A Revelation of the Apocalypse, Chapter 18
Chap. 18.
AFTER theſe things I ſaw an Angel come down from Heaven having great Power: ſo as the earth was bright with his glorie.
2 And he cryed out mightilie with a lowd voice, ſaying, It is fallen, it is fallen, Babylon that great, and is become the habitation of Divils, and the hold of all fowl Spirit, and a cage of every uncleane and hateful bird.
3 For al nations have drunken of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, & the Kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the marchants of the earth are waxed rich of the aboundance of her pleaſures.
4 And J heard an other voice from heaven, ſaying, goe out of her my people, leaſt yee be partakers of her ſinnes, and receive of her plagues.
5 For her heaped ſinnes are come up to heaven, and God hath remembred her iniquities.
6 Reward her, even as ſhe hath rewarded you, and give her double according to her works; and in the cup that ſhe hath filled you, fill her double.
7 Jn as much as ſhe lifted up her ſelfe, and lived in pleaſure, ſo much give yee to her torment and ſorow: for ſhe ſaith in her heart, J ſit being a Queen, and am no widow, and ſhal ſee no mourning.
8 Therfore ſhal her plagues come at one day, death, and ſorow, and famine, & ſhe ſhalbe burnt with fire, for that God which condamneth her is a ſtrong Lord.
9 And the Kings of the earth ſhall bewaile her, and lament for her, which have committed fornication and lived in pleaſure with her, when they ſhall ſee the ſmoke of her burning.
10 And ſhal ſtand a farr off for feare of her torment, ſ…ying, alas, alas, th…t great citie Babylon, that mighty citie: for in one houre is thy iudgment come.
11 And the Marchants of the earth ſhal weepe, and waile over her: for no m…n byeth their ware anie more.
12 The ware of golde, and ſilver, and pretious ſtones, and pearles, and of fine linnen, and of purple, and of ſilke, and of skarlet, and of al manner of thynewood, and of al veſſels of yvorie, and of al veſſels of moſt pretious wood, and of braſſe, and of iron, and of marble.
13 And of cinnamon, and odours, and oyntment, and frankincenſe, and wine, & oyle, and fine floure, and wheate, and beaſts, and ſheep, and horſes, and charets, and ſervants, and ſoules of men.
14 And the fruits that thy ſowl luſted after, are departed from thee, and al things that were fatte, and excellent, are departed from thee, neither ſhalt thou finde them anie more.
15 The Marchants of theſe things, I ſay, which were made rich by her, ſhall ſtand a farr off from her, for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing.
16 And ſaying, alas, alas, that great citie, that was clothed in fine linnen, & purple, and skarlet, and gilded with gold, and precious ſtones, and pearles; for in one houre ſo great richeſſe are come to deſolation.
17 And everie ſhipmaſter, and all the troupe that converſeth in ſhippes, and mariners, and whoſoever traffike on the ſea, ſhal ſtand a farr off.
18 And they shal crie ſeing the ſmoke of her burning, and shal ſay, what citie was like unto this great citie?
19 And caſting duſt on their heads, they shal crie, weeping and wailing and ſaying, alas, alas, for that great citie, wherin were made rich al that had shipps on the ſea by her coſtlineſſe, in one haure is made deſolate.
20 O Heaven reioice of her, aend ye Holy Apoſtles and Prophets: for God hath punished her, to be revenged of her for your ſakes.
21 Then a certain mightie Angel tooke up a ſtone like a great milſtone, & caſt it into the Sea, ſaying, with ſuch violence shall Babylon that great Citie be caſt, and shalbe found no more.
22 And the voice of harpers, and muſicians, and of pippers, and trumpeters shalbe heard no more in thee, and no crafteſman of whatſoever craft he bee, shalbe found anie more in thee, and the ſound of a milſtone ſhalbe heard no more in thee.
23 And the light of a candle shal ſhine no more in thee, and the voice of the bridgrome, and the bride shalbe heard no more in thee: for thy marchants were the great men of the earth: and with thine enchantments were deceived al nations.
24 And in her was found the blood of the Prophets, and of the Saincts, and of all that were ſlaine upon the earth.
The Analyſis.
HITHERTO what and of what ſort is the throne of the Beaſt, as it were the firſt ſprinkling of the fift vial; now foloweth a more copious powring out ioyned with the verie ruine of the throne. Which we diſtinguish into thoſe things, which goe before the deſtruction, and the things which follow it; thoſe that goe before are performed by the miniſterie of three Angels, two of which declare the ruine by bare word. The firſt a glorious Angel ver 1, more ſuccinctly ver. 2, 3. The ſecond nameleſſe more fully, both in exhorting the godly to fly out of Babylon, ver. 4.5. and alſo in ſtirring up the miniſters of this deſtruction to uſe deſerved ſeveritie, ver. 6.7. afterwards in deſcribing partlie the mourning of wicked Kings ver. 9.10. of marchants, ver. 11.12.13.14.15.16. of Watermen and mariners, ver. 17.18.19, partly the ioy of the godly, ver. 20. Such is the miniſterie of the two Angels: The third beſide his word uſeth alſo a ſigne: which both is propounded ver, 21. and alſo expounded, ſummarily in the ſame verſe: ſeverally, in ver. 22.23.24. Hitherto the things that goe before the ruine: that which followeth is a thankeſgiving which the Saincts performe, chap. 19.1. 2. 3 4.
