_o great_a jerom_n upon_o malachi_n write_v plain_o that_o the_o church_n after_o that_o it_o come_v to_o the_o protection_n of_o christian_a prince_n it_o increase_v in_o power_n and_o riches_n but_o decrease_v in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n last_o to_o what_o end_n be_v there_o so_o many_o privilege_n grant_v by_o they_o both_o to_o place_n and_o person_n ecclesiastical_a especial_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whereby_o they_o be_v exempt_v from_o all_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n even_o of_o ordinary_a magistrate_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o check_n of_o any_o have_v liberty_n to_o live_v as_o licentiouslie_o as_o they_o listen_v these_o be_v the_o unhappy_a beginning_n and_o proceed_n of_o so_o great_a tyranny_n whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o this_o general_a apostasy_n be_v found_v increase_v and_o make_v strong_a and_o yet_o this_o so_o great_a power_n receive_v also_o some_o furtherance_n even_o by_o justinian_n the_o emperor_n and_o somewhat_o before_o the_o time_n of_o phocas_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o law_n of_o he_o in_o novella_fw-la authent_fw-mi 131._o de_fw-la quatuor_fw-la sanctis_fw-la concilijs_fw-la by_o what_o other_o degree_n and_o occasion_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n and_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n be_v either_o stilie_o draw_v forward_o or_o strong_o establish_v the_o 25._o chapter_n but_o satan_n the_o crafty_a work-maister_n wrought_v not_o only_o by_o these_o engine_n and_o subtle_a practice_n in_o advaunce_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n but_o apply_v also_o other_o devise_n of_o he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v to_o set_v abroach_o all_o the_o policy_n he_o have_v and_o utmost_a endeavour_n he_o can_v in_o weave_v this_o web_n for_o unto_o these_o beginning_n and_o proceed_n be_v adjoin_v other_o cause_n and_o occasion_n as_o hang-by_n which_o be_v neither_o small_a in_o themselves_o nor_o feeble_a in_o their_o force_n namely_o first_o the_o fame_n and_o renown_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n itself_o which_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o decay_a estate_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o the_o empty_a seat_n thereof_o be_v at_o that_o time_n translate_v unto_o constantinople_n three_o the_o bountiful_a benefit_n of_o certain_a bishop_n of_o rome_n bestow_v upon_o all_o jtalie_n in_o general_a and_o more_o particular_o and_o special_o upon_o rome_n itself_o as_o testimony_n of_o their_o love_n and_o pledge_n of_o their_o care_n which_o they_o have_v of_o their_o citizen_n and_o sheep_n for_o leo_n the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n go_v out_o and_o meet_v attilas_n who_o be_v make_v invasion_n upon_o italy_n and_o turn_v he_o back_o have_v pacify_v he_o with_o a_o very_a mild_a speech_n in_o so_o much_o as_o that_o furious_a beast_n at_o who_o very_a name_n all_o man_n tremble_v be_v soothe_v up_o without_o once_o touch_v any_o part_n of_o jtalie_n return_v into_o pannonia_n pelagius_n the_o first_o bishop_n likewise_o of_o rome_n do_v so_o assuage_v totilas_n a_o most_o cruel_a tyrant_n by_o humble_a suit_n and_o petition_n as_o that_o when_o he_o have_v already_o surprise_v rome_n and_o in_o great_a rage_n be_v devise_v how_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o utter_v ruin_n yet_o he_o obtain_v thus_o much_o of_o this_o angry_a and_o furious_a totilas_n that_o even_o totilas_n himself_o shall_v inhibit_v further_a fiering_n and_o slaughter_n to_o be_v commit_v in_o rome_n there_o be_v other_o great_a good_a turn_v record_v of_o other_o bishop_n of_o rome_n employ_v either_o upon_o all_o italy_n as_o by_o send_v or_o entertain_v ambassador_n or_o else_o perticularlie_o upon_o rome_n itself_o which_o thing_n worthy_o procure_v to_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n great_a and_o special_a favour_n not_o only_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o jtalian_o and_o roman_n but_o also_o of_o stranger_n and_o man_n of_o foreign_a nation_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o for_o remedy_n against_o the_o injury_n offer_v of_o some_o officer_n and_o lieutenant_n yea_o such_o as_o be_v without_o the_o precinct_n of_o italy_n appeal_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n so_o do_v victor_n bishop_n of_o fausienna_n call_v for_o assistance_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o gregory_n the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o judge_n in_o africa_n which_o commit_v many_o thing_n with_o wrong_n and_o violence_n so_o likewise_o he_o take_v into_o his_o protection_n isidore_n mustellus_n and_o constantius_n against_o the_o hard_a proceed_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n he_o yield_v his_o help_a hand_n unto_o adrian_n bishop_n of_o thebes_n against_o larissaeus_n &_o the_o metropolitanes_n of_o justiniana_n epist_n 46._o induct_n 11._o so_o also_o do_v the_o say_a gregory_n write_v very_o sharp_o unto_o brunchilda_n the_o queen_n of_o france_n for_o that_o she_o do_v wicked_o permit_v the_o jew_n within_o her_o dominion_n to_o entertain_v and_o keep_v christian_n as_o their_o bondslave_n and_o to_o conclude_v thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o very_o barbarous_a people_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o gotland_n although_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v aliaunt_z and_o stranger_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n have_v the_o bisshoppe_n of_o rome_n in_o very_o great_a account_n and_o endeavour_v to_o increase_v and_o set_v out_o their_o creditte_n and_o estimation_n to_o their_o utmost_a for_o atalaricus_n king_n of_o the_o goth_n cause_v by_o public_a edict_n and_o proclamation_n that_o boniface_n the_o four_o and_o john_n bishop_n of_o rome_n shall_v be_v high_o reverence_v and_o worship_v by_o the_o people_n and_o senate_n of_o rome_n and_o after_o he_o theodoricus_n a_o king_n likewise_o of_o goteland_n command_v the_o same_o to_o be_v perform_v to_o make_v short_a that_o i_o may_v herein_o comprise_v and_o shut_v up_o all_o thing_n as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v the_o principal_a pillar_n of_o this_o authority_n and_o tyrannous_a power_n be_v found_v upon_o that_o famous_a say_n of_o christ_n so_o much_o toss_v and_o boast_v of_o but_o misunderstand_v feed_v my_o sheep_n john_n 21.16.17_o the_o which_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n contend_v with_o tooth_n and_o nail_n will_v needs_o have_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o peter_n and_o his_o successor_n only_o and_o
