A Christian Survey for the Conscience, Lecture 1 – Confession

A Christian Survey for the Conscience · Lecture 1 – Confession

p. 1CERTAINE PRAELECTIONS OF (THAT WORTHY DEFENDER OF the Chriſtian Faith) Hiero. Zanchiv…, …pon theſe words, 1. Ioh. 2. 18. Little Childr… it is the laſt time.

BECAVSE this preſent place doth ſeem to require that I ſpeak ſomewhat of the end of the world (for ſuch as hauehave written of the end of the World, doe make allegation euen of this Text) and this queſtion hath and doth at this day put many to buſ… …s: therfore I will b…i…y make manifeſt what my ſentence is touching the ſame. And this queſtion verily I p. 2will clearely diſcuſſe in ſixe capitall … ▪ The firſt ſhall be, 1Whether this World finally ſhall come to an end. The next, 2Whether wee may certainely know it. The third, 3Whether a Chriſtian man may lawfully ſearch out when this end of the World, and the returne of the Lord Chriſt ſhal be▪ Fourthly, 4what might be the reaſon, why the Lord neither formerly would, nor yet will, hauehave vsus know this time. Fiftly, 5What be the ſigne precedent of the end of this World; and whether from them wee may deſigne the certaine time wherein the Lord will come. … ſi…t, 6touching the duties of a Chriſtian in thi… controuerſie, concerning the end of the World.

As touching the firſt … point▪ Three ſorts of … hauehave d…nied that this world ſhall hauehave an end. The firſt were the Philoſoph…rs▪ chiefly the P…r…patecia…s; for theſe were of opinion, That thi… World neither eue… had beginning, nor euer ſhould hauehave endi…g▪ and p. 3therefore Mankinde, as euen at this preſent, ſo in the ſame tenour and courſe, perpetually to liue in the World. But this crue therefore held this opinion, for that being deſtitute of the light of the word of God, in the inquiſition of the truth they were led onelyonly by the blinde wiſedome of the fleſh, for, the naturall man doth not perceiue the things that are of God: and to refute their reaſons it is not worth the labour, for wee hauehave nothing to doe with thoſe Philoſophers.

Others, who deny that this world ſhall once hauehave an end, are certaine Atheiſts, and mockers of things diuine; of whom Peter, This know firſt, 2. Pet. 3. v. 3.2 Pet 3:3that in the laſt dayes ſhall come mo… kers, which will walke after their owne luſts, and ſay, where is the promiſe of h… comming? For ſince the Fathers dy…d, all things continue alike from the beginning of the Creation. But th…ſe mens blindnes, or madnes rather, is refelled by the (euident) certaintie of the word of God.

p. 4S. Auguſtine t…m. 2. ep. 42. ad fratres Mandarenſes doth thus diſpute. Al other things which the Holy Spirit in th… Scriptures by praediction foretold, came to paſſe accordingly; as the firſt comming of Chriſt; the deſtruction of Hieruſalem: And the ſame Spirit in like manner hath foretold of the future end of this world, & of Chriſts ſecond comming: Therfore certainely it ſhall come to paſſe. The argument indeed of theſe mockers doth Peter thus con…ute. ver. 5. For this they willingly know not, that 2. Pet. 3.2 Pet 3the heauens were of old, and the earth that was of the water, and by the wa… ▪ by the word of God. ver. 6. Wherefore the world that then was, periſhed, …uerflowed with the water. ver. 7. But the heau…ns and earth which are …, a… kept by…he ſame word in ſtore, and reſerued vntounto …ire againſt the day of condemnation, and of the deſtruction of vngodly …en. Thus much Peter. The meaning of which words I wil make plaine, becauſe thoſe mocking ſpirits doe endeuour from the continuing p. 5ſtate of the world, to proue the perpetuitie thereof, and doe deride the word of God; Peter doth ouerthrowe their argumentation by this reaſon. The world, as by the word of God it was of the waters, and by the waters; ſo alſo by the ſame word of God, when indeede it ſeemed ſo good vntounto the Lord, being drowned with the ſame waters it periſhed and came to an end; and after by the ſame word of God it was reſtored againe. This Hiſtorie was moſt apparent, and a thing moſt famous, and of moſt certaintie vntounto the whole World. Therfore by the ſame Word of God, as in the firſt turne by water, ſo ſecondarily by fire, when it ſhall ſo pleaſe the Lord, it may bee diſſolued, and hauehave an end. The Lord foretold the future end of the world, and that himſelfe would come the ſecond time: therefore this World muſt hauehave an end, and the Lord will come. For now are reſerued theſe Heauens and Earth vntounto fire for the day of iudgement and perdition of p. 6the vngodly: wherefore from the continuing ſtate of the world the conſequence holdeth not; That the world is vncorruptible and ſhall neuer hauehave end. For that alſo before the Flood it laſted long, and yet afrer (for all that) periſhed, and euen by ſuch things as from whom it had it originall, and was ſupported, (that is) by the waters; ſo by fire, an other Element of the World, the ſame world ſhall be deſtroyed.

The third ſort who vouch the perpetuity of the world, are ſome, who are neither abſolute Philoſophers which are deſtitute of the ſacred writings, neither yet ſcoffers and contemners of celeſtiall things, but both men fearing God, and moſt expert of holy writ; of which kind amongſt others, was Philo Iudaeus. Hee left a boòke written with this Title▪ foreign … Of the corruptible ſtate of the world: in which treatiſe he laboureth to make good, by ſundry arguments, that the world is incorruptible, p. 13But if Philo had (in this ſence) vnderſtood the world to bee incorruptible, for that neither it ſhould vtterly be diſſolued into nothing, nor yet changed into a worſe eſtate, we likewiſe would hauehave condiſcended vntounto him. For we likewiſe acknowledge out of the word of God the renouation of the world, and in the future a new Heauen and a new Earth. And ſo certainely ſeemeth Philo to hauehave holden by his explanation, whereby he declareth what he meant by the name of corruption: For thus he holdeth in the entrance of his booke pag. 645. foreign &c. For corruption is called an exchange into a better ſtate. It is likewiſe called the totall extinguiſhing of a thing in being, which then neceſſarily is termed a thing without exiſtence, For as of nothing nothing is made (that is naturally) ſo neither can nothing be diſſolued into nothing.

Philo had read the Pſalmes and Prophets who writ of this matter: p. 81but if he followed any other …e…ſ…, the godly Chriſtians, doe not accord with him. For the teſtimonies of Scripture are moſt cleare touching the end of the world Pſal. 102, In the beginning thou l…dſ… the foundation of the Earth and the Heauens are the worke of thy handes: they ſhall periſ…, but thou endur…ſt, they … ſhall wax… old as doth a garment, and as a v…ſtimen▪ thou ſhalt charge th…, and they ſhall be changed, but thou art the ſame and thy yeares ſhall not faile▪ Mat. 5. Til Heauen and Earth ſhall paſſe away, one iot or title ſhall not p… rish of thy la…. 2. Pet. 3. That day of the Lord shal come as a thi…fe in the night, wherein the Heauens shall paſſe away with a noyſe, the Elements shal melt away with fire, and the Earth and all thinges therein shal be burned. Againe▪ the Heauens by burning shal be diſſolued, and the Elements shal melt away with heat; but we looke for new Heauens and a new Earth, according to his promiſe. Thus Saint Peter. Therefore this firſt Capitall poynt is p. 9to be vouched, That this world (as in caſe now it is) ſhall finally come to an end, (that is) be changed into a better condition, and God only to be vtterly voyd of all variablenes or change.

To what purpoſe then tendeth this doctrine? S^•. Peter teacheth. 2. Eph. 3. Seeing (ſaith hee) all theſe things shal be diſſolued, what manner of men ought we to be in holy conuerſation, and duty of piety, expecting and ha…ting vntounto the comming of the day of the Lord. The Argument is this in effect. The Heauen and Earth ſhall bee renewed at the comming of Chriſt: How much more therefore ought we to be renewed, who preſſe on to meet Chriſt at his comming? Therefore we are to endeauour for a perpetuall renouation, and to adhere in heart to God onelyonly, who alone is vtterly vnchangeable: as for other thinges, they ought to be had in contempt, becauſe they all ſhal bee changed, and ſhall all finally hauehave an end. For this purpoſe out p. 10Apoſtle made mention firſt of the vanity of this world; then he added, Now are the laſt times, that is, where in is inſtant the comming of the Lord Chriſt. And why theſe things that contemning the world, and then auoyding thoſe Antichriſts, we being fortified in the Apoſtles doctrine, might watch and liue ſobe…y and iuſtly, alwayes prepared to go meet Chriſt at his comming.