Scholions.
1 And after theſe things J ſaw an Angel come down: In deſtroying the Citie of Rome God wil manifeſt to the world his admirable long ſuffring, who beſide al his former warnings, ſo many, and ſo divers, cometh not to the laſt deſtruction, before three Angels be uſed, by whoſe voice men should be warned to avoid the plague coming violently upon it. The firſt of theſe is an Angel deſcending from heaven, that is▪ ſome excellent and ſingular mā, who shal come ſuddenly, and not looked for, even as things which fall down from heaven. The things which are borne with us give ſome shew of themſelves before they wex ripe; but things that come from heaven, may be preſent in a moment without anie perceiving taken before they come. So in the tenth chapter and Angel came down from heaven, of a ſudden, when many couragious deffendours of the truth were riſen up, of whom before there was no ſuſpicion. VVhichWhich thing other places cōfirm, which may be taken from the former interpretation. This Angel ſeemeth, that by a ſudden converting to the truth, he shall manifeſt to al men, that he cometh from heaven. Such was that coming down in the tenth chapter, where men brought up in ſuperſtition, became ſuddenly nourriſſons of true godlines. This Angel hath great power. But to what end? For no excellent great acte of his is mentioned: it may be he is that man to whom is committed wholly the throwing down of this throne: who shal not ſo much bring a new Propphecy concerning the ruine of Babylon, as ſhew himſelfe prepared to performe the verie thing, which the divine oracles prophecied often should come. Thirdly, the earth is lightened with his glory, becauſe evē they which are ſtrangers from the true Church shal honour, and admire the glory of his godlineſſe and excellent maieſtie. He ſhalbe wel reported off, even of them that are without, as ſpeaketh the Apoſtle. The like uſe of words in the things paſt, doth give us this knowledge of this Angel, though yet to come. VVhichWhich is the onelyonly way to pearſe into theſe things otherwaies hidden from us. But it is to be obſerved, that this Angel, as farr as it ſeemeth, shal not come forth by and by after that manifeſtation of the throne, which we have ſpoken of in the former chapter; but at length after ſome certain and meet time ſet between. And therfore this viſion is divided from the former by that uſual ſtile in writing of a diſtāce of time ſomwhat farther of, and after theſe things I ſaw.
2 And he cryed out mightily, foreign, in ſtrength, that is, ſtrongly, valiantly, and vehemently. The Complutent edition and the Kings Bible have foreign, with a ſtrong voice: ſo alſo Aretas: but the ſenſe is al one. This mighty crying out ſignifyeth the efficacy and immutability of the things to be done, as Aretas noteth. Although peradventure no ſuch denuntiation to be made in words is not to be expected; but even the very attemting of the thing shall ſtirre up in the mindes of men that opinion, as if they did heare this voice ſounding in the eares of men. But ſeing this crying out is of one Angel, to whom the buſineſſe is committed as is like, of deſtroying, and burning Rome, it may confirme ſomewhat that which we have ſayd in the former chapter; that ſome one of the tenne hornes, to whom the reſt of the multitude is figuratively adioyned; not that whole number, ſhal bring upon it this laſt deſolation. He cryeth out with a voice doubled, It is fallen, it is fallen Babylon, after the māner of the former Prophets, but yet with this difference, becauſe they denoūced a deſtruction to come long after, this declareth that it is already preſent, now at laſt to be performed, by this his expedition. Babylon that great, the ſeven hilled citie, the chief Empreſſe Rome, as once Babylon the head citie of the Aſſyrians. There is a double Babylon in this book, as we have heard chap. 16., Rome and Conctantinople. But here he ſpeaketh of the firſt, which belongeth to the fift vial, in which this chapter is employed. The ſecond belongeth to the laſt vial, to be deſtroyed in the twentith chapter
¶ And is become the habitation of Divils: The cauſe of the deſtruction is not here mentioned, which foloweth after in ver. 3. but the deſolation is declared by a dreadful wilderneſſe, which this kind of inhabitans reioicing in ſolitary places and folowing them, doo expreſſe paſsingly. Or rather wherin they themſelves doo not ſo much take pleaſure, but into which they are ſent, and thruſt even againſt their wils. From whence that which firſt is caled the habitation of Divils, is ſtraightway called the hold of every fowl Spirit, that is, a priſon or iayle into which they are thruſt at the pleaſure of the Higheſt iudge. As if by the moſt iuſt iudgmēt of God the foule Spirits be tormented in the ſame places, after they have ben deprived of all company of mortal men, which they have abuſed, by entiſing men to abhomination and naughtineſſe. Which is like a hell to them, to be ſo kept from mens ſocietie: whom to draw with them into the ſame tormēt, they hold it ſome confort in their damnation. But they are not ſo shut apart from men into theſe ſecret places, but that often times they goe on with rage in verie great meetings of folke, as oftē as it shal ſo pleaſe God, but becauſe ſuch wilderneſſes are appointed to them for ordinarie prisōs. Wherunto that ſaying of Chriſt ſeemeth to pertaine: When the unclean Spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh throughout dry places, ſeeking reſt, and findeth none Mat. 12.43. Moreover the evils which were brought into the Church by Hermites and Monkes shew aboundantly how much the deluſions of Satan doo prevaile in thoſ… foule and deſert places, as the moſt learned Theod. Beza hath obſerved. But from this place we learn… how that of Iſaiah is to be underſtood in chap 13.20.21.22. and again in chap. 34.13.14.15. unto which the Spiri… alludeth manifeſtly, howſoever he interpreteth them not word for word purpoſely. That is to ſay, not only of ſome Beaſts and unl…ckie birds, but alſo of evil Angels, to whom theſe names are proper, Divils and fowle Spirits, as the Greeks have tranſlated, partly retaining the Hebrew words foreign & foreign; partly tranſlating plainly Schhirim foreign Divils, in which ſenſe that word is uſed in Levit. 17.7. And they ſhall no more offer their offrings to Divils, liſhhirim properly ſignifieth the word goates; but it is tranſlated unto Divils, who appeared for the moſt part to their worshippers rough and hairie: commonly they are caled Satyrs, foreign, as Aquila tranſlateth in Iſaiah.