a_o treatise_n touch_v antichrist_n wherein_o the_o place_n the_o time_n the_o form_n the_o workman_n the_o vphoulder_n the_o proceed_v and_o last_o the_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n be_v plain_o lay_v open_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o also_o many_o dark_a and_o hard_a place_n both_o of_o daniel_n and_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v manifest_a by_o lambert_n danaeus_n meet_v in_o these_o day_n to_o be_v consider_v wherein_a the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v by_o force_n and_o treachery_n seek_v to_o be_v reviue_v and_o publish_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o those_o which_o join_v in_o the_o intend_a action_n against_o the_o spaniard_n and_o otherwise_o for_o the_o further_a overthrow_n of_o antichrist_n and_o enlarge_n of_o christ_n his_o kingdom_n with_o the_o pure_a preach_n and_o sincere_a government_n of_o the_o same_o revel_v 18.4_o go_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n 1._o cor._n 10.11_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v to_o admonish_v us._n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v london_n imprint_v by_o thomas_n orwin_n for_o john_n porter_n and_o thomas_n gubbin_n 1589._o ¶_o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a his_o very_a good_a lord_n sir_n christopher_z wraie_v knight_n lord_n chief_z justice_n of_o england_n a_o liberal_a benefactor_n and_o worthy_a founder_n in_o magdalen_n college_n in_o cambridg_n john_n swan_n wish_v such_o condition_n as_o have_v promise_n both_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v what_o may_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o this_o book_n right_a honourable_a i_o suppose_v may_v be_v find_v sufficient_a in_o the_o preface_n ensue_v make_v by_o the_o author_n himself_o and_o address_v unto_o his_o lord_n the_o lord_n casimire_n but_o what_o occasion_n move_v i_o unto_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o work_n and_o to_o offer_v it_o to_o your_o honour_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v look_v for_o that_o myself_o shall_v signify_v we_o have_v see_v antichrist_n even_o in_o this_o our_o realm_n as_o well_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o christendom_n to_o have_v take_v a_o notable_a both_o fall_n and_o foil_n in_o so_o much_o as_o who_o so_o have_v live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o famous_a king_n henry_n the_o eight_o who_o it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v as_o the_o chief_a instrument_n to_o dismount_v the_o monster_n and_o give_v he_o his_o deadly_a wound_n to_o have_v see_v then_o the_o zeal_n and_o forwardness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nobility_n the_o painfulness_n of_o the_o clergy_n both_o by_o pen_n and_o in_o pulpit_n the_o triumph_n and_o joyful_a acclamation_n of_o the_o people_n he_o will_v have_v think_v that_o neither_o antichrist_n himself_o will_v ever_o have_v look_v back_o with_o hope_n to_o have_v set_v foot_n in_o among_o we_o again_o nor_o that_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o one_o true_a englishman_n especial_o after_o so_o long_a a_o farewell_n he_o may_v find_v any_o residence_n or_o favourable_a entertainment_n but_o tantae_fw-la molis_fw-la erit_fw-la romanam_fw-la evertere_fw-la gentem_fw-la it_o fall_v out_o otherwise_o for_o not_o long_o after_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o hurl_v out_o the_o pope_n than_o popery_n at_o a_o sudden_a in_o so_o much_o as_o turner_n as_o old_a doctor_n turner_n one_o in_o a_o pretty_a pamphlet_n entitle_v the_o hunt_n of_o the_o fox_n by_o the_o industry_n of_o such_o hound_n as_o there_o he_o set_v on_o work_n and_o by_o print_n of_o the_o beast_n foot_v which_o in_o many_o corner_n he_o observe_v he_o descry_v &_o withal_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o fox_n be_v still_o in_o the_o land_n and_o as_o for_o our_o time_n late_o and_o that_o dangerous_a experience_n have_v tell_v we_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o rome_n and_o rheims_n abroad_o and_o of_o jesuit_n and_o seminarie_n priest_n send_v over_o unto_o we_o and_o of_o hollow_a heart_a and_o traitorous_a subject_n foster_v among_o we_o who_o all_o have_v make_v way_n to_o this_o late_a cruel_a attempt_n of_o the_o spaniard_n that_o both_o the_o pope_n himself_o have_v long_o since_o cast_v more_o than_o a_o glance_a eye_n towards_o england_n and_o that_o many_o among_o we_o yea_o such_o as_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o time_n of_o her_o majesty_n most_o happy_a reign_n have_v like_v and_o long_v for_o that_o unhappy_a event_n of_o that_o ungracious_a aspect_n but_o long_o may_v they_o look_v in_o vain_a as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v by_o god_n merciful_a providence_n over_o we_o and_o by_o the_o careful_a government_n of_o such_o as_o be_v our_o magistrate_n who_o labour_n and_o watchfulness_n as_o it_o become_v each_o christian_n in_o love_n of_o the_o church_n to_o support_v and_o further_o by_o all_o such_o good_a mean_n as_o wherewith_o god_n have_v enable_v he_o so_o i_o be_v not_o able_a otherwise_o have_v endeavour_v hereby_o to_o do_v the_o best_a i_o may_v not_o for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o learned_a who_o be_v able_a themselves_o to_o consult_v with_o the_o author_n in_o the_o original_n but_o of_o such_o as_o to_o who_o without_o such_o help_n this_o work_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o they_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v most_o endanger_v as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o beast_n though_o daily_o they_o see_v his_o foot_n before_o their_o face_n and_o therefore_o have_v most_o need_n of_o a_o mithridate_n to_o withstand_v his_o infection_n and_o in_o my_o simple_a opinion_n there_o be_v no_o one_o book_n among_o many_o that_o have_v be_v pen_v of_o late_a to_o this_o purpose_n which_o more_o fit_o and_o effectual_o perperformeeh_a the_o same_o than_o this_o do_v in_o thwart_v the_o enterprise_n of_o the_o rhemist_n and_o crack_v the_o credit_n of_o this_o romish_a master_n which_o also_o may_v daunt_v the_o desperate_a attempt_n of_o his_o favourite_n among_o we_o consider_v the_o beast_n under_o who_o banner_n they_o fight_v this_o little_a labour_n of_o my_o be_v finish_v consider_v with_o myself_o the_o place_n which_o your_o lordship_n sustain_v to_o the_o service_n and_o safety_n of_o her_o majesty_n person_n her_o country_n and_o commonweal_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n i_o be_v easy_o induce_v to_o presume_v to_o make_v offer_n of_o the_o same_o unto_o