The ſecond Capitall poynt is; whether we can attaine to know when the end of the world ſhall be? It is a caſe manifeſt whether wee be all led with a deſire to know when the end of the world ſhall be. For this affection euen the Saintes were taken withall, the Prophets and Apoſtles. Of Daniel it is manifeſt in Cap. 12. After that he heard of the Angell, that is, of Christ, touching Antichriſt, and what thinges ſhould be accompliſhed in the end of the World, hee aſked the Lord, ſaying verſe. 8. O Lord what ſhallbe the …d of theſe things? as for the Apoſtles, it p. 11apeareth Mat. 24. Act. …. Lord, when shal theſe thinges be? Therefore it is a naturall inclination in all to deſire the knowledge of thinges to come; ſpecially when the end of the world ſhall be: Now the queſtion is whether this can be knowne of vsus? The Lord Ieſus taught that it no way can be knowne, when he ſaid, Of that day & that houre no man Mat. 24Matt 24knoweth, no, not the Angels of Heauen, but the father onelyonly knoweth; that is, the certaine time, wherein theſe thinges, by me foretold to you, ſhal come to paſſe, the father only know eth, yet in all ages there hauehave beene ſome, and that in the Church of Chriſt, who hauehave giuen out it might be knowne, ſome indeed certainely, and they hauehave preſumed to determine therevpon a certaine number of yeares, (ſuch is mans preſumption) from the firſt vntounto the ſecond comming of Christ; others probably and in ſuch ſort, as that in ſearching this time they did contend, that no great error could follow, and therefore p. 12they vſed ſundry coniectures, whereby they aſſayed to determine, in ſome fort, how much time as yet remained vntill the next comming of Chriſt. Although verily there be great difference betweene the … merity of the one ſort▪ and curioſity of the other; yet as the one is vtterly to be diſprooued and condemned, ſo the other (for my part) I cannot giuegive approbation vntounto. For true p… ety requireth that we bee certaine indeed that the end of the world ſhall bee, and that the Lord will come, but when that is, what either day, or monethmonth, or yeare, or age, both it ſhall be and hee ſhall come, we muſt of neceſſity confeſſe ingenuouſly our ignorance, and that by no meanes it can be knowne according to the doctrine of Chriſt. And therefore according to the Commandement of Chriſt, let vsus watch and pray, expecting daily and hourly our Lord Ieſus Chriſt, being alwayes prepared with our lampes burning with the light of faith, and p. 13filled with the oyle of good workes to goe out to meet him. But let vsus now conſider what hauehave beene the iudgements of men touching the time of the end of the world, and the comming of the Lord.

In the times of the Apoſtles, ſome there were who ſaid; although the day and hower of the Lords comming could not be knowne, yet that the day of the Lord and end of the world could not at that time be far off; others, that this was newly reuealed; others ſaid, that this was the Apoſtles doctrine; others did endeuour to perſwade this by reaſons and coniectures: but the Apoſtle did ſurpriſe ſuch; ſaying, I beſeech you 2, Theſ. 1.euen by the comming of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt, and by our aſſembling to him that yee bee not ſuddenly mooued from your minde, nor troubled, neither by ſpirit, nor by word, nor by letter, as it were from vsus, as though the day of Chriſt were at hand. The Apoſtle teacheth that theſe Impoſtors vſed three practiſes for perſwaſion, that p. 14the Lords day was hard at hand: Firſt, Reuelations, for that they certainely know this by the ſpirit of Reuelation: Secondly, reaſons and coniectures; therfore he ſaith, or by w…: Thirdly, counterfet letters and reſtimonies of the Apoſtle. But what ſaith the Apoſtle? that yee be not ſuddenly moued away, as though the day of the Lord were at hand, for that vnleſſe … departure come firſt, &c. hee taught that firſt there muſt be a generall Apoſtaſie, or (as others will hauehave it) a defection of the Roman Empire, and Antichriſt to bee reuealed with … Kingdome, before the day of the Lord ſhall come. But how long after the comming of Antichriſt ſhall ſucceed the end of the world, and the day of the Lord, 100. 1000. or moe yeares, the Apoſtle hath not taught: but why? for that neither himſelfe knew, according to that of that day and houre &c. BeholdeMa…. 24. what was bruited abroad in the Apoſtles ages, euen amongſt the beleeuers, touching the end of the p. 15world! And that theſe men were deceiued, the thing it ſelfe teacheth. After the Apoſtles times there were not wanting (euen) ſome, who did limit a certain number of yeares vntill the ſecond comming of Chriſt, and end of the world. Amongſt the prophane Gentiles it was vulgarly bruited, as a Diuine Oracle, That the Chriſtian Religion, after Chriſt began to be honoured, ſhould continue only for the ſpace of 365. yeeres, and then preſently to hauehave an end. Saint Auguſtine relateth this. Tom. 5. de Ciuitate Dei. lib. 18, c. 53, and ſheweth how falſe this was, cap. 54. And becauſe after the end of Chriſtian Religion vponupon the Earth, forthwith an end of the world ſhall be; therfore ſome Chriſtians, perſwaded by this Oracle, were of opinion, That after theſe 365. yeares were expired, preſently the end of the world ſhold be. But it is apparant, how fouly theſe likewiſe were deceiued.

In Cyprians time, who flouriſhed after Chriſt, about the yeare 250. it p. 16was credibly held, that the end of the world was at hand: this is cle…e out of Cyprians Epiſtles. And, which is more, in a little Treatiſe (ad For… natum) in an exhortation to Marty… dome, (if it bee Cyprians) in the beginning pag. 244. theſe words are read: Six thouſand yeares are … compleat ſince the Diuell did impugne man. Although the book be not Cyprians, yet is it plaine, what was the opinion held in the Church, with many, touching the end of the World, at what time this booke was publiſhed; that is to ſay, That then were 6000. yeares begun to bee accompliſhed, and ſo conſequently, the end of the world inſtantly to draw neere. But how fouly they alſo erred, the thing it ſelfe declareth.

In Lactantius his time, who was famous about the yeere after the birth of Christ, 317. what opinion was maintained in the Church, … euident by his Inſtitutions lib. 7. cap. 25. The whole expectation (ſaith p. 17he) ſ…l. of the end of the World, ſeemeth not aboue the ſpace of 200. yeares.

In the time of Auguſtine, Hierome, and ſuch others; that many were of opinion the end to be hard at hand, appeareth by Aug. his bookes. To. 5. de ciuit. D…. lib. 18. c. 53. he reporteth ſome to hauehave determined from the Aſcenſion of the Lord vntounto the end of the world 400. yeares; others 500. others 1000. But Auguſtine doth de…ide them all, and refutes them by the ſaying of the Lord Chriſt, Act. …. It is not yours to know the ſeaſons, which the Father hath reſerued in his owne power. Mat. 24. Of that day and hower &c. A certain Biſhop alſo in Auguſtins time, by name H…ſychius, did ſeeme to hold; That although none could know of the day and hower of the Lords comming, as the Lord had …a…d, yet a ſet time and ſpace of yeares might bee limited, from the comming of Chriſt in the …, …ntill his ſecond comming: and therefore … p. 18Chriſtians to finde out this time. And of this point he writ to Auguſtine, To. 2. Ep. 79. Beſides other places of Scripture which he abuſed for this opinion, that place of Daniel, cap. 9. of 70. weekes, was one. For that place might be vnderſtood of the time intermediate betweene the comming of Chriſt in the fleſh, and his ſecond comming: or at leaſt by proportion it might be collected, That as from the time of the formes prophecy of Daniel vntill the firſt comming of Chriſt, there went betweene 70. weekes of yeares, ſo likewiſe from the time of the firſt comming vntounto the ſecond, there ſhould interpaſſe 70. weekes of yeeres. From thence therefore there might be gathered the certaine time vntill the end. But Auguſtine teacheth, that the place of Daniel can in no wiſe be vnderſtood of the ſecond comming of Chriſt. Hee that liſteth, let him reade the other Teſtimonies of ſcripture which Heſychius abuſed for the … of his opinion: and p. 19then let him reade Auguſtines anſweres to the ſeuerall places, Epiſt, ad Heſychium 80.

To that which the Lord ſpake to his Apoſtles, Act. 1. It is not for you to know the times and ſeaſons, &c. this anſwere Heſychius returned; That only was ſpoken to the Apoſtles: for hee would not hauehave them to know, for that hee would not hauehave them witneſſes of the conſummation of the World, but onelyonly of his Paſſion and Reſurrection; but yet his will was, that elſe wee ſhould acknowledge the time of the end of the world. And to this effect he wreſted euen that anſwere of Chriſt to the Phariſees, wherein hee reprehended them, ſaying; You know how to diſcorne the outward appearance of the skie▪ but you know not the time of your viſitation. This Biſhop did interpret this ſentence of the time of the ſecond comming of CHRIST whereas Chriſt ſpake of his firſt comming. Summarily, Auguſtine concludeth▪ That by no place of Scripture p. 20it can bee gathered, when the time of the end of the world ſhall be, or that Chriſtians may make inquirie, ſeeing it is written and ſpoken to all, It is not for you to know the times, or that it can be knowne of any mortall man, ſeeing it is written, Of that day and houre, that is, of the Lord returne, no man …noweth.

So Grogorius Papa, from the corrupt conditions of his time, and the ſtrange wonders ſeen in his age, was often accuſtomed to ſay; That his Age was not farre diſtant from the end of the world. But hee likewiſe was much deceiued.