¶ And a cage of every unclean bird: It is not called a cuſtody, becauſe it should be like a cage, from whence the uncleane birds could not flee out, but becauſe they should be ſeen continually abiding in thoſe ruines, and to have their moſt uſual place of dwelling there Such are thoſe fleſh-devouring, ravenous, and unluckie birdes, the Egle, Kite, Hauke, the Vultur, Raven, the Night-wandring ſcritchowles, Howlets, &c. Of which ſort many are reckned up in Levit. 11.13. &c. And ſuch birds were once counted uncleane by the Law. Such difference hath no place at this day: yet not without cauſe they are ſo called to this preſent time, becauſe they excellently ſet before our eyes the diſpoſition of uncleane men, who live by ſtelth, and know no other way to maintaine themſelves, except by violence and injurie. In this reſpect alſo thoſe greedie birdes are hated of all the reſt, as they shew by gathering a company, as often as they have gotten one of theſe ravenous birds alone, and any occaſion ſhall give an opportunity to oppreſſe them; likeweiſe alſo this kind of men is odious to al mortal men.
3 Becauſe of the wine of the wrath. A threefold cauſe of the deſtruction is rehearſed, becauſe ſhe was the authour of Idolatry to al men; becauſe ſhe drewe the Kings into the partaking of her wickednes; and increaſed with honours & riches above meaſure her citizens by her riot. Theſe naughtie acts are auncient, and often caſt in her teeth by other Angels ſome ages before. Therfore he declareth that the ſhameleſſe forehead of this whore is ſtil condemned of the ſame crime, which can be moved with no warnings to put away her former lewdneſſe. As touching the words, the wine of the wrath of her fornication, is a fornication wherby God is provoked to wrath, yet ſo making wretched men drunken for a time with a certen pleaſantneſſe, that it taketh away all perceiving of the impiety therof, as in chap. 14.8.
¶ All nations have drunk; Montanus hath it ranſitively, thus; hath made the nations to drink: and ſo her wickedneſſe is more lively ſet forth, & more becomming her, which beareth a cup of Gold in her hand, wherby shee may provoke even thoſe that are not thirſty to drink, as before chap. 14.8. It is an horrible ſinne to put a ſtumbling block before the blind: but what is it to thruſt and throw him headlong into the pit? But the kinde of ſpeaking ſeemeth to be changed of purpoſe, leaſt any man should alledge for his excuſe, that he hath not deceived others. Therfore this common reading is to be preferred which our coppies have; which alſo the verbes neuters which folow eporneuſan eplouteſan, ſeeme to require.
¶ And the marchants of the earth of the abundance of her pleaſures: foreign from the force of her riot, that is, from the plenty and immoderate deſire to enioy al pleaſures. For Rome is an other Zerxes who by rewards offered, ſtirred up men to deviſe newe pleaſures. Therefore how should not the deviſers and miniſters of theſe things get to thē ſelves great riches? But of what ſort are theſe marchants? not of that kind, as it ſeemeth who make a gaine by carrying out, and bringing in of wares; for they are in the number of the reprobates, who shal mourne for Babylon: wgoſe deſtruction shal bring very great ioy to all the ſaincts, ver, 20. Neither shal theſe mēs wares be bought anie more Rome being deſtroyed: yet notwithſtanding gold, ſilver, and the other things which are mentioned, shal not ceaſe to be in account in other places. Hereunto is added, that among them to whom this name agreeth properly, the chiefe dignitie is theirs, who fetch wares by ſea from farr countries: but theſe exerciſe marchandiſe not ſo much by ſea, as by land; from whence they are called the marchants of the earth. Furthermore theſe are the Peres and great men of the earth ver. 13. in a higher place and honour, then they which ſell marchandiſe. Laſt of al we shal ſee that the ſoules alſo of men are amōg the wares of theſe men, ver. 13. which by no meanes wil not ſuffer us to ſtick to the proper nature of the words. Therfore certaine common marchants are not here to be minded, (although theſe alſo shall ſuffer great loſſe,) but the ſtately Lords Cardinals, Archbishops, Popiſh Bishops, who exerciſe a marchandiſe of ſoules, and flouriſh by this marchandiſe with the glory of Noble men. For we shal ſee after, that Rome is compared to Tyrus, becauſe she is no leſſe noble a marte town of ſpiritual things, then once Tyrus of al thoſe things which belong to the deligts of this life, as we may ſee in Pope Alexander, of whom was this ſung common:
Alexander ſels the keyes, the Altars, yee Chriſt alſo,
Firſt of all he had bought them, then by right he may doo ſo.