your_o honour_n and_o in_o so_o do_v withal_o i_o conceive_v hope_n to_o compass_v that_o which_o the_o author_n himself_o affect_v in_o make_v his_o dedication_n unto_o prince_n casimire_n namely_o that_o under_o your_o lordeship_n name_n and_o patronage_n it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o willing_o accept_v and_o the_o more_o safe_o pass_v through_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n the_o which_o i_o beseech_v your_o good_a lordship_n in_o such_o favourable_a sort_n to_o accept_v as_o you_o do_v the_o former_a the_o lord_n of_o lord_n preserve_v your_o lordship_n to_o see_v the_o happy_a and_o joyful_a return_n of_o many_o a_o new_a year_n and_o prosper_v your_o honourable_a endeavour_n tend_v to_o the_o advauncement_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o supplant_n his_o and_o her_o majesty_n enemy_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o safety_n of_o the_o realm_n the_o furtherance_n of_o religion_n and_o learning_n and_o your_o own_o endless_a comfort_n in_o christ_n jesus_n amen_n from_o the_o college_n of_o wye_n in_o kent_n the_o first_o of_o january_n 1589_o your_o lordship_n most_o bind_v john_n swan_n to_o the_o famous_a and_o mighty_a prince_n and_o lord_n john_n casimire_n county_n palantine_n of_o the_o rhine_n duke_n of_o baver_n etc._n etc._n his_o very_a good_a lord_n and_o master_n whereas_o in_o these_o our_o day_n wherein_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n begin_v to_o revive_v and_o spring_v a_o fresh_a there_o be_v many_o point_n call_v into_o controversy_n there_o be_v not_o among_o they_o any_o one_o most_o noble_a prince_n more_o difficult_a or_o less_o agree_v upon_o by_o such_o as_o write_v than_o that_o question_n which_o concern_v antichrist_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o although_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a both_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v reveil_v &_o exceed_v profitable_a for_o the_o stay_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o this_o point_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v be_v so_o variable_a and_o diverse_a that_o we_o be_v almost_o altogether_o to_o seek_v what_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o hold_v in_o this_o behalf_n and_o this_o diversity_n of_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o this_o mean_n partly_o for_o that_o they_o live_v in_o those_o day_n wherein_o all_o the_o mark_n and_o token_n of_o this_o jniquitie_n the_o which_o notwithstanding_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bewray_v and_o point_a out_o beforehand_o be_v not_o manifest_a as_o not_o come_v to_o light_v for_o as_o yet_o
at_o some_o one_o time_n or_o other_o or_o else_o of_o the_o whole_a rabble_n of_o man_n in_o their_o succession_n which_o in_o that_o apostasy_n shall_v bear_v a_o swinge_n for_o many_o year_n who_o paul_n liken_v to_o a_o man_n and_o so_o term_v it_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n although_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o troop_n and_o crew_n gather_v and_o compact_v together_o of_o many_o man_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n &_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o paul_n 1._o cor._n 4.1_o by_o man_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n understand_v many_o which_o kind_n of_o speech_n be_v usual_a and_o familiar_a to_o such_o as_o follow_v the_o hebrew_n phrase_n the_o which_o paul_n in_o his_o writing_n do_v great_o affect_v and_o imitate_v but_o withal_o this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v which_o damascen_n affirm_v namely_o that_o antichrist_n shall_v not_o be_v one_o of_o the_o devil_n that_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o flesh_n and_o substance_n of_o man_n even_o as_o our_o saviour_n take_v unto_o he_o our_o humane_a nature_n although_o notwithstanding_o such_o as_o shall_v become_v antichrist_n shall_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o devilish_a disposition_n and_o carry_v in_o enmity_n against_o god_n truth_n it_o be_v the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o understand_v of_o one_o singular_a and_o private_a man_n who_o one_o day_n shall_v live_v and_o keep_v a_o stir_n and_o further_o that_o he_o shall_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o dan_n but_o in_o this_o their_o dotage_n they_o rely_v upon_o no_o ground_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v unméete_a in_o this_o point_n to_o be_v deal_v withal_o other_o there_o be_v and_o that_o learned_a man_n to_o that_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v indeed_o of_o one_o man_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o among_o all_o the_o rout_n of_o apostate_n shall_v be_v the_o most_o perverse_a the_o chief_a and_o ringleader_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o say_v they_o there_o be_v one_o head_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o faithful_a even_o christ_n jesus_n and_o touch_v the_o name_n of_o this_o one_o principal_a &_o arch-apostata_a they_o think_v it_o be_v as_o well_o covert_o insinuate_v in_o this_o place_n of_o paul_n as_o also_o especial_o bewray_v in_o the_o 13._o of_o the_o revelation_n vers_fw-la 18._o where_o the_o figure_n &_o letter_n of_o the_o say_a name_n be_v say_v to_o make_v up_o the_o number_n of_o 666._o and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n this_o opinion_n be_v general_o receive_v and_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o likely_a unto_o these_o point_n i_o will_v address_v my_o answer_n and_o first_o touch_v the_o first_o although_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o there_o be_v one_o principal_a head_n of_o all_o the_o unfaithful_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a &_o mortal_a man_n such_o as_o it_o appear_v math._n 24._o that_o famous_a antichrist_n shall_v be_v but_o even_o satan_n himself_o that_o old_a serpent_n who_o also_o be_v call_v the_o dragon_n and_o as_o for_o the_o second_o opinion_n i_o think_v it_o be_v weak_a and_o waver_v in_o itself_o in_o as_o much_o as_o that_o place_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n cap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 18._o be_v wrong_o interpret_v of_o any_o certain_a name_n title_n or_o call_v of_o any_o one_o man_n the_o letter_n whereof_o shall_v contain_v the_o number_n of_o 666._o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o that_o place_n meddle_v not_o with_o the_o arithmetical_a signification_n of_o letter_n wherewith_o any_o word_n be_v frame_v but_o of_o the_o time_n and_o number_n of_o year_n wherein_o those_o thing_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v