Now I proceed to the men of our owne Age. Many, and thoſe learned and religious men hauehave thought, … though no …t time can be appointed betweene the firſt and ſecond time of Chriſt, yet by probable co… ctures it may (howſoeuer) be known and diſcerned. The thing itſelf hath not yet declared, whether their opinion be … or …, but ſuch, as long after ſucceed vsus, ſhall vnderſtand p. 21whether theſe deuout & learned men were erroneouſly led, yea or no. For my part I doe onelyonly endeauour to prooue, that theſe coniectures alledged by them were very weake: and ſo by them that no proofe or determination can bee made of the end of the world. We will produce the principall and examine them.

The firſt coniecture of theſe men is taken from 6000. yeares, wherein they ſay the world ſhall endure. For the Hebrewes hauehave left written in their bookes (ſpecially in the … ) that this was the praediction of Elias the Prophet, The world to continue 6000. yeares: 2000. vaine: 2000. the Lawe: 2000. the Meſsiah: and if any time came ſhort of them, it was wanting for our ſinnes.

Irenaeus likewiſe lib. 5. cap. vi…. concludeth, That the world ſhall continue onelyonly 6000. yeares: and hee collected this his commentation, not from the Hebrewes, but from the proportion of ſixe daies, wherein p. 22the world was created, after which ſix daies was the Sabboth, that is, the day of reſt. This indeed (ſaith he) is both a narration of things paſt, and a propheſie of things to come: For one day ſignifieth a thouſand yeeres, as the Scriptures doe teſtifie; and 2. Pet. 3. One thouſand yeeres before the Lord are as one day. Therefore as the World was conſummate in the Creation thereof, within the compaſſe of ſix daies, and then Reſt; ſo in the end thereof it ſhall bee conſummate within the ſpace of ſix … yeeres: then ſhall follow true and perpetuall reſt▪

Alſo Lactant, Firmianus. it. 7. c. 14. ſaith, That the World ſhall bee conſummated in the compaſſe of 6000. yeeres: and he borrowed this opinion, together with Irenaeus, euen from one and the ſame fountaine. Which ſaid opinion touching the durance of the World for 6000. yeeres▪ many (likewiſe) entertained of many. wherevpon alſo Gregorius Papa. to▪ …. in c. 9. …. 1. Reg. col…. 1415. The p. 23world (ſaith hee) was created in ſix daies, and ſhall be determined in ſix Ages. They adde further, That the 6000. yeeres ſhall not be fully complete: and that (partly) they confirme by the prophecie of Elias: partly by the ſpeach of Chriſt, Mat. 24. Ʋnleſſe thoſe da…es ſhould be ſhortened &c. For although he there ſpeake of the ruine of Hieruſalem, yet likewiſe they contend that it may be vnderſtood of the time of the conſummation of the world. Seeing theſe things ſtand ſo (ſay they) 2000. were before the Law: 2000. after the law: (and that according to the computation of the Hebrewes) and of 2000. vnderunder the Meſsiah, are now run ouer 1560. and there is in remainder 440. and of them alſo ſome ſhall bee ſubſtracted, therefore that the world cannot endure longer, at the furtheſt then about 400, yeeres. This is their firſt coniecture.

But who may not ſee how infirme it is? Firſt, Elias hi… prophecie, whervpon they relye▪ … not authenticall. p. 24Indeede it is auaileable againſt the Iewes, who doe admit that prediction, to proue that the Meſsiah is come, ſeeing there bee now run out 5560. yeares, but for demonſtration of the end of the world, it auailet… nothing at all. Likewiſe, the ratiocination of Irenaeus, and Lactantius is too-too infirme, and feeble: therefore iuſtly doth Augustine confute it. Beſides, I ſay, it is againſt the worde of God. For the Lord ſaith▪ That none can (ſurely) know when the end of the world ſhall be: As for that day, &c. If then this their ſentence touching 6000. yeares were true, we might eaſily know when the end of the world would be: but this were againſt the word of Chriſt. Therefore this opinion of 6000. yeares for the world to endure, is vntrue.

The ſecond coniecture is collected from the foure Monarchies of the world. Daniel 2. & 7. The caſe thus ſtandeth. The foure Monarchies are deſcribed, ſo that one doth ſucceed another. The firſt is the Monarchy p. 25of the Chal…eans and Aſſyrians; the ſecond of the Perſians; the third of the Graecians; the fourth of the Romans. Thoſe foure Monarchies beeing ruinated, that is, three of them vtterly deſolate, and the fourth, as into ſeuerall parts, diuided into ſeuerall Kingdomes: Dan. cap. 7. prophecieth, That a little hor…e ſhall ariſe amongſt thoſe ten other former hornes. that is, one Kingdome more potent and ſtrong then the reſt, which ſhall vtter great things &c. And when that Kingdome ſignified by one horne, ſhall come to a conſummate power, ſo that it will thinke it ſelfe to alter times and lawes, then preſently ſhall bee the iudgement, and Chriſt to raigne for euer. And this horne which ſhall ariſe out of the Roman Empire, they interpret to be the Turks Kingdome. Thus therefore they gather: Three Monarchies are vtterly extirpate▪ the fourth Monarchie alſo is extinct, becauſe it is diuided into diuers parts: Now the horne (that is) the Turkiſh Empire, began to break p. 26out about the time of Hera…lius. …or at that time Mahome… began to raigne; And this Kingdom of Turkes is now welnigh growne to the greateſt height, he preuailleth againſt the Saints, and in a maner he doth make account, that he hath power to change lawes and times: When this ſhal come to paſſe, then ſhall come the Ancient of daies. Therefore the time is but ſhort vntill the ſecond comming of Chriſt ſhall be.

My anſwere is this. If they vnderſtand, that leſſe time now remaineth then before, that is moſt true: If alſo that which is remaining, they ſhall affirme to be very little, in compariſon of the eternitie of the Kingdome of Chriſt, this like wiſe wee will aſſen… vntounto as moſt certainely true. But if they ſhould vnderſtand a little remainder of time to be behinde, that is, that there is yet behinde, either a hundred, two hundred, or three hundred yeares, &c. I ſay that nothing can be concluded from theſe places of Daniel, which are diuerſly expounded p. 27by interpreters. For, that I may follow the vſuall interpretation; firſt he deſcribeth in the ſecond chapter the foure Monarchies; and concerning the Empire of the Romans he prophecieth fiue things, firſt hee ſetteth out the power thereof, That verily, as iron, it ſhould ſurpriſe all other Kingdomes: then, the di…iſion thereof, that is to ſay, it ſhould be diuided in it ſelf: thirdly, the crueltie and fierceneſſe thereof, that without regard of conſanguinitie or alliance it ſhould not reſpect the bands thereof, by reaſon of crueltie; fourthly, the variable calamities and ruines, that is, that it ſhould bee afflicted with ſundry Maſſacres, and ſpecially inteſtine (or homebred) diſſenſions and warres: Fiftly, the continuance thereof, that although being diuided into many parts, as it were …wo feete into ten fingers, it ſhould be broken in peeces, in reſpect the …eere w…re of clay: yet becauſe the plants thereof were of iron, it ſhould endure euen to the ſecond comming p. 28of the King of Heauen. But after that Daniel had thus diſputed of the Romane Empire, preſently he adioineth a prophecle of the Kingdome of Chriſt, I ſay, That Chriſt ſhould ſo, dai…ely ruinate all thoſe Kingdomes, and he alone ſhould raigne for all eternitie. And he prophecieth of the double comming of Chriſt; of … which was in the fleſh, with the preaching of the Goſpell; and of that which ſhall be in glorie. And of the firſt he ſaith: And in the daies of thoſe Kings the God of Heauen ſhall ſet vp a Kingdome which ſhall … be demoliſhed: He doth not ſay, After the daies of thoſe Kings, but in the daies of thoſe Kings &c. For the Kingdome of Chriſt was raiſed … vp, on the Earth, when as yet the Romanes reigned and did gouerne the world, and endured almoſt ſix hundred yeares: (the Romanes …a…ing rule euen vntounto the times of … us) and doth ſtill and ſhall continue euen to the end of the world. Afterward hee ſaith of the ſecond comming p. 29of Chriſt, when hee ſhal deliuer vp the Kingdome to God his father all enemies being put vnderunder his feet: finally whereas thou …dſt ſee that the ſtone cut out of the mountaine without handes, doth breake in peeces Iron, Braſſe, Clay, Siluer, Gold; the great God did intimate to the King what ſhould follow after theſe thinges. Thus the Prophet. And thus readeth and expoundeth that moſt learned man Oecolampadius, citing withall Saint Hippolitus, who ſaith, foreign, The ſtone which ſhall quell and cruſh the Image in peeces is Chriſt, who filleth the Earth, comming frō Heauen and bringing iudgement to the world.