But Baptiſta Mantuan writeth more fully, not of Alexandre alone, but of the whole company, and daily cuſtome of the Romish court:
—with us are to be ſold,
The Temples, Preiſts, Altars, the Holy things, the Crown:
The fyre, Jncens, the Praies, Heaven & God is to ſell.
Who can deſire a better furnished market? Neither mayeſt thou think this to be the overmuch libertie of railing Poets, but a iuſt complaint of more holy reformers. Bernard ſaith, that the ſacred degrees are given unto an occaſion of diſhoneſt lu…re, and that gaine is counted godlineſſe, in his firſt ſermon of the converſion of Paul. Budaeus in his Pandects ſaith, the Popes decre…s are not profitable for the governement of manners, but I had almoſt ſaid, doo ſeeme to give authority to occupie a banke for love. Ludovicus Vives on Auguſt. of the Citie of God, book 18. chap. 22. ſaith, though all things almoſt are ſold and bought at Rome, yet thou mayeſt doo nothing without a law and rule, and alſo of a moſt inviolable authority. But it were an infinite thing to ſayle in this ſea, no ſhore of which thou canſt ſee, howſoever thou shouldeſt obtaine a proſperous winde for ſome few dayes. Such therfore are both the marchants, & wares. Although I wil not deny the huge exceſſe alſo of things, which perteine to the body, by conveying wherof thither, many have waxed verie rich. But here chiefly the marchādiſe of ſoules ſeemeth to be underſtood; than which no ſcience hath been more gainful now for manie ages. Auguſtine the Monk perhaps at home of no eſtimation, yet becauſe he had brought the Britaines into bondage under Rome, was made Archbiſhop of Canterbury. Venefride the English man, called Boniface, his name being changed, by this way became Bishop of Mentz, and togither alſo Governour of the Church of Coloine. Who can recken up all who have made a way for themſelves to verie great dignities by this ſame meane? Alan an English man a traitour, betraying the faith, his countrey, & Prince to the Pope, deſerved by this trade of marchandiſe to be amōg the Peeres of the earth, having gained the dignitie of a Cardinals hat. Yea that this trafique might not be cold, whom gaine and profits moved not, thoſe the crafty whore inflamed, with honours and glory. The King of Spaine was made the C…tholike King: of France the mo…t Chriſtian King: The Swiſſers the Defenders of the Church, and furthermore endued with two great banners, both the Cappe & Sword. Some reward is wanting to no man, to the end that they may exerciſe the more diligently that profitable marchandiſe. Threefold therfore is the cauſe of the deſtruction of Rome; becauſe …he is the mother of Idolatry, the corruptreſſe of Kings and nations, and that may be ſ…ffered no longer for her arrogancy and pride, and buying & ſelling of ſoules. By which things this right excellent Captaine being moved, shal undertake this expedition againſt her.
4 And I heard an other voice: Such is the firſt Angel, and the Prince as it ſeemeth of this warre: the ſecond as an under Captaine dooth his office in counſelling and exhorting. But here is no mention made of the Angel, but onelyonly of a voice from heaven, as though this exhortation were without an authour, his name being concealed from whom it commeth. For which cauſe we have ſaid in the Analyſis that this Angel is nameleſſe. It is in deed an odious argument which he handleth, wherupon peradventure he will conceale his name, which being known would bring no profit, but might procure ſome danger, the adverſaries being of ſo ſpitefull minds. His ſpeech is continued even unto the one and twentith verſe; ſo copious ſhal be the admonition of ſome faithfull man, which togither with the preparation to this warrē, shalbe ſpread abroad, godly and truly warning men of the preſent punishment of Rome. Notwithſtanding that which wee have ſpoken of his name concealed is not of ſuch neceſsity, as that it muſt needs be ſo, ſeeing the like voice from heaven did shew his author, as the event declared, chap. 14.13. But it is likely to be true that the name is to be concealed.
¶ Goe out of her my people: The exhortation conſiſteth of two parts, the firſt part perteineth to them which live in Babylon, warning them that acknowledging at the length the filthineſſe of that citie, they forſake the ſame, and depart to an other place; that they would no longer for her ſake expoſe themſelves to certain deſtruction. Wherfore ſome elect lie hidd yet in the dreggs of the Romish impietie, whom God remembreth in the cō mon deſtruction of the wicked. He will not ſuffer Lot to periſh togither with the Sodomits: and he uſed the like exhortation long ſince to his people, when the mother of this Babylon was to be razed, Ier. 51.45. And this commandement shal not be made in vaine to his people, to whom alone it is proper to obey his voice. Therfore even as the miſes perceaving before hand that the houſe will fall, doo runne away out of their holes, ſo they being wakened out of ſleep by the Angels voice, shal convey them ſelves by and by out of this deteſtable city.