that_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o for_o the_o scripture_n never_o use_v to_o deal_v in_o such_o manner_n of_o sorcer_n &_o foolish_a mystery_n by_o letter_n which_o be_v but_o flat_a juggle_a of_o the_o cabalist_n and_o damn_a dotage_n of_o the_o magician_n but_o it_o use_v to_o speak_v very_o plain_o when_o it_o foretelleth_a of_o the_o come_n of_o any_o as_o namely_o when_o it_o foreshoweth_a the_o come_n of_o cyrus_n and_o josias_n and_o that_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o they_o come_v indeed_o therefore_o look_v what_o man_n be_v any_o where_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o they_o be_v mention_v under_o their_o plain_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a name_n and_o not_o by_o such_o circumstance_n of_o word_n as_o cyrus_n josias_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v the_o better_o see_v into_o the_o matter_n let_v we_o examine_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o revel_v 13._o vers_fw-la 18._o here_o be_v wisdom_n let_v he_o that_o have_v understanding_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 i_o will_v demand_v of_o what_o tongue_n or_o language_n that_o word_n or_o name_n shall_v be_v the_o letter_n whereof_o must_v be_v search_v after_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o hebrew_n greek_a or_o latin_a word_n for_o as_o august_n affirm_v lib._n 12._o de_fw-la genesi_fw-la ad_fw-la literam_fw-la these_o three_o language_n be_v always_o account_v principal_a among_o all_o man_n true_o they_o that_o first_o bring_v up_o that_o interpretation_n whereof_o i_o speak_v as_o namely_o irenaeus_n lib._n 5._o do_v even_o folter_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o labour_v their_o wit_n in_o devise_v any_o one_o word_n who_o letter_n will_v amount_v unto_o the_o number_n of_o 666._o and_o yet_o eusebius_n lib._n 5._o histor_n cap._n 8._o follow_v that_o which_o he_o see_v irenaeus_n to_o have_v set_v down_o before_o he_o i_o can_v myself_o devise_v many_o such_o word_n but_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o this_o name_n claudius_n ruber_fw-la contain_v the_o like_a number_n that_o these_o do_v italica_n ecclesia_fw-la &_o lateinos_n &_o teitan_n the_o which_o nevertheless_o irenaeus_n think_v shall_v be_v the_o very_a name_n of_o this_o egregious_a antichrist_n again_o the_o ancient_a writer_n before_o the_o day_n of_o irenaeus_n fetch_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o the_o greek_a affirm_v that_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o these_o two_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v mean_v which_o shall_v make_v up_o the_o number_n 666._o namely_o the_o letter_n λ_n to_o signify_v 30._o α_n 1._o Ï„_n 300._o ε_n 5._o ι_n 10._o Ï…_n 50._o ν_fw-gr 70._o Ï‚_n 200._o for_o these_o number_n be_v add_v together_o amount_v unto_o 666._o and_o that_o some_o also_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o two_o other_o word_n according_a to_o the_o greekish_a manner_n of_o supputation_n or_o number_n by_o letter_n ι_n 10._o Ï„_n 300._o α_n 1._o λ_n 30._o ι_n 10._o κ_n 20._o α_n 1._o ε_n 5._o μ_n 20._o μ_n 20._o λ_n 30._o κ_n 8._o σ_n 200._o â—_o 10._o α_n 1._o all_o which_o likewise_o be_v put_v together_o make_v 666._o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n breed_v and_o foster_v this_o opinion_n in_o they_o far_o in_o the_o italian_a church_n the_o head_n whereof_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n always_o be_v they_o see_v before_o their_o eye_n that_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n begin_v then_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o so_o by_o such_o beginning_n as_o then_o appear_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n guide_v those_o good_a man_n to_o foresee_v and_o foreshow_v that_o there_o also_o in_o time_n it_o will_v grow_v to_o his_o height_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o touch_v jrenaeus_fw-la himself_o he_o rather_o think_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v the_o proper_a name_n of_o antichrist_n hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v the_o hebrew_n word_n romuth_n which_o signify_v a_o roman_a whereof_o the_o letter_n ר_n signify_v in_o their_o manner_n of_o number_v also_o 200._o ו_n 6._o ט_n 40._o ×™_n 10._o ×™_n 10._o ת_n 400._o but_o these_o be_v but_o quiddity_n and_o come_v not_o near_o the_o true_a exposition_n of_o that_o place_n of_o the_o apoc._n which_o i_o allege_v the_o which_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o we_o must_v make_v recourse_n unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o unto_o such_o like_a place_n as_o this_o be_v as_o namely_o unto_o that_o of_o daniel_n cap._n 7._o where_o not_o only_o one_o particular_a man_n but_o a_o whole_a and_o universal_a state_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v set_v forth_o under_o the_o name_n and_o shape_n of_o a_o beast_n as_o here_o of_o a_o man_n so_o the_o kingdom_n and_o all_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n be_v shadow_v under_o the_o figure_n of_o one_o bear_n of_o the_o macedonian_n under_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o leopard_n so_o also_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v the_o principals_n and_o hold_v the_o helm_n as_o you_o will_v say_v in_o that_o apostasy_n be_v
think_v upon_o the_o reduce_n or_o restore_v of_o the_o italian_a empire_n unto_o her_o former_a dignity_n but_o labour_v their_o utmost_a her_o utter_a overthrow_n for_o they_o be_v barbarous_a man_n such_o as_o be_v the_o rugian_o and_o goth_n who_o begin_v now_o open_o to_o bear_v rule_n in_o italy_n now_o all_o these_o king_n of_o who_o i_o have_v speak_v reign_v almost_o but_o a_o hour_n that_o be_v a_o very_a short_a time_n and_o space_n yea_o they_o reign_v and_o die_v much_o about_o a_o time_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o of_o they_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n within_o little_a less_o than_o the_o compass_n of_o ten_o year_n and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o image_n thereof_o i_o mean_v the_o state_n of_o popery_n may_v herein_o resemble_v she_o 〈◊〉_d she_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d platfourme_v and_o agree_v iompe_n therewith_o in_o have_v she_o ten_o last_o pope_n very_o short_a live_v for_o a_o final_a conclusion_n and_o ruinous_a confusion_n of_o that_o kingdom_n therefore_o both_o the_o number_n of_o the_o king_n which_o be_v specify_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o very_a short_a time_n of_o their_o government_n confirm_v my_o interpretation_n and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v