But in this place is put downe no praeſcription of time, from the firſt vntil the ſecond comming of Chriſt: wherefore out of this propheſie which is in the ſecond Chapter of Daniell, nothing can bee concluded concerning the end of the world, whether it ſhall bee from that time p. 30within a hundred. or two hundred or more yeares. Although (as others would hauehave it) the more ſincere explanation of that place would bee if it ſhould bee vnderſtood not ſo much of the vpriſing of the perſon of Chriſt, as of his Kingdome and the progreſſe thereof, throughout the whole world vntounto the end therof, and of the endleſſe continuance of the ſame: for ſo it is interpreted of Daniel himſelf in the ſame Chapter. But by this tenor, what can then be collected touching the definite time of the end of the world? the Kingdome of Chriſt, as it was propagated by the preaching of the Goſpel throughout the whole earth ſo likewiſe withall did it ouerturne the Empire of Rome, that is, the fourth Monarchy, with the Idolatries thereof, as alſo now the Image of that Monarchy the Kingdome of Autichriſt, it doth and ſhall continue to ouerthrow to the end of the world, vntill it be totally aboliſhed. For it is infallible that the end of p. 31the world ſhall not be, before the whole Kingdome of Antichriſt be aboliſhed, as the Apoſtle teacheth, Theſ. 2. 2.

But who is able to determine of the time, when the Kingdome of Antichriſt ſhall totally come to an end? Hee that can effect the one, may likewiſe performe the other.

Beſides, ſome there bee who would hauehave the propheſie of Daniel in no caſe to bee vnderſtood of the ſecond, but onelyonly of the firſt comming of Chriſt; and ſo alſo that which in the 7. chapter; and therefore this to hauehave beene the counſell (or purpoſe) of God, to giuegive ſignification to Nabuchadnezar what Kingdomes ſhould ſucceed, and which ſhould be the laſt of all, that is the Kingdome of Chriſt and that to continue perpetually, all others being ruinated. But how long it ſhould endure vponupon the face of the Earth, is not heere debated; neither that God intended by Daniel to giuegive notice vntounto vsus thereof, ſeeing p. 32it was not his pleaſure, no not by his ſonne, to reueale it. According to this interpretatiō, nothing can be dē uiſed more fondly, then out of this praediction of Daniel to goe about …o conclude any determination, touching the finall end of this world.

Finally ſome there be who would ſo expound the chapters of Daniel, as that in no reſpect they wil hauehave him ſpeake of the Romane Monarchy: but what all others hauehave interpreted thereof, they will hauehave vnderſtood of the Kingdome of the Selucians; ſpecially for this reaſon, becauſe the Church of the Iewes was neuermore hardly and extreamly intreated by any other then by that Kingdome before the comming of Chriſt, and moſt of all by Anti…chus Epipha…es, whom they vnderſtand by the laſt horne. Dan. 7. And theſe expoſitors hauehave reaſons of no ſmall conſideration for this their interpretation. Read the Annotations of Tre…elli…s, and …. p. 33And if we approue this expoſition, what need hauehave we to borrow any coniecture from Daniel, of the time of the end of the world, whereas he had not the leaſt thought of this matter? And out of this, an anſwer to the 7. of Daniel is apparant, where they would, vnderunder the name of the laſt horne that the Turkes Empire muſt be vnderſtood.

For firſt of all it may be denyed, and that not without cauſe, that by that laſt horne is not ſignified the Empire of the Turkes. For the antient Fathers, both Greeke and Latine by that horne vnderſtand Antichriſt with his Kingdome: and (here I report the iudgement of the Fathers) that he indeed ſhall come towards the end of the world, and that ſodainely he ſhal riſe vp among the ten hornes, that is, ten Kinges; but when he ſhal come, that it can not be known of vsus: therefore that we ought not to preu…t Gods counſelin ſearching out whē theſethings ſhall come to paſſe. Let vsus h…re S^t. p. 34Hippolitus expounding this place of Daniel, foreign Wherfore touching the Leopard the prophet foretold how there ſhould be 4. heads to him that had the dominiō, & ſo it came to paſſe, & the Kingdome of Alexander was deuided, into foure principallities: ſo euen now we muſt expect how the ten hornes ſhall come out euen of this ſame (that is the Kingdome 1. Empire of Rome) when the time of the beaſt ſhall be accompliſhed. And alittle horne which is that Antichriſt, Shal out of them ſodainly appeare, and Iuſtice shal be taken from off the Earth, and the whole world shal melt into a conſumption. VVherefore we muſt not anticipate the will of God, but patiently perſeuere and pray, that we fall not into thoſe times, neither be vnbeleeuing but that theſe future thinges ſhall be fulfilled. For if thoſe firſt thinges, according to the praedictions of the Prophets, were not effected, then wee cannot expect theſe: but if they were fulfilled in p. 35their due times, accoiding to the propheſies; accordingly alſo theſe thinges ſhal plenarily come to paſſe. Hierome alſo doth expound this place, of Daniel, of Antichriſt, and he manifeſteth what hee meaneth, by Antichriſt; and this ſaith he is the iudgement of al writers Eccleſiaſticall: his wordes are theſe. Ergo dicamus &c. Therefore let vsus affirme that which all Eccleſiaſtical w…ers hauehave deliuered in the conſummation of the world, when the Romane Empire is to bee deſtroyed, that there ſhall bee ten Kinges who ſhall deuide the Roman world betweene themſelues; and the eleuenth a little King to ariſe, who ſhall conquer three Kinges of the ten, that is the Kinges of Egipt, Africa, and Aethiopia, as by the proceſſe we will more manifeſt: which being ſlaine euen ſeauen other Kinges ſhal ſubmit their necks vnderunder this Conqueror: And behold ſaith hee the eyes were as the eyes of a man in the horne, leaſt, according to the p. 36opinion of ſome, wee ſhould repute him either to bee the diuell or ſome Ghoſt, or els a ſingular man whomDiabolum vel Doemonem. the deuill ſhould poſſeſſe bodily; and a mouth ſpeaking proud things. For he is the man of ſinne, the ſonne of perdition, ſo that hee dare ſit in the temple of God making himſelfe as God. Maiſter Bullinger, a moſt graue writer, doth accord in iudgement with the Fathers, touching this interpretation of this horne: but yet out of hiſtories demonſtrating that Antichriſt is come already, that the three other hornes are broken downe, and that he is increaſed by the ſubiection of thoſe others, and his kingdome to be inlarged, and to hauehave his ſeate at Rome.

But what if we ſhould with M^r. Caluin, a moſt acute and learned interpreter, by the name of this horne vnderſtand (as many indeed of his followers doe) Iulius Caſar himſelfe, and others his ſucceſſors Auguſtus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudi…, p. 37Ner…, and other Caſars, and the very Empire of theſe Caeſars? what if we ſhall vouch with others, by that horne to be ſignified Antiochus Epiphanes; for he did moſt cruelly of all others aflict the polliticall ſtate of the Iewes, and ſubuert the religion, and erect idolatry, as is plainely made manifeſt in the firſt booke of Macchabees, as that wee ſtand in need of no other interpreter, wherein was a true type of Antichriſt? But what from thence can be gathered touching the end of the world? Daniel as yet hath treated nothing of that other comming of Chriſt, ſeeing he is wholly employed in explaning thoſe Monarchies which are to preuent his firſt comming.

The third coniecture is drawne from the time that Anrichriſt, being reuealed, ſhould raigne, The Scriptures ſeeme to deliuer (ſay ſome) that Antichriſt ſhall raigne three yeares and a halfe. To this purpoſe is referred, that formerly mentioned time of Daniel (a time, two times, p. 38and halfe a time) But the place is more perſpicuous in Apoc. 11. It is giuen to the nations (that is Antichriſt and his members) and they ſhalt read downe the Citty 42. Months; and 42. Monthes do amount to three yeares, and an halfe. After this time granted to Antichriſt ouer the Saints be run out, Iohn teacheth, Apoc. 17. that a Lambe ſhall come who ſhall kill Antichriſt. Thus therefore they reaſon, Antichriſt being manifeſted ſhall practiſe his tyranny ouer the Saintes three yeares and a halfe, and after ſhall Chriſt come; Thoſe years as (they expound) are the yeares of Iubelee; So that one yeare ſhall ſignifie fifty naturall yeares: and ſo three yeares and an halfe ſhall amount to 175 yeares. The Pope is Antichriſt, and hath hi… now reuealed already about 45. yeares. Therefore there remaineth as yet about the Lords ſecond comming, vntill a hundred and thirty yeares, and ſoe ſome certaine time of the end of the world, may p. 39bee gathered out of the Scriptures.

I anſwere that this coniecture is very feeble and infirme. For firſt, the name of three years and an halfe, the Fathers doe account for naturall yeares, and they ſaid that Antichriſt ſhould raigne ſo many naturall years before the comming of Chriſt; wherefore this is a poore collection, that they expound it of the yeares of Iubilee.