¶ Leaſt ye be partakers of her ſinnes: For of what ſinners the felowſhip is not forſaken, their guiltines is conveyed to men. Therfore he ſaith not, that ye be not partakers of her punishments, but which is farr more greevous, of her ſinnes. This feare wil provoke and inforce them to runne away, who are convinced in their conſciences of the Romish wickednes,
5 For her ſinnes are heaped up: foreign, one following an other as chained togither, at length they hav reached evē unto heaven. But if through the whole Papiſtical Kingdome, Rome be the holy city, Peters chaire, which cannot erre, this chained row hath ſuffered a great interruption: which as it much exceedeth the ages of the Heathen Emperours, ſo much the more eaſily it dooth blot out the impietie of that three yeeres ſpace of Antichriſt, which they dreame is yet to come, although it were granted, that he should raign at Rome. How can the ſinnes in the laſt times come up even to heaven, from whoſe full heape ſo much is taken away by ſo lōg continuing holines of the Popes? But this Revelatiō hath made the thing manifeſt, declaring that the Pope received a lampe from the Heathen Emperours, and to have heaped up new ſinnes upon the former heape in a cō tinual row; even as the perpetual order and ſucceſsion of Popes sheweth; for which onelyonly thing the catalogue of the Popes ſerveth greatly. We hav ſeen this heape wonderfully increaſed in theſe our times: neither shal they which folow, leſſe māfully add to the heape, until they have both brought their ſinns unto heaven, and alſo their wicked citie to duſt. The Interpreter Aretas tranſlateth have cleaved to; Montanus, are glued togither, one layed on an other, and as it were ſoldered with glue. Therfore the filthines of Rome shal be made yet more manifeſt to the elect, to the end that they may thinke the more in earneſt of flying from her.
6 Reward her even as ſhee hath rewarded you; The other part of the exhortatiō hath reſpect to the armies of ſoldjers gathered togither againſt Rome. This whetteth their anger and ſtirreth it up to a iuſt revenging. Thou ſayeſt it is a cruel ſentence; he should rather convert his ſpeach to the repreſſing of fury, much leſſe excite to the rendring of double. But curſed is every one, that doth the worke of the Lord negligently. Neither is it to be feared that the punishment is more greevous then her deſerts, to which no sharpnes of punishment can be equal. But theſe things declare the event, to weet, that men shal uſe verie great ſeveritie in executing this laſt deſolatiō. And it is to be obſerved that the citizens now of the Romane juriſdiction ſhal be the Miniſters of this univerſal ſlaughter. For whom the Angel evē now commanded to come out of Babylon, them he now exhorteth to revēgement. It is like that theſe being mindful of ſo long continuing tyranny, wherwith they have lyen oppreſſed ſo many ages, and having alſo the late iniuries fixed in their minds, the ſting wherof dooth yet greeve them vehemently, wil more freely give licence to their anger, and wil ſatiſfy themſelves ſcarce with anie punishment. And this is that to give her the double, & to fill her the double, in the cup that ſhe hath filled: ſignifying that a huge calamitie shalbe brought upon her with verie great cruelty. We have ſeen befor that there is a double cupp in this book, one of errour, wherby the whore made men drunken with the ſweetneſſe of her abomination; the other of punishment, wherby it is taught that the wicked shalbe punished after the like manner that they have ſinned.
7 In as much as ſhee hath glorified her ſelfe: foreign, that which foreign weigh out to her in equal balances, ſo much torment as there was exceſſe in carnal pleaſure before. O Rome therfore by ſo much the more miſerable, by how much thou haſt bene the moſt happie of all. Who ſhal recite thy calamitie, to whoſe riot, the deliciouſnes of the Sybarites, is not to be compared.
¶ J ſit a Queen: The greatneſſe of the punishment is declared two wayes; both by the like cruelty which shee hath ſhewed againſt others in the former verſe; and alſo from her loftineſſe in this verſe, wherunto her abaſement muſt be anſwerable in the verſe folowing. But wheras shee vaunteth that shee is a Queen, shee sheweth her ſelfe to be the natural daughter of her mother Babylon. Neither are theſe proude words darke, when shee chalengeth to her ſelfe a Primacy over all Churches, braggeth that shee is the head of Chriſtianity; the beginning of eternal life, and many other things of like blaſphemous arrogancy. Which Primacy shee aſſureth her ſelfe shalbe for ever, perſwading her owne heart that she shal never be deprived of this dignity, neither shal have experience of anie calamity. For what other thing is it that her moſt beloved ſonnes doo avouch that Peters chaire cannot be ſeparated from Rome, nor the ſeate of the Apoſtles tranſlated from thence, as Bellarmine affirmeth in his 4. book of the Bishop of Rome chap. 4. Which although he wil not have to be counted among the articles of the faith, yet it ſeemeth to him by ſome arguments of ſo great ſtrength, that at the laſt he can hadly pe perſuaded, but that it is an article of the Papiſts faith. Francis de Ribera now geſſeth that ſom evil shal happen to Rome, but after that manner, that he sheweth rather his care, then giveth over even the leaſt that may be of his bragging.