most_o true_a which_o i_o have_v rather_o follow_v than_o that_o exposition_n which_o primasius_n give_v of_o this_o place_n understand_v by_o a_o hour_n any_o time_n whatsoever_o either_o short_a or_o long_o where-unto_a the_o 8._o chapter_n verse_n 1._o of_o the_o same_o revelation_n be_v repugnaunt_a that_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a ground_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o popery_n first_o the_o diverse_a heresy_n that_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n second_o the_o bitter_a bicker_n that_o be_v among_o the_o bishop_n and_o three_o the_o large_a bounty_n of_o emperor_n and_o certain_a other_o man_n who_o both_o be_v able_a and_o superstitious_o bend_v which_o they_o bestow_v on_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o 24._o chapter_n which_o be_v so_o we_o be_v now_o to_o lay_v open_a by_o what_o step_n this_o seat_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n step_v up_o to_o such_o a_o type_n and_o magnificence_n and_o how_o at_o last_o it_o attain_v his_o final_a furniture_n and_o perfection_n of_o building_n in_o the_o place_n of_o geddon-harma_n of_o geddon-harma_n desolation_n that_o be_v where_o the_o shard_n and_o ash_n of_o ruinous_a rome_n be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o first_o and_o original_a groundwork_n in_o lay_v and_o establish_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n be_v three_o to_o weet_v the_o error_n of_o heretic_n the_o contention_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o superstitious_a devotion_n and_o excessive_a liberality_n of_o christian_a prince_n for_o so_o that_o their_o foolish_a and_o immoderate_a largisse_fw-la bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v term_v then_o true_a devotion_n for_o they_o be_v too-too_o over-lasshing_a and_o cocker_a favourer_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o chief_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o touch_v these_o three_o cause_n which_o i_o call_v groundwork_n of_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v perceive_v that_o they_o likewise_o be_v three_o mighty_a and_o effectual_a step_n or_o degree_n whereby_o antichrist_n by_o little_a and_o little_o rear_v himself_o unto_o that_o huge_a and_o tyrannous_a power_n which_o afterward_o he_o attain_v and_o first_o touch_v error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n truth_n it_o be_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n yea_o all_o the_o western_a church_n remain_v more_o pure_a and_o sound_a then_o the_o eastern_a and_o those_o in_o syria_n by_o two_o especial_a mean_n the_o one_o for_o that_o in_o the_o west_n there_o be_v continual_a persecution_n stir_v up_o by_o the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n the_o other_o for_o that_o the_o wit_n of_o the_o western_a man_n be_v always_o more_o gross_a and_o dull_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o of_o the_o eastern_a church_n repair_v often_o in_o matter_n of_o doubt_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o require_v their_o judgement_n and_o help_n in_o condemn_v newsproong_v heresy_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o credit_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n begin_v more_o and_o more_o in_o wonderful_a sort_n to_o increase_v and_o be_v high_o repute_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o the_o many_o and_o diverse_a heresy_n that_o then_o be_v do_v not_o only_o shake_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o make_v it_o as_o a_o matter_n great_o doubt_v of_o among_o many_o in_o the_o east_n especial_o where-by_a also_o they_o make_v ready_a way_n for_o that_o general_a backslide_n which_o after_o ensue_v and_o therefore_o those_o heresy_n be_v call_v by_o chrysostom_n army_n of_o antichrist_n especial_o such_o as_o spring_v last_o whereby_o bitter_a contention_n be_v raise_v and_o heal_v repugnaunt_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o union_n or_o linck_n together_o of_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o work_n such_o as_o those_o be_v which_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o arrius_n nestorius_n eutyches_n and_o pelagius_n which_o heresy_n be_v both_o most_o detestable_a and_o most_o forceible_a to_o overthrow_v the_o uprightness_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o mean_n upon_o a_o sudden_a the_o superstition_n of_o mahumetism_n begin_v in_o the_o east_n and_o by_o occasion_n of_o the_o continual_a dissension_n that_o be_v among_o the_o christian_n touch_v such_o point_n of_o doctrine_n it_o be_v admit_v willing_o and_o prevail_v great_o for_o the_o eastern_a church_n be_v now_o taint_v turmoil_v and_o foulie_o deform_v with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o heresy_n for_o look_v how_o many_o heresy_n there_o be_v about_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n so_o many_o foul_a blot_n and_o blemish_n there_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o true_o chrysost_n upon_o math._n hom._n 49._o observe_v very_o well_o that_o after_o such_o time_n as_o theodosius_n the_o great_a have_v once_o grant_v temple_n and_o place_n of_o public_a assembly_n even_o unto_o heretic_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o church_n receive_v great_a deformity_n &_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o heresy_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n see_v they_o have_v lose_v all_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o christian_a profession_n among_o their_o neighbour_n &_o countryman_n at_o home_n they_o entreat_v symmachus_n than_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o censure_n condemn_v the_o heresy_n of_o acatius_n see_v that_o as_o then_o the_o eastern_a bishop_n have_v no_o such_o power_n &_o authority_n over_o their_o people_n so_o also_o they_o desire_v of_o agapetus_n that_o he_o will_v depose_v antimus_fw-la bish_n of_o constantinople_n as_o a_o heretic_n and_o to_o make_v short_a all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n be_v plentiful_a in_o such_o example_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o mean_n whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antich_n begin_v to_o get_v foot_v the_o second_o mean_n hereof_o be_v the_o continual_a dissension_n garboil_n brawl_n &_o woeful_a contention_n of_o the_o bishop_n among_o themselves_o whereby_o not_o only_a themselves_o become_v odious_a among_o man_n but_o even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n whereof_o they_o be_v the_o pillar_n begin_v to_o grow_v into_o utter_a contempt_n these_o stir_n be_v very_o common_a in_o the_o eastern_a church_n but_o not_o so_o