Further, although I doe not deny the Popes Kingdome to bee the Kingdome of Antichriſt, for that therein many thinges are defended, which diametrically are repugnant to the doctrine of CHRIST; and therefore I will not gainſay, that the Pope, while hee doth defend that Kingdome which warreth with the Kingdome of Chriſt, and doth obſtinately oppoſe him-ſelfe to the doctrine of Chriſt, to be Antichriſt▪ aaThis opinion neither giueth any aduantage to the Papacie, nor is held by any ſpirit of oppoſition, nor yet written poſitiuely, but onelyonly vnpo probability, and in reuerence to the ancient Fathers.yet it cannot bee denied (as a thing probable) but that towards the end of the world there ſhalbe One Man in the Church of Chriſt, who ſhall p. 40exceed all other Antichriſts in malice and power. &c. and who ſhall worke miracles. And one might wel contend, That the prophecy of Iohn, as alſo of Daniel, touching three yeares and an halfe, wherein hee ſhould reigne as is ſaid, ſhould bee vnderſtood of that Man: As that neither hee ſhould diſſent vtterly from the iudgement of the Fathers; nor yet oppugne that which all our writers with one conſent doe teach & make demonſtration of cōcerning the comming of Antichriſt reuealed in the Pope of Rome, to the time of the end of the world, is a fallacy (or ſophiſtication) from aequiuocation, ſeeing Antichriſt ſometime is taken for eueryevery one who doth obſtinately oppoſe himſelfe to the doctrine of Chriſt, ſomtime for the whole Kingdome of Antichriſt; ſomtime (by an excellency of ſpeach) for one villain, of all the reſt moſt notorious, which ſhall ſit vponupon the throne in Antichriſts Kingdome toward the end of the world.

p. 41Laſtly, although wee yeeld that prophecy of Iohn to bee vnderſtood of the Kingdome of Antichriſt now reuealed, yet for all that it cannot be inferred out of that number of 42. moneths, that there as yet are in remainder about 130. yeares, for that thoſe yeares are the yeares of Iubilee. For this interpretation of yeares, that they are indeed the yeares of Iubilee, any may eaſily reiect; and iuſtly contend, that a number certaine is put for a number vncertaine. And ſo doth Maiſter Bullinger interpret it; that ſuch a time might be ſet downe by the Angell, which indeed was certaine to God, but to vsus vncertaine. And in very d…ed in my iudgment alſo that time cannot bee other-wiſe expounded. For if the number were certaine vntounto vsus, wee might withall know when the end of the world ſhalbe: but this cannot bee knowne; becauſe of the word Chriſt, Of that day and hower no man knoweth; therefore no certainty can bee concluded out of this place of p. 42the Reuelation, touching the time of the end of the world.

In like ſort the fourth coniecture hath reference to that, which they deriue from the time which is ſe… downe in Daniel, cap. 12. From the time of the oblation of the daily ſacrifice, and the abhomination of … ſet vp, shalbe daies. 1290. Bleſſed i… … that expecteth, and attaineth to 1335. daies. Although (ſay they) this number ſeemeth to prophecy of th… warres of the Macchabees, yet alſo there is ſome notice therein of the end of the world. Therefore by daies they will hauehave yeares vnderſtood, which were in remainder from Daniels times to the end of the world. For there are firſt, 1290. years▪ then more, by addition, 1335. all theſe, put together, doe amount to 2625. yeares. Now from the … wherein Daniel did publiſh this propheſie, to the firſt comming of Chriſt, did runne out 600. yeares, o… there-abouts: therefore there … maineth yet from the Natiuity … p. 43Christ, vntill the end, 2026. yeares: now then (in th… yeare, 1560.) out of thoſe 2625. years, are ſpent, 1560. therefore as yet there remaineth vntill the worlds end about 425. years.

I anſwere. From hence alſo nothing can bee concluded. Firſt, there is no agreement at all with the Prophets praediction, that theſe thinges ſhould be vnderſtood of the warres of the Maccbabees, which went before the comming of Chriſt; and therefore neither of the prophanation of the Temple, which fell out vnderunder Antiochus. For it appeareth manifeſtly, That the Prophet in the end of his prophecy did fore-tell of thoſe things which were to come to paſſe in the Church, after the laſt deſtruction of the Temple, and the abrogation of the whole Moſaicall Lyturgie (as the Prophet foreſhewed in the end of the 9. chapter) vntill the end of the world: which thing euen Chriſt, quoting this very place Matthew, 24. doth clearely teach, when he ſaith; When yee ſhal ſee the p. 44abhomination of deſ…lation which is ſpoken of by Daniel the Prophet … ▪ Therefore the Prophet ſpeaketh of the deſolation or deſtruction of the Temple, which followed the abrogation of the daily ſacrifice, that is, of the Moſaicall ſeruice, Chriſt himſelfe being interpreter▪ and not of that prophanation, which fell out vnderunder the tyranie of Antiochus. Adde further, that Daniel in his 8. ch. to the one which was to fall out vnderunder Antiochus hee aſſigneth daies 2300. but to the other, 1290. So it is made euident, that the time whereof Daniel here ſpeaketh, did beginne from that laſt abhominable, and perpetuall demolition of the Temple, which was effected by the Romans, and to continue vntounto the end of the world; wherein Daniel, together with others, ſhall ariſe out of his reſting place, that is, the graue, wherein he quietly lieth, and ſhall liue againe with his lot, that is, in euerlaſting beatitude after the end of all daies. The caſe ſo ſtanding, it is a p. 45good conſequent, That no part of that time, of which the prophet here ſpeaketh can hauehave reference to theſe years which were praecedent the cō ming of Chriſt. Wherefore they doe not carry the mater skilfuly, who out of theſe 2. numbers, 1290. and 1335. do ſo mak vp the years, 2625. as that they referre, 600. to the time which went before Chriſts manifeſtation in the fleſh. And then from thence they gather the ſurpluſage, to be from the firſt to the ſecond cōming of Chriſt 2026. yeares. Certes, if thoſe 2. numbers be to be diſtinguiſhed, & then after ioined together, & daies be taken for years; it wil be behoofeful to acknowledge, that from the abomination of the daily ſacrifice, that is, of al Moſaical ſacrifices, & the deuaſtation, vntil the laſt cōming of Christ, do run betweene 2625. yeers. Moreouer, whereas they diſtinguiſh thoſe two numbers, as being indeed different the one from the other, & after conioine them, that hath no foundation to relye vponupon. For there bee p. 46ſome, (and thoſe men of good reſpect) which hold the ſame thing to bee meant by both the numbers, (that is to ſay) That the Church of God for a long time was, and ſhould bee afflicted vntounto the end of the world, but yet it was to hold out in perſeuerance manfully, and a deliuerance to be expected: for that when no ſuch matter at all was thought vponupon, as the riddance from thoſe euils, then the Church vppon the ſodaine (as it were) in the intercourſe of time ſhould be deliuered from all theſe afflictions. Adde withall that which may be affirmed (as many ſuppoſe) that this number here (as before) is put downe a certaine for an vncertaine; which thing the Angell ſeemeth to inſinuate, when, ſpeaking of the ſame time, he putteth downe a different number of daies, firſt, 1290. then, 1335. For if from the time of the dayly ſacrifice aboliſhed there were but vntounto the end onelyonly 1290. daies, wherein the Church ſhould be afflicted; how doth hee p. 47preſently adde withall, him to bee futurely bleſſed, who in this endurance of euils ſhall perſiſt couragious vntill the daies 1335. Certes, I doe ſee no other cauſe, but that his purpoſe was to ſignifie, that the ſame time of ſome was iudged longer, of ſome of leſſe continuance; and, in that reſpect, the whole Tract of Time to be to vsus vncertaine.

I paſſe ouer this, That the Fathers and ſome others doe conſtrue this place, as that other cap. 7. of three yeares and a halfe, wherein that laſt Antichriſt was ſaid by the Ancients ſhould raigne; for thoſe daies 1290. are the ſame (in their opinion) with a time, times, and halfe a time, becauſe they amount to three yeeres and a halfe. Finally, ſome there bee who would hauehave here a repetition and explanation of that, which alſo before in the end of the 9. Chapter he had ſaid, viz. of that time, within which the daily ſacrifice being vtterly taken away, the Temple likewiſe ſhould be deſtroyed by the Romans, p. 48neuer againe to be re-edified; that is, within three yeeres and a halfe more or leſſe, for ſo long time was that warre protracted, and finiſhed: after which preſently enſued the horrible vaſtation both of Citie and Nation. And thus they reade the words of the Angell; And touching the time wherein I ſaid the dayly ſacrifice ſhould be remoued, and the obhomination of deſolation erected, are 1290 daies; ſo that this (they ſay) is the true ſenſe thereof: O Daniel, thou haſt deſired to know when the finall end of all things ſhall bee, I hauehave ſhewed thee that the end is ſealed and cloſed vp; neither that to thee nor any other mortall man ſhall be made any other reuelation, then as is alreadie reuealed: But concerning the end of the Sacrifices, Policie, and Gouernment of the Iewes, as alſo of the Warre to bee waged againſt them, whereof alſo I hauehave treated in the 9. chapter, if thou wilt learne the certaintie when this ſhall hauehave an end or finall determination, p. 49I can commonſtrate vntounto you a moſt certaine ſupputation, (that is to ſay) That it ſhal be finiſhed within 1290. daies, nay, within 1335 daies. Thus hold theſe men. Therefore out of Daniel can no certaine time bee obſerued, touching the end of the World; but onelyonly that this time is determined with God, but yet vnknowne to vsus; and that in this time the Church ſhould bee ſtrangely afflicted. For, Daniel making enquiry for this end, anſwere was made, Goe thou Daniel, for the words of this Book are made up and ſealed, vntill the time of the end: Many ſhall bee purified, made white and tried, and the wicked ſhall doe …ickedly. Dan. 12.