8 Therfore in one day: For this thy proud boaſting, this threefold kind of calamity shal make an aſſault upon thee at once. At lēgth thou shalt finde how thou haſt ben deceived, and how in vain thy Knaves have ſung to thee, upon this rock I wil build my Church &c. The calamities which are rehearſed, belong partly to men, whom death, ſorow, and famine shal devoure: partly to the citie, which shalbe burnt with fire. Which declare that the city shal not be takē at the firſt aſſault, but by a ſiege: while the which continueth, the paſt (for ſo death was called before in chah. 6.8.) ſorow and famine shal aſſaile within: and that at length the city shal come into the power of the enemies, who shal make it even to the ground, & bring her to ashes: then shalbe fulfilled that which Sibyl Prophecied: Rome ſhal be a ſtreet, or empty place; and Delos ſhalbe obſcure, or not founde.
¶ For ſtrong is the Lord: He maketh mention of the power of the Lord, becauſe it wilbe almoſt incredible that Rome borne up with ſo great riches, both her owne, and Kings and others her allies can be bro…ght into this miſerable condition. But he is mighty, who shal exerciſe iudgmēt, whoſe will cannot be reſiſted by any might. That which here is read ſhall iudge, ſome copies have in the preſent tenſe iudgeth.
9 Then ſhal bewaile: Such was the exhortation; the firſt mourning of the wicked, shalbe of Kings, but of the earth onelyonly, neither properly ſo called, but onelyonly Romanes. VVhichWhich Kings are the ſlaves of the Church playing the harlot Theſe shal beginne their lamentable ſonges, mourning after a wonderful manner, when they thinke of how ſweete cōpany of the whore they are deprived by this unlooked for deſtruction. VVherfore other Kings shal remaine beſides thoſe tenne, chap. 17.16 which shal deſtroy the whore with fyre. Neither is it to be thought, that theſe ten Kings after their hatred ſatiſfyed, shal give up themſelves to lamenting, being moved by repentance, as Ribera trifleth. For it shalbe matter of very great ioy to al the elect; of which ſorte are theſe Miniſters of vengeance, exhorting al the people of God to depart from the felowship both of her wickednes and punishments ver. 20. and chap. 19.1. &c. Moreover after the time is finished of giving their Kingdome to the Beaſt, the ten hornes with a conſtant minde shal deteſt the whore, ſo farr off is it that they shal be greeved for her miſerable condition, chap. 17.16.17. Therfore that device falleth down concerning the ten Kings, in whoſe power shalbe the dominion of the whole earth, who, if with ioyned forces (as the Ieſuite wil have it) they shal bring the laſt deſtruction upon Rome, they should leave no King to bewayle her great miſerie. VVe have shewed by truer arguments, that thoſe x hornes pertaine to the onelyonly degree of Emperours, ſome one of which at length shal execute this deſtruction, who yet keepeth the name of the whole number; as it is done for the moſt part, when ſpeach is had of the mēbers or parts of ſome whole thing. VVhile he shal ſpoile Rome, ſome other Kings, of Spaine, Polonia, and the like confederate with the whore, shal make this miſerable wailing.
10 Standing a farr off for feare: But what need shal there be then of lamentings? VVhy shal they not rather make haſt to help her? They shal not dare to doo it for feare: they shalbe greatly afraid of their own ſafetie. Therfore they shal behold a farr off her miſerie, taking heed that they thē ſelves burne not with the ſame fire, if they shal come neere. You therfore holy Princes, take the matter in hande, it shal not be a thing of ſo great trouble, as peradventure you thinke. Doo you think that Spaine, France, or other, I know not what huge armies, wil come to aide her? Theſe are altogither Goblins, and vaine Scarcrowes. Her friends shal ſtand a farre off with waitings teſtifying their love, but taking no paines to deliver her from peril. And who would expect that fornicatours wil undergoe anie dāger for a ſtale VVhore? Therfore it is onelyonly needful that you take upon you the matters valiantly, the other things shal have proſperous ſucceſſe. Euphrates shal open away into Babylon for Cyrus, if he cannot break through the walles.
¶ Alas, alas, that great city: A lamentable ſong of the Kings: the often defect of which, doth verie fitly expreſſe the truth of the affection. The ſentence shalbe perfit in this wiſe, Woe woe to us, becauſe that great city Babylon, that mighty citie is overthrown, and becauſe in one houre thy iudgement is come. They bewaile the ruine, and the ſudden comming of it.