usual_a in_o the_o west_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o continual_a persecution_n that_o be_v there_o for_o idleness_n &_o long_a rest_n do_v make_v man_n more_o wanton_a &_o dissolute_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v thus_o molest_v be_v glad_a &_o fain_o to_o fly_v unto_o a_o other_o bish_n of_o great_a countenance_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v ease_v &_o keep_v from_o wrongful_a deal_n offer_v they_o by_o other_o bishop_n now_o as_o for_o the_o bish_n of_o rome_n he_o no_o doubt_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o famousnes_n of_o the_o city_n itself_o seem_v the_o most_o principal_a who_o also_o be_v ready_a &_o willing_a to_o yield_v his_o help_a hand_n in_o the_o redress_n of_o other_o bishop_n their_o distress_a estate_n for_o both_o athanasius_n be_v put_v out_o of_o his_o bishopric_n by_o the_o arrian_n make_v his_o repair_n to_o the_o b._n of_o rome_n as_o unto_o a_o sure_a refuge_n &_o after_o he_o fabianus_n &_o before_o he_o many_o other_o do_v the_o like_v as_o appeareth_z by_o history_n infinite_a it_o be_v to_o reckon_v up_o all_o exampl_n in_o this_o behalf_n in_o so_o much_o as_o in_o process_n of_o time_n this_o repair_n unto_o the_o roman_a bishop_n in_o time_n of_o exigence_n procure_v he_o great_a authority_n among_o all_o nation_n in_o christendom_n and_o that_o indeed_o so_o
the_o midst_n of_o this_o defection_n although_o notwithstanding_o the_o number_n of_o they_o as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v always_o little_a themselves_o dwell_v in_o desert_n and_o be_v such_o as_o be_v unknown_a among_o other_o man_n for_o than_o be_v accomplish_v that_o which_o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o john_n namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n revel_v 12.16_o and_o there_o shall_v lie_v hide_v for_o a_o season_n what_o just_a cause_n the_o lord_n have_v to_o punish_v the_o world_n with_o this_o plague_n of_o blindness_n that_o it_o shall_v admit_v of_o this_o miserable_a state_n of_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n and_o further_o what_o monstrous_a contempt_n of_o god_n word_n go_v before_o this_o state_n of_o antichrist_n the_o 39_o chapter_n fvrthermore_o why_o god_n will_v have_v these_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a wretch_n to_o slip_v and_o fall_v into_o that_o so_o grievous_a a_o apostasy_n paul_n yield_v a_o reason_n and_o that_o a_o very_a sufficient_a and_o just_a one_o for_o although_o the_o lord_n have_v always_o most_o upright_o inducement_n for_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o judgement_n for_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v truth_n and_o judgement_n psal_n 25.10_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v privy_a there-unto_a yet_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v justify_v by_o her_o child_n matth._n 11.19_o and_o that_o they_o there-by_a may_v be_v the_o more_o strengthen_v it_o please_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o yield_v a_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o so_o great_a and_o fearful_a a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o afterward_o ensue_v and_o this_o be_v it_o because_o the_o world_n through_o disobedience_n and_o unbelief_n have_v deserve_v that_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o those_o grievous_a punishment_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a foul_a and_o monstrous_a kind_n of_o ingratitude_n towards_o god_n that_o his_o sacred_a gospel_n where-of_a they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a but_o have_v already_o hear_v it_o before_o preach_v yea_o and_o have_v well_o perceive_v the_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o it_o shall_v notwithstanding_o be_v loathe_v by_o they_o and_o trample_v under_o foot_n and_o that_o in_o stead_n there-of_a the_o devise_n of_o man_n the_o error_n of_o heretic_n impiety_n and_o superstition_n of_o all_o sort_n against_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n himself_o shall_v public_o be_v bring_v in_o and_o with_o the_o great_a like_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n defend_v yea_o and_o prefer_v before_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n itself_o what_o impiety_n can_v be_v great_a what_o injury_n i_o pray_v you_o more_o excessive_a and_o heinous_a can_v there_o ever_o be_v offer_v by_o mortal_a man_n unto_o the_o live_a god_n who_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n therefore_o this_o punishment_n bring_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n be_v a_o right_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o most_o just_a revenge_v inflict_v upon_o the_o mocker_n of_o his_o name_n and_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d derider_n and_o scoffer_n man_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o skorner_n chair_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n call_v the_o same_o punishment_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vers_fw-la 12._o a_o condemnation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o that_o these_o contemner_n may_v be_v damn_v and_o commit_v to_o torture_v therefore_o this_o seveare_a proceed_n be_v a_o just_a punishment_n of_o extreme_a wickedness_n blasphenne_n and_o unthankfulness_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d judge_v do_v in_o this_o place_n signify_v not_o so_o much_o a_o examination_n which_o god_n make_v of_o the_o cause_n as_o a_o judicial_a censure_n a_o verdict_n of_o condemnation_n and_o execution_n of_o punishment_n and_o herein_o assure_o the_o say_v antich_n as_o well_o as_o the_o devil_n himself_o be_v the_o executioner_n again_o we_o be_v withal_o to_o take_v especial_a observation_n of_o the_o vehemency_n of_o the_o speech_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o paul_n have_v use_v to_o express_v these_o abominable_a wretch_n for_o there-by_a it_o will_v the_o more_o appear_v how_o excessive_a the_o contempt_n be_v which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o word_n of_o god_n the_o revenge_n where-of_a be_v so_o horrible_a and_o indeed_o so_o great_a that_o it_o seem_v there_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v invent_v a_o great_a to_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o appertain_v that_o which_o paul_n add_v and_o that_o not_o idle_o or_o to_o no_o purpose_n in_o these_o word_n 1._o they_o receive_v not_o then_o the_o gospel_n be_v offer_v unto_o they_o so_o that_o there-by_a their_o neglect_n and_o unthankfulness_n appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a 2._o the_o love_n that_o be_v that_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a doctrine_n so_o great_o to_o be_v desire_v which_o stir_v up_o draw_v to_o it_o and_o chéer_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n 3._o of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o itself_o worthy_a great_a price_n and_o estimation_n and_o to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o the_o devise_n of_o man_n whatsoev_a the_o which_o truth_n paul_n commend_v by_o the_o effect_n it_o have_v say_v by_o it_o man_n may_v be_v save_v for_o that_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o instrument_n or_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v bring_v unto_o christ_n in_o who_o only_o our_o safety_n do_v consist_v therefore_o the_o word_n truth_n be_v in_o this_o place_n by_o way_n of_o preeminence_n set_v down_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o detestable_a and_o savage_a kind_n of_o unkindness_n for_o man_n in_o that_o sort_n to_o set_v light_n by_o such_o great_a and_o precious_a gift_n of_o god_n nay_o it_o be_v more_o than_o barbarous_a and_o beastly_a carelessness_n and_o impiety_n which_o deserve_v this_o seveare_a punishment_n and_o sharp_a revenge_n last_o paul_n do_v yet_o further_o amplifye_v this_o grievous_a contempt_n of_o god_n although_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v heinous_a enough_o of_o itself_o lest_o peradventure_o it_o shall_v seem_v to_o we_o a_o light_a matter_n or_o a_o small_a offence_n and_o he_o do_v aggravate_v the_o same_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o embrace_v and_o of_o the_o height_n whereunto_o like_a madman_n they_o advance_v this_o their_o rebellious_a and_o blasphemous_a behaviour_n against_o god_n for_o he_o say_v they_o do_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v pleasure_n in_o it_o with_o such_o a_o desire_n so_o willing_o and_o in_o such_o greedy_a and_o earnest_a manner_n that_o therein_o they_o great_o please_v themselves_o they_o like_v and_o allow_v of_o it_o they_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o it_o and_o witting_o and_o willing_o make_v account_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o most_o pure_a and_o precious_a doctrine_n and_o last_o that_o they_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o heavenly_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n himself_o and_o assure_o this_o be_v the_o high_a step_n of_o madness_n that_o can_v be_v for_o man_n not_o only_o like_o sot_n to_o admit_v and_o approve_v of_o lie_n in_o stead_n of_o truth_n but_o to_o rest_v and_o repose_v themselves_o there-in_a quiet_o content_o and_o in_o joyful_a sort_n yea_o with_o stretched-out_a arm_n to_o embrace_v the_o same_o to_o soothe_v and_o solace_v themselves_o in_o it_o although_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o conscience_n do_v there-in_a great_o grutch_v &_o repine_v against_o it_o last_o the_o same_o paul_n add_v this_o as_o a_o upshot_n of_o this_o villainy_n and_o rage_a madness_n commit_v against_o god_n that_o the_o same_o matter_n which_o these_o man_n so_o greedy_o pursue_v and_o so_o entire_o embrace_v be_v nothing_o else_o then_o mere_a unrighteousness_n wherein_o their_o condemnation_n be_v the_o great_a and_o their_o punishment_n the_o more_o just_a for_o it_o be_v most_o just_a &_o upright_o that_o such_o as_o allow_v of_o and_o maintain_v unrighteousness_n shall_v be_v most_o seveare_o punish_v psal_n 94._o and_o whereas_o he_o call_v this_o impiety_n simple_o injustice_n or_o unrighteousness_n he_o thereby_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o antichrist_n which_o be_v the_o state_n of_o popery_n god_n be_v not_o offend_v or_o his_o kingdom_n violate_v in_o one_o point_n or_o after_o one_o sort_n only_o but_o that_o all_o kind_n of_o iniquity_n be_v by_o they_o admit_v be_v commit_v and_o do_v with_o great_a like_n and_o allowance_n for_o as_o that_o be_v call_v righteousness_n where-by_a we_o yield_v unto_o god_n and_o man_n that_o which_o be_v their_o due_n and_o show_v ourselves_o conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o our_o
action_n both_o in-ward_n and_o outward_a so_o be_v that_o unrighteousness_n where-by_a we_o be_v injurious_a to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n shrink_v from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o which_o to_o be_v practise_v and_o find_v rife_o in_o popery_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v make_v doubt_n except_o such_o as_o never_o see_v the_o shadow_n of_o it_o or_o taste_v the_o least_o drop_n of_o her_o venom_n but_o such_o as_o have_v learn_v but_o only_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o that_o state_n which_o too_o many_o have_v do_v and_o afterward_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o see_v the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v assure_o perceive_v more_o clear_a than_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n how_o all_o corruption_n both_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o holy_a life_n take_v place_n among_o they_o yea_o and_o approve_v with_o commendation_n therefore_o see_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o unrighteousness_n be_v and_o be_v so_o great_a and_o that_o grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n or_o degree_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n though_o this_o so_o grievous_a a_o punishment_n ensue_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o reprobate_n &_o faithless_a man_n which_o most_o wicked_o contemn_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n either_o offer_v to_o they_o or_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o this_o so_o cruel_a a_o tyranny_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n a_o answer_n unto_o three_o certain_a principal_a argument_n of_o the_o papist_n wherewith_o they_o will_v justify_v themselves_o and_o approve_v this_o say_a kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n the_o 40._o chapter_n this_o whole_a discourse_n of_o antichrist_n out_o of_o s._n paul_n may_v now_o seem_v to_o be_v full_o finish_v but_o that_o there_o remain_v a_o hard_a objection_n of_o the_o papist_n whereunto_o i_o think_v good_a for_o a_o final_a conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n brief_o to_o oppose_v a_o answer_n this_o their_o objection_n rely_v upon_o three_o several_a argument_n which_o they_o urge_v very_o sawcely_a in_o way_n of_o defence_n both_o of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o say_a synagogue_n and_o doctrine_n 1._o the_o first_o whereof_o respect_v and_o rest_v upon_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o which_o both_o heretofore_a have_v profess_v and_o as_o yet_o do_v hold_v the_o same_o apostatical_a that_o be_v papistical_a doctrine_n but_o hereunto_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a for_o see_v that_o paul_n have_v very_o clear_o deliver_v this_o point_n namely_o that_o it_o shall_v fall_v out_o that_o only_o the_o elect_a and_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v persevere_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o those_o in_o number_n be_v but_o few_o but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o despise_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v seduce_v by_o satan_n they_o be_v almost_o infinite_a for_o the_o way_n be_v narrow_a that_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o broad_a be_v the_o path_n that_o tend_v to_o destruction_n as_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v there_o can_v not_o undoubted_o be_v bring_v any_o proof_n from_o the_o great_a number_n &_o troop_n of_o man_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o true_a mark_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n &_o of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o profess_v for_o by_o that_o reason_n be_v the_o turk_n now_o rather_o to_o be_v reckon_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n then_o be_v the_o papist_n for_o there_o be_v more_o turk_n &_o mahumetanes_n the_o papist_n and_o again_o in_o time_n past_a the_o idolatour_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v count_v the_o church_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o number_n of_o idolatour_n be_v always_o great_a than_o be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o christ_n call_v his_o church_n the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o god_n a_o small_a stock_n luk._n 12.32_o chrisost_n hom._n 28._o ad_fw-la popul_fw-la antioch_n it_o be_v better_a say_v he_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o a_o thousand_o wicked_a you_o may_v see_v if_o you_o will_v belove_v that_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o such_o as_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o a_o whit_n better_o than_o such_o as_o be_v not_o at_o all_o thus_o much_o chrysostom_n 2._o the_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o general_a like_n that_o have_v be_v of_o that_o erroneous_a doctrine_n the_o which_o as_o they_o say_v have_v be_v approve_v by_o diverse_a man_n and_o sundry_a synod_n but_o i_o answer_v with_o paul_n that_o so_o it_o be_v to_o fall_v out_o that_o this_o antichristian_a and_o apostatical_a doctrine_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o some_o man_n but_o also_o be_v willing_o receive_v into_o the_o very_a church_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o man_n shall_v secure_o and_o wonderful_o repose_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o all_o because_o that_o then_o they_o take_v no_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o this_o reason_n fail_v as_o have_v in_o it_o a_o fallation_n set_v that_o for_o a_o cause_n as_o also_o the_o former_a do_v which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o 3._o last_o the_o three_o argument_n which_o the_o papist_n use_v against_o we_o be_v draw_v from_o prescription_n long_a time_n wherein_a the_o say_a apostasy_n have_v be_v entertain_v and_o as_o yet_o reign_v among_o man_n in_o great_a security_n unto_o this_o argument_n also_o i_o make_v answer_n out_o of_o paul_n that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o god_n shall_v send_v such_o strong_a &_o effectual_a error_n and_o that_o upon_o just_a occasion_n that_o man_n will_v give_v ear_n &_o credit_n unto_o those_o lie_n not_o for_o a_o day_n but_o for_o a_o very_a long_a season_n therefore_o this_o plea_n of_o long_a possession_n that_o error_n make_v be_v so_o far_o from_o ratify_v the_o same_o that_o it_o make_v it_o more_o great_a &_o grievous_a in_o that_o it_o have_v seduce_v the_o mâ—e_n and_o so_o long_o encroach_v the_o same_o answer_n innocentius_n the_o three_o bish_n of_o rome_n do_v likewise_o make_v in_o a_o certain_a decretal_a epistle_n of_o he_o for_o against_o piety_n against_o good_a manner_n against_o the_o express_v word_n of_o god_n a_o custom_n be_v take_v up_o and_o doctrine_n admit_v may_v at_o no_o hand_n prevail_v by_o plea_n of_o prescription_n or_o long_a continuance_n of_o time_n canon_n consuetud_n do_v 11._o for_o such_o thing_n as_o at_o first_o be_v not_o allowable_a can_v be_v justify_v by_o continuance_n of_o time_n as_o the_o lawyer_n themselves_o be_v plain_a in_o this_o point_n l._n quae_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la d._n de_fw-fr regul_n jur._n now_o if_o there_o be_v many_o other_o matter_n which_o by_o the_o very_a rule_n of_o the_o papist_n themselves_o and_o their_o decree_n can_v be_v overbear_v by_o never_o so_o long_a prescription_n of_o time_n such_o as_o be_v the_o right_n &_o duty_n belong_v to_o the_o king_n treasury_n or_o exchequer_n and_o as_o appertain_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n namely_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v leave_v &_o forsake_v for_o fear_n of_o hostile_a invasion_n again_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v compass_v within_o certain_a precinct_n and_o limit_n and_o last_o such_o as_o be_v the_o prerogative_n belong_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o why_o may_v not_o the_o like_a privilege_n be_v award_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o unto_o his_o church_n so_o as_o no_o prescription_n of_o time_n be_v it_o of_o never_o so_o long_a continuance_n may_v prejudice_n the_o lord_n himself_o and_o that_o especial_o see_v that_o those_o which_o begin_v first_o to_o take_v this_o advantage_n of_o time_n deal_v not_o sincere_o nor_o in_o plain_a truth_n and_o simplicity_n without_o which_o there_o can_v no_o prescription_n prevail_v in_o the_o church_n so_o than_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o popery_n be_v therefore_o true_a because_o it_o have_v be_v plausible_o admit_v for_o a_o great_a while_n together_o for_o daniel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v foretell_v it_o so_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o otherwise_o fall_v out_o to_o conclude_v in_o the_o 2._o king_n cap._n 17.41_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n be_v condemn_v and_o such_o religion_n as_o jeroboam_fw-la have_v prescribe_v for_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n although_o it_o be_v affirm_v to_o have_v be_v observe_v from_o the_o ancestor_n unto_o the_o child_n and_o child_n child_n and_o so_o forth_o and_o whereas_o man_n wonder_v how_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o church_n to_o err_v so_o long_a time_n together_o