The fift coniecture, 1. Tim. 4 For the Spirit ſaith, that in the laſt daies ſhall be per…lous times, men, louers of themſelues▪ &c. I anſwere, That euen when the Apoſtle did fore-tell theſe things, there were many ſuch in the world▪ therefore hee ſaith, But thou alſo a…oid ſuch; for of ſuch are they which enter into … houſes &c. p. 50But now there bee more ſuch. I anſwere. Obiect.What if there ſhall be many more, and much worſe follow after vsus, and ſpecially in the end of the World? Auguſtine doth like wiſe giuegive the ſaine anſwere to this Argument, drawne out of this place of the Apoſtle, in Epiſt. ad Hoſych.

Other coniectures alſo are alledged: But ſuch as I hauehave remembred are the principall; and we hauehave manifeſted, that no certaine concluſion can be determined touching the end of the world. We therefore conclude, That for the time of the end of the world, either in what day, or month, or yeare, or age, it ſhall be, or that the Lord Chriſt ſhall come, it can neither bee comprehended by any certaine knowledge, or any firme coniectures of any mortall man: and the reaſon is; for that God will not hauehave it knowne, but onelyonly to himſelfe, according to that, Of that day and houre &c. This we know indeed, that the end of the world approcheth dayly nearer and nearer; but p. 51when it ſhall be wee can not know. This is my determination of this queſtion; which I clearely know; to bee both godly, and conſonant to the Scriptures, and profitable: although I make no doubt (that I may freely ſpeake my minde) but that in thoſe numbers of daies, which are prefixed by Daniel and the Apocalyps before the end of the world, are included many myſteries, touching the laſt times; which things he may comprehend, who is endowed with a peculiar inſtinct of the holy Spirit; neither would I make doubt, but that hee might pronounce ſentence both of the end of the world, and of thoſe things which ſhall come to paſſe about thoſe times. But this gift is not granted to me: He that hath it, let him impart it. I will not deſpiſe his prophecie: I will trie all things, & in the meane time retaine that which is good.

From hence conſequently ariſeth the third capitall point. Whether it be lawfull to ſearch out the certaine p. 52time, that wee may know when the end of the world ſhall be. I anſwere, I am not of that opinion. For if God will not hauehave it to be knowne, then he doth violate the will of God, who trauelleth and ſearcheth certainely that he may know it. Beſides hee ſaith expreſſely, It is not yours to know the times and ſeaſons &c. If it belong not to vsus, wee may not lawfully inquire to know. Therefore God, that hee might manifeſt to the world howmuch this curioſitie diſcomenteth him, hee hath effected, that ſo many as from the age of the Apoſtles hitherto hauehave deſined any certaine time of the end of the World, they hauehave been euicted of errour. I ſpeake of the ordinarie inquirie of all; if any extraordinarie bee called to the intelligence of theſe myſteries, I doe caſt no lets in the way, onelyonly let eueryevery one bee cautelous, that hee deceiue not himſelfe, and tempt the Lord. Surely Curioſitie is fruitleſſe, but Sobrietie moſt profitable. And as they are commended p. 53who louelove the comming of the Lord; ſo I finde both Daniel and the Apoſtle to bee reiected, when they did propoſe curious queſtions; When ſhall theſe things be &c.

The fourth Chapter is: why God will not hauehave vsus know the end of the world? I anſwere, euen for the ſame reaſon why hee will not, that any ſhould know when he muſt die: Verily, that wee ſhould alwaies watch, and p…ay, and alwaies hauehave our loines gl… vp and hauehave our lampes in our hands filled with oil…, and burning, as if the Lord were to be expected hourely. The Lord himſelfe alledgeth this cauſe. Mat. …4. after he had ſaid of that day &c. And by the example of the deluge, which ca…t ſodainely vponupon the world in the daies of Noah he had concluded that ſuch like and ſo ſodaine ſhould be the comming of the Son of Man; forthwith hee annexeth this exhortation, ſaying. Wa…h therefore, for you know not when the Sonne of Man ſhall come: giuing inſtruction in theſe p. 54words, that this is the cauſe why he would not hauehave vsus know the certain time of the end of the world, that is to ſay, That beeing certaine the Lord will come, and vncertaine of the time when hee will come, wee might continually watc… and pray, dayly and hourely being in expectation of him: Therefore Auguſtine ſaith in Epiſt. ad Heſychium, The Lord was willing we ſhould know his firſt comming, for that the knowledge thereof was both neceſſarie and profitable for vsus: whereupon the Lord reproueth the Iewes, Luc. 12. ſaying; Ye can diſcerne the face of the skie, but doe yee not diſcerue the day of your viſitation? for that who doth not acknowledge the firſt comming of the Lord, cannot prepare himſelfe for his ſecond comming. But he would not hauehave the day and time of his other comming to bee manifeſted, for that it was not expedient for vsus; leſt verily we ſhould ſay with the euill ſeruant, Luc. 12. My Maſter doth deferre his comming, ſo let vsus feaſt and p. 55beate our fellow-ſeruants &c. The Lord will not hauehave vsus promiſe much time to our ſelues before his comming, but dayly to expect him, for that hee would hauehave vsus alwaies in a readineſſe. Therefore in the ſame chap. Mat. …4. in the end he addeth, ſaying; But if that euill ſeruant did ſay in his heart, My Maſter will defer his comming, and ſhal begin to ſmite his fellow-ſeruants, and ſhall likewiſe eat… and drinke with the drunkard…; the Lord of that ſeruant ſhall … in a day when hee looketh not and in an hours when … knoweth rat, and ſhall cut him off; and give him his portion with hypocrites; there shall be weeping and … …f…eeth. Now wee perceiue the cauſe why the Lord would not hauehave vsus know that time, certainly for our own ſaluation; leſt promiſing a long time to our ſelues, like thoſe seruants, wee ſhould eate and drinke with drunkards, &c. Therefore praepoſterouſly, and contra…ie to the will of God they doe, who pamper their belli…, and delight in gluttony … p. 56withall doe curiouſly diſpute, when the Lord ſhall returne.

The fift Capitall branch is, touching the ſignes which are praece…ne… before the end of the world, and the comming of the Lord Chriſt, and of the vſe thereof. For although wee can know no certaintie, concerning the time wherein the Lord will returne, for that his will was otherwiſe▪ notwithſtanding, ſundry ſignes doe fore-…nn… the Lords comming, and (ſo) the end of the world▪ wherby, both that the Lord will certainly returne, and that hee is not … diſtant, ſhall be made manifeſt to the godly, and honeſt hearted men.

But I will not recite all theſe ſignes; only I will point out certaine places of Scripture, where theſe things are to be read. Mat. 24. which alſo are rehearſed Mar. 1…. Lu…. …1. ſo like wiſe to the ſame effect, L…c. 17. ſo ſomewhat of the pau…it… of the the t…e beleeuers. Luc. 18. Rom. 11. of the calling (or conuerſion) of the Iewes. Likewiſe other things▪ …. Tim. p. 574. 2. Tim. 3. 2. Th…ſ. 2. But further, ſome certaine diſtribution of theſe ſignes is to be holden: ſome doe runne long before the end of the world, and ſome are more ne…rely praeccdent. To the firſt kinde apper…ineth that ſecuritie of the men of this age, which is portrayed Mat. 24. Luc. 17 and elſewhere; As in the … of Noab, &c. Againe, As it was in the daies of Lot, &c. Againe, herevnto pertaineth that reuolting from the faith, which is deſcribed …. Tim. 4. The Spirit ſpeaketh euidently, that in the laſt times ſome ſhall depar… from the faith, &c. …hich alſo elſe where is remembred. Likewiſe, here vntounto belongeth that corrupt ſtate of the world, which is painted out by Paul, 2. Tim. 3. In the laſt daies ſhall perilous times be at hand, &c. for…en ſhall bee …onars of themſelues &c. Hitherto likewiſe belongeth that defection or Apoſtafie, and reuolting of the Kingdome of Antichriſt, which is read 2. Theſ. …. Theſe ſignes long ago were begun, and (that a farre off) did p. 58fore-runne the day of the Lord, and the end of the World, and ſo doe fore-runne & continue their courſe, vntill vponupon a ſodaine the Lords comming ſhall ouertake vsus. But to the other ſort, which are more neerely praecedent doth belong that myſticall conuerſion of the Iewiſh Nation to Chriſt, which ſhall come to paſſe about the end of the World; and which the Apoſtle ſetteth out Rom. 11. For I make no doubt, but that the Apoſtle ſpeaketh hereof, when he calleth this a myſterie. Hereunto alſo appertaine thoſe things which the Lord recordeth. Mat. 24. Their ſhall be ſignes in the Sunne and Moone, and the Starres ſhall fall downe &c. although alſo there bee difference betweene that ſigne which is Rom. 11. of the conuerſion of the Iewes, and thoſe which are read Mat. 24 of the darkning of the Sunne, and falling of the Starres &c. for that ſhall come to paſſe before the Lord commeth, but theſe things euen at his very comming; and that ſhall bee p. 59praecedent before the end of the World, but theſe things appertaine to the very end of the world, when indeed (as it is 2. Pet. 3. ſaid) the heauens ſhall paſſe away with a noiſe, and they burning ſhall be diſſolued, and the Elements ſhall melt away: for I doe beleeue, that this renouation of the Heauens and the world is praeſignified in thoſe words of the Lord Chriſt, The Sunne ſhall bee darkned, and the Moon shal not giuegive her light, the Stars shall fall from heauen, &c. Thus much ſhall ſuffice of the ſignes.

But in this place two doubtes doe ariſe: the firſt, how that can accord which the Apoſtle writeth, Romans. 11. of the conuerſion of the Iewiſh Nation about the end of the world, with that voice of Chriſt. Luk. 18. When the Sonne of Man commeth, shall he finde faith on the earth? For if then little faith ſhalbe found in the earth; how then ſhall a full multitude of Iewiſh people bee conuerted, viz. by the faith in Christ? Therefore there ſhalbe little and much faith p. 60vponupon the earth. I anſwere; Auguſtine ſaith Diſting…e tempora. &c. diſtinguiſh the times, and the Scripture will accord: Thoſe two ſhall not fall out both at one time, but in ſome diſtance of time. I belieue therefore, that theſe: two places may thus hee reconciled; firſt, that principal… and laſt Antichriſt, which ſhall come about the end of the world, and which ſhall excell all others in hypocriſie, craft, power, and di…b…i…ll ſleights (for in him, as the Fathers teſtifie, ſhall dwell Sath…as, or all plenitudeSee D. VVhittakers confutation of this opinion, and diſallowance. De Rom. Pont. pag. 568. of Satanicall malice, as in Chriſt dwelleth all fulneſſe of Diuinitie, bodily) I ſay that laſt Antichriſt ſhall ſubuert all things, and ſhall ſeduce all (except a few of the Elect) partly by his hypocriſie; partly by his lying miracles, 2. Theſ. 2. inſomuch that, as Iohn ſpeaketh in theApoc. 13.Rev 13 Reuelation, he shall make the … to come downe from heauen, in the fight of men; partly alſo by his power and violence. Therefore in this manner, when the Sonne of Man ſhall come▪ p. 61that is, about his comming, certes little faith ſhall bee found vponupon the earth: but when that principall Antichriſt ſhall bee deſtroyed with the Spirit of Chriſts mouth, and by the efficacie of the Word of God hee ſhall be diſcouered to all men who he is (not Chriſt but Antichriſt) then (happily) the Iewes ſhall know their Meſsiah, bee conuerted vntounto him, and be ſaued. Therefore (Antichriſt raigning) ſcarſely ſhall any faith bee found vponupon the earth, but being deſtroyed very much.

The other queſtion is, If ſo many ſignes ſhall go before the end of the world, whereby ſhall be manifeſted to holy men that the Lord is not far off, How then haſt thou formerly concluded, that it cannot be known to any, when the Lord will come; and when the end of the world ſhall be? I anſwere: Theſe things are not repugnant. For, notwithſtanding the ſignes ſhall giuegive notice to the godly that the Lord is not farre off, yet from thence cannot be collected the p. 62certaine time wherein he will come Behold! many ſignes which doe fore-run the comming of the Lord, are long agoe accompliſhed: yet, how great licentiouſnes and ſecuritie? how much corruption of religion and manners? how many & great hereſies? The Lord ſaith; As in the daies of Noah &c. Mat. 24. & Luc 17. And the Apoſtle, In the laſt daies men shall be louers of themſelues, But how great a Lethargy amongſt men hath been ſo long ſince the Apoſtles time? But who could either in the Apoſtles time, or now can define, how much time remaineth vntil the Lords comming? Further, the Apoſtle ſaith, The Spirit ſpeaketh manifeſtly; that in the last daies ſome shall depart from the faith: but this Oracle, was it not become to bee fulfilled in the Apoſtles time? And certainly, thoſe were the laſt times, as Iohn doth beare witnes, ſaying: it is the laſt time. Yet we ſee how long doe continue thoſe laſt times; likewiſe how lately the Kingdome of Antichriſt was reuealed; p. 63and what it is. What for that it begun to be reueiled in Bernards daies? In Pſalme. Qui habitat, 6. Ser. pag. 413. At nùnc quidem. &c. But now indeed (ſaith hee) wee hauehave peace from Pagans; peace from Heretiques, but there is no peace from falſe children. Thou haſt multiplied the Nation O Lord Ieſus, but not magnified our ioy; all are Chriſtians, and yet all ſeeke their owne, not ſuch things as are Ieſus Chriſts: likewiſe the duties of Eccleſiaſtical dignities are transformed into filthy gaine and the buſines of darknes: neither in them is ſought the ſaluation of ſoules, but the exceſſe of riches: for this they are ſhauen, they frequent Churches, they celebrate Maſſes, they ſing Pſalmes: at this day moſt impudently there is contention for Biſhopricks, Archdeaconries, Abbotſhips, and other dignities: & the reuenues of Churches are waſted vponupon the practiſe of ſuper…uities & vanities; it remaineth that the Man of ſinne bee reueiled, p. 64the ſonne of perdition, the Ghoſt (that walketh) on the day, but euen at noone-day, which is not onelyonly transfigured into an Angell of light, but alſo exalted aboue all that is called God, or that is worſhipped. Thus Bernard.

Loe! one of the principall ſigne… going before the end of the World, (that is to ſay) the manifeſtation of the Kingdome of Antichriſt! yet who either could or can affirme when the Lord ſhall come? Therefore by thoſe tokens which runne … long before, although they notifie, that the Lord indeed will come and that he is not farre off, yet notwithſtanding it cannot bee determined, to what length of yeares this extendeth, that he is not farre off. So, … thoſe ſignes which fore-run by ſou… nearer diſtance, it may be gathered that the end of the World is more neere approching then before, and that the Lord will come quickly; yet neither of what ſpace this (quilckly) will be, it cannot before be know…. p. 65In the Apocalyps likewiſe it is ſaid, cap. 3. Behold (ſaith the Lord) I come quickly; and yet he is not come.

The concluſion is this; that although many ſignes ſhall bee forerunners, and praecedents to the day of the Lord, and end of the World; yet will it not thereupon bee any conſequent, That it can be knowne by any ſignes when the Lord will come. Neither is that the vſe of ſigns, that by them wee may know the time and ſet day: but there be other vſes.

And in my iudgement there bee three vſes of theſe ſignes, and theſe, ſeruing againſt three grieuous perils in this buſines. The firſt perill is, Leſt any ſhould vtterly reſolue that there ſhould bee no end at all, or returne of the Lord. Againſt this daunger the Lord in the Scriptures hath deliuered, and commanded that we ſhould ſo belieue, that this world ſhall hauehave an end, and that the Lord Chriſt will certainely come againe. To this effect doe tend the tokens p. 66foretold from the Lord, ſcilicet… That when we ſhall ſee them come to paſſe, we may become more certaine, that the Lord (as he did prognoſticate) will certainely come. The firſt vſe then of the ſignes is, that by them, as by ſeales, the promiſe touching the comming of Chriſt ſhould be ratified, and our faith therin confirmed.

Another perill is; Though wee certainely beleeue that the end of the World ſhall bee, and that the Lord ſhall come, yet leſt we ſhould deny him as yet to bee farre off, and to make delay. For this imagination is the cogitation of the euill ſeruant, and maketh a man ſecure in his ſins. Againſt this danger the Lord would hauehave vsus alwaies to reſolue, that the day of the Lord is not farre abſent. To this effect tend theſe voices, Phil. 4. The Lord is at hand: alſo Mat. 24. of the euill ſeruant, who imagineth that the Lord wil not come quickly, he ſaith; the Lord of that ſeruant will come in a day when he hopeth not, and p. 67in anhoure when he knoweth not, and will cut him off &c. as though hee ſhould ſay, his Lord will ſooner returne then that euill ſeruant expected. Luc. 12. And be ye likewiſe prepared: for the Sonne of Man wil come at an houre when yee thinke not. For this purpoſe ſerue the ſignes foretold by the Lord. Verily, for that whereas wee perceiue, yea from the beginning, and doe dayly ſee many of them accompliſhed already, and to come to paſſe, we ſhould therfore thinke that the Lord is not farre off, and (ſo) watch and pray. Wherfore the Lord, when he had fore-told the ſignes, he (conſequently) added the vſe of the praediction thereof, ſaying; when yee ſhall ſee all theſe things, Kn…w that he is nigh, euen in the dores. Therefore this is the ſecond vſe of theſe ſignes, That indeede by the ſight thereof wee might know the Lord not to be farre off, but quickly to returne; yet ſo, as that wee may neuer define how far off this (quickly) ſhall be.

p. 68The third perill is this; leſt that, becauſe the good ſeruant muſt remember, that it may ſo fall out that his Maiſter may come quickly, hee ſhould raſhly define how long or how ſhort time that (quickly) will be, and ſhould appoint any certaine time when his Lord will come. For that determination of a certain time, beſides, that it is preſumptuous, it is likewiſe repugnant to the will of God, and pernicious. Againſt this rock, the Lord will hauehave vsus to acknowledge and confeſſe, that wee cannot know this time, and that it is onelyonly knowne to God. Againe, hee would hauehave vsus know, that it is not our office either to ſearch out, or to know the times and ſeaſons which the Father hath put in his owne power. Hereunto alſo appertaine the ſignes, that is to ſay, That when we ſhall ſee many of them to bee originally accompliſhed from the time of the Apoſtles, neither yet preſently the Lord to bee come, that … yet wee preſume to define (though p. 69we ſee the reſt) of any certaine time of his comming, but that we ſhould know that this onelyonly is ſeene to the Lord: and therefore, for that wee are ignorant when he will come, we ſhould alwaies watch and pray. Wherfore the Lord ſaith, Matthew, 24. If the houſholder knew at what houre the theefe would come, he would (doubtleſſe) wa…ch, and not ſuffer his houſe to be digged through: as though he ſhould ſay, he would (doubtleſſe) watch that houre onelyonly, wherein he knew the thiefe would come, but for that he knoweth hee will come, and is ignorant in what houre, therfore hee awaketh the whole night, and ſtandeth vponupon his watch: be yie alſo therefor… prepared (that is, alwaies) for at an houre when yet thinke not will the ſonne of man come; as if he had ſaid▪ If yee know that certaine time wherin he would returne, yee would watch onelyonly about that time, and addreſſe your ſelues to meete me: but for that yee are ignorant when I ſhall come, at midnight p. 70or cock-crow, or in the morning, and yet yee know certainly that I wil come, therefore, yee ought continually to bee prepared, and in readineſſe. Theſe therefore are the three principall vſes of the tokens foregoing the end of the world, and the comming of the Lord; firſt, that by ſeeing of them we may firmely know that the Lord wil come: next, that by the ſight thereof wee may know that hee will come quickly; thirdly, that by ſeeing of them wee doe not yet determine how long this (quickly) ſhall endure; for that many of them are come to paſſe, and yet the Lord commeth not. Beſides, no ſignes doe bend that way, that by them we may be enabled to define the certaine time of his comming, and of the end of the world. Therefore the Lord did firſt prognoſticate the ſignes, Matthew. 24. and then, le…t any man ſhould yet thinke, that hee could gather how much ſpace of time remained touching the Lords comming, he added, p. 71Of that day knoweth no man. We ſee therefore that this ſequele hath no coherence. The ſignes are fore-told that doe fore-runne the end of the world: therefore when they formerly come to paſſe, and are accompliſhed; we may not thence obſerue how much time certainely remaineth vntill his comming; for that there be other vſes (as is manifeſted already) of the ſignes, then that by them wee either can or ought to conclude the certaine time of the world. But by all theſe wee may eaſily collect what a Chriſtian man may doe in this queſtion, touching the end of the world. Now then out of things allready ſpoken let vsus diſcuſſe the duties of a Chriſtian man to be obſerued in this queſtion of the worlds ending.

The ſixt Capitall branch is; what thinges are to bee obſerued of a Chriſtian man, in this queſtion touching the end of the world.

Wee muſt firmely beleeue that this world ſhall finally come to an p. 72that the Lord ſhall returne, and that the world ſhall be renewed: wherefore ſeeing there muſt be a renouation of the Heauen and Earth, we are to giuegive regard, that wee likewiſe be daily renouated, as Peter teacheth. 2. Pet. 3.

When this end ſhall come, wee are not curiouſly to inquire, both for that it cannot be knowne, according to the voyce of Chriſt, Mat. 24. as alſo for that we are forbidden in that ſaying, Act. 1 It appertaineth not to you to know the times. &c.

Although we know not when hee will come, yet in the meane while we are to deſire his comming, according to that Mat. 6. Let thy Kingdome come. And this is likewiſe acceptable to God, as the Apoſtle teſtifieth 2. Tim. 4. henceforth is laid vp for me a crowne of righteouſnes, which the Lord (that iuſt iudge) ſhall render vntounto me at that day, and not only to me, but alſo to all ſuch as ſhal wiſh for his comming.

Albeit wee know not when; yet p. 73ought eueryevery one continually to hauehave in remembrance, that the Lord may ſooner come then the world ſuppoſeth. For this is the difference betweene the good and euill ſeruant, Luc. 12. The euil one ſaith, My Lord wil deferre his comming &c. but the good one ſaith, I know not verily when my Lord wil come but I do daily expect him: for he wil come (as hee propheſied) as a thiefe in the night, that is, vponupon the ſodaine. Againe albeit (that I may in the interim yeeld this) that he will not come ſpeedily to iudge the whole world, yet it may bee he wil come to morrow to exact of mee a priuate account of my life.

Becauſe we know not when the Lord wil come, we are to watch and pray perpetually, and our lamps are ſo to bee kept furniſhed with faith and good workes, as if he were to come to morrow, according to that of Chriſt, Mat. 24. Watch therefore and pray, for you know not what houre your Lord will com… ▪ Wherefore, at p. 74no hand are we to imitate that euill ſeruant, who for that hee doth promiſe to himſelfe that his Maiſter wil deferre his comming, he is drunke with the drunkards, and ſmiteth his fellow ſeruants. Luc. 12.

If we be tempted to impatience for that the day of the Lord commeth not quickly, or becauſe the Lord doth ſo long deferre his comming, let vsus follow the counſaile of the Apoſtle Pet. 2. Epiſt. 3. Let vsus faſten our eyes, not vponupon the paſſage of this temporary life, but vponupon aeternity it ſelfe, where all time, be it neuer ſoe long, doth vaniſh to nothing: and let vsus bee adviſed, that a thouſand yeares with the Lord a… but as one day, according to that 2. Pet. 3. Moreouer bee not ignorant of this one thing (beloued) that one day with the Lord, is as a thouſand yeares, and a thouſand years as one day, Let vsus therfore vnderſtand that this delay is nothing.

If further we ſhalbe aſſaulted, either of our owne curioſity, or queſtioned p. 75of others, why the Lord doth ſo long deferre his comming? let vsus anſwere as Peter inſtructeth, that he doth therefore deferre, for that hee looketh that all ſhould repent, and that he is not delighted with the perdition of men.

If Queſtion be propounded, whether the Lord will ſooner or later come? let vsus follow the doctrine of CHRIST, and returne our anſwere, We cannot tell: for this is the ſafer tract. For if thou ſhalt ſay, the Lord will not come quickly, hee will yet deferre, this is the property of the euill ſeruant. Luke, 12. Matthew. 24. and it begetteth either ſecurity to …arnall, or deſpaite to godly men, who deſire the comming of Chriſt: if thou ſay he will come quickly, this indeed is the part of the good ſeruant, to thinke that the Lord will come quickly, and daily to expect him. And this cogitation will quicken thee to ſtudy for compoſing thy ſelfe, and for to meet the Lord: but it is a raſh affirmation of that thou p. 76knoweſt not. But if thou doeſt anſwer thou canſt not tell; and therefore becauſe thou knoweſt not, that we muſt watch and pray; thou ſhalt doe the office both of a good and humble ſeruant, and ſo ſhalt paſſe the more ſafe way. For this is the third, accorning to Christs Goſpell, Watch yee therefore, for yee kn… not. &c. Augustine alſo ſaith in the Epiſtle to Heſychius, and putteth downe three orders or ſeruants: One ſaith; Let vsus watch and pray, for that the Lord will come quickly: another ſaith, Let vsus watch and pray, for that the Lord will come indeed ſlowly; but our life is but ſhort the third ſaith, Let vsus watch and pray, for wee know not when the Lord will come.

But notwithſtanding wee know not when the generall end of the World ſhalbe; yet let vsus remember that the end of our (little) world is neare eueryevery one of vsus: for wee cannot long liue; Let vsus continually watch and pray: Neither imitate p. 77that euill ſeruant, who ſaith My Lord will delay his comming. The Lord grant that all theſe things may leaue a deepe impreſſion in the depth of our hearts.

Amen. (⸪)

HIEROME.

Whether I eat or drinke, or whatſoeuer I doe: I doe alwaies ſuppoſe that I heare the voyce of the trumpet ſounding; Ariſeyee dead, and come vntounto iudgement.

AVGVSTINE.

The laſt day is vnknowne vntounto us, that we might attend vponupon eueryevery day.

APOC. 22. 12.

Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to giuegive to eueryevery one as his deeds ſhalbe.

p. 79THE CONFESSION of HIEROME ZANCHIVS touching the perſeuerance of the Saints in faith.

NOW intending my explanation and confirmation of my ſentence (touching the perſeueraance of the Saints in Faith) in the entrance, that all ambiguitie may bee remoued, which (ſecretly) reſteth in words of different ſignification; theſe three words which are incident to this queſtion (Faith, Grace, p. 80Saint) are principally to bee vnfolded, and what thereby muſt be vnderſtood. In the next place, leſt any man ſhould ſuppoſe that there is of ſuch matter controuerſie amongſt vsus, where indeed there is none; ſuch things are to be remooued out of the way, which ſeeme, and are not controuerted amongſt vsus. Then finally, wherein this controuerſie conſiſteth, and what my opinion is thereof, ſhall bee declared, and the teſtimonies of Scriptures, Fathers, and learned men of our Age, whereby I do defend this my iudgement, ſhall be alleadged.