11 And alſo the marchants of the earth: The marchants doo accord in the lamentations of the Kings, but of the earth, of which ſort are the Kings: we have shewed at the 3. verſe, that they were marchants rather of ſpiritual things, then of thoſe which reſpect the body. For which thing there is an argument from hence. Becauſe, ſaith he, no man buyeth their wares anie more. Therfore gold or ſilver is not here ſpoken of, or ſylke, or fine linnen, or ſpices, or any ſuch thing in the proper ſignification; the eſtimatiō wherof dependeth not on Rome onelyonly. Vnleſſe peradventure then they shallbe of farre leſſe price, whē ſo greedy a buyer is taken away. But the words are expreſſe, neither is any ſuch thing ſpoken of Tyre, from whence this whole allegorie is taken, out of Ezech. 27. VVhere the place no leſſe required an amplification of the matter. VVherfore theſe wares are labour, ſtudy, induſtry, to adorne and enrich the city of Rome, which thinges shalbe moſt cheape, and of no price, after shee is fallen. For who then wil give a rotten nut for them.
12 The warrs of Gold and ſilver: Even now we ſaid that this whole allegorie was taken out of Ezech. 27. where it is ſpoken of the deſtruction of Tyrus. Neither without cauſe, as we have shewed in ver. 3. when as at Rome there is no leſſe famous a ſale of ſoules, then was at Tyrus of things neceſſarie for our uſe. Ezechiel dooth ſo recken every nation, that togither alſo he rehearſeth the proper cōmodities of everie countrey, in which both they abounded, and carried to Tyrus. According to which manner, ſundry kindes of wares ſeeme here to be reckened up, to note out ſundry nations, to which either they belong, or at leaſt by whoſe travell they are brought to Rome. Therfore although the names of the countries ar not expreſſed in plain words, as in Ezechiel; yet notwithſtanding they may eaſily be underſtood according to that rule, from the wares themſelves. The wares therfore of Gold, and ſilver, and the other outlandiſh things, which are rehearſed in this verſe, may ſignify Spayne, which fetched thoſe things from the furdeſt Indies, by whoſe travel they are to be ſold in this part of the world. Cinnamon, Odours, Ointments, Frankincenſe & wine doo note out Italy; not becauſe all theſe things doo grow in the ſame place, but becauſe as Spaine by the Ocean Sea; ſo this by the intern ſea affoardeth aboundāce of thoſe things to Europe from Greece, Cilicia, Aegypt, Africk. Her ſelfe alſo being the moſt fertill in all delicious dainties, of all the countries of Europe. Fine floure and Wheate may ſignify the Ilands of the interne ſea Cicilia, & Sardinia, the garners and ſtorehouſes of Italy The Beaſts, Germanie, abounding with them; even as the Sheepe, our England, being greatly frequented with this kinde of cattel. Horſes & Charets, the French men, who have great ſtore of horſes, and from whence the uſe of charets have bene conveyed to others. Bodies, the Swiſers, who follow an externe, and mercenary warfare; and in which men, Rome chiefly delighteth to make them her guard. The ſoules of men, are the common wares of all countries, which Rome dooth hunte after by her marchants everie where, deſiring the ſame to be inſtructed in her ſuperſtitions: which that ſo she may gaine and purchaſſe for hir owne proper goods, she ſpareth no coſt. The makers of portſale of theſe wares, are they, that by their paines have brought theſe nations to be obedient to Rome. Even as we know ſpecial provinces to have bin cōmitted to ſome Cardinals & Ieſuits: whoſe care though it be beſtowed in common; yet it lyeth upon every one ſeverally to declare his diligence in ſome certain nation. Which if he can either retaine in their dutie, or recall forſaking her, by knitting it againe in friendſhip with Rome, he bringeth wares of that ſort to be ſold, wherby that nation is ſignified upon which he hath beſtowed his labour. As touching everie of the ſeveral wares by name, Gold, Silver, Pretious ſtones, Pearles, they wer before in the whores apparell, chap. 17.4, And it ſeemeth to be for that cauſe that Spaine in theſe laſt times shalbe a ſpecial ornamēt to the whore. And of fine linnen, and Purple, two for one, the Purple of fine linnen, which is a cloath made among the Indians of that kinde of flaxe: ſo and of ſilke and of skarlet, are ſpoken aſunder, for of skarlet ſilke. Of skarlet we have ſpoken elſewher. Silke is cloath of moſt ſmall threeds, which the worme doo draw as it wer from a diſtaffe out of their own ſtore. It is not made of flowers as Dionyſius ſingeth foreign: of the Series, thus:
Neither the care of Oxen troubleth them,
Neither the flock of woole-bearing ſheepe:
But in kembing the branches-bearing flowers,
Garments they make &c.
So Virg. in the ſecond of his Georg.
The thin fleeces from the leaves,
Doeth kembe the peoples Series.
Vnleſſe peradventure the Poets, becauſe the wormes doo make ſilke in trees, therfore doo ſay, that this is kembed from thence, not becauſe it growes in them, as cotton and the like. See Iul. Caeſ. Scal. Exerc. 108. 9.
¶ And all thynewood: Thyne ſignifieth both univerſally all odoriferous wood, alſo a ſpecial kinde, as Euſtathius noteth upon that of Dionyſius of Arabia, which he calleth wonderful:
Which by burning thynwoods a fragrant ſmel reſpire,
Eyther of thynewood or Myrrhe &c.
Wherein the firſt place thyne is generally called any ſpice: in the ſecōd place a certaine kinde of odoriferous tree But it is uſed here not ſo much for perfuming, as for finenes of buildings, (for there is mention of odours in the beginning of the verſe folowing,) wherunto it ſerveth chiefly, as Plinie sheweth out of Theophraſtus. Who, ſaith he, did give great honour to this tree, rehearſing the famous boordings of the ancient temples to be of it, and a certain everlaſtingneſſe of the uncorrupted timber in houſes againſt all faults: book 13 chap. 16. of his natural Hiſtory.
13 And Cinnamon: Italy uſeth ſuch as is brough to them: which ſhee fetched not from Spaine, but from thoſe places where it groweth: ſo alſo she procureth for her ſelfe Odours, Ointment, & Frankincenſe by her owne navigations. The chiefe ſale of theſe things is with the people of Syria, Phoenicea, Arabia, Aegypt. To theſe coaſtes Italy goeth with all ſpeed poſſible, while the Spaniard is occupied eſpecially in forraine navigations: ſhe hath wine and oyle ynough of her owne. She bringeth fine floure & wheate from Sicilia.
¶ And Beaſts: It were tolerable if Rome should note out Germanie with this marke, onelyonly for the richeſſe of cattel: but the moſt proude whore ſcarce thinketh any otherwiſe of the moſt famous nation then of very Beaſts. Ambroſius Catharinus sheweth this plainly in his book againſt Luther, whom that moſt fooliſh Aſſe calleth a Beaſt, almoſt in every verſe: and that not ſo much for hatred of his Hereſy (as he calleth it,) as with a manifeſt reproch of the whole nation. Rome indeed ſpeaketh mor modeſtly at this time, not daring to provoke the fierceneſſe of men by ſo greate a contumely: but ſecretly with her ſelfe she iudgeth no otherweiſe then before time; and not onelyonly of this people alone, but of al other people of Europe: all which, her ſelfe onelyonly excepted, shee accounteth almoſt meere brutes. But God hath choſen this fooliſhnes, if thou wilt ſo hav it, of our nations, wherby he might throw to the ground thy vaine wiſdom, and at length by thy iuſt puniſhment, might ſet forth thy pride to be derided of all men.
¶ And ſheep; a ſign of our own England, whoſe fleece is of gold, excelling in ſoftnes & finenes above the wool of other countreys. Rome hath now a long time vehemētly grieved, that theſe wares are brought ſparingly to her faires; and therfore tryed everie way, that she may enioy the former aboūdāce of them. For this purpoſe she maintaineth Engliſh youth, and hath made Alan our countrey man a Cardinal. She fitteth for her ſelf theſe merchants, beſides troupes of Ieſuits, if peradventure she may be againe Lord of our ſheepe. But we, thankes be to God, know for a ſurety, that Rome is a denn of wolves, and other moſt cruel Beaſts. Let her chāt as ſweetly and pleaſantly as shee can, we acknowledge her voice to be of ſtrangers and robbers; neither wil we be taken with the ſweetneſſe therof. I hope that our people wil no more goe to viſite, but with this Angel to the deſtroying of her.
¶ And Horſes and charrets: And of horſes, and of charets, and of bodies, to weet the wares. The two firſt perteine to the French men, renowmed for horſes armed on al parts, and for the invention of charrets: this laſt of bodies is the ware of the Swiſſers, of which very many villages perſiſting ſtil in the Romish ſuperſtition, doo defend the Beaſt with their bodies. He hath theſe for the ordinary and domeſtical yeomen of his garde; alſo he may take up greater armies of them ſerving for wages, as oft as neceſsity shal ſo require. I would God they would learne of their brethren, & confederates, not to yeeld their bodies to his pleaſure, with which being not content he alſo worketh certaine deſtruction to their ſoules; neither to take wages for keeping of him, whom if they would utterly deſtroy, they should bring very great profit to all Chriſtians. But this marchandiſe shal have an end shortly. Were it not better to forſake the wicked Miſtres willingly, then in short time to be forſaken of the ſame neceſſarily? The voluntarie ſorow of repentance is wholſome; but that is deadly, which ſtubburnes bringeth forth.
¶ A…d ſoules of men: Theſe wares are not proper to one country, but cō mon to all: which Rome dooth not thing too dear bought for any gold whatſoever. The like thing offers it ſelfe in Ezechiel chap. 27.13. They of Iavan, Tubal, and Meſhech were thy merchants, they uſed the marchandiſe of men, and veſſ…ls of Braſſe in thy marchandiſe: bnepheſch adham, foreign, the ſoules of men. Tremellius and Iunius tranſlate of men and veſſels, declaring well the ſenſe. He meaneth doubtleſſe ſlaves ſet to ſale, as in the ſame place they doe expound. Therefore why should not the ſoules of men obtaine the ſame force in this place? The Spirit ſeemeth to have changed the conſtruction, of ſet purpoſe, to note the difference. For theſe are not rehearſed in the ſecond caſe with thoſe that went next before, and the wares of horſes, and of charets, and of bodies, and of the ſoules of men: but in theſe laſt words, he paſſeth to the fourth caſe, and the ſoules of men, as it is manifeſt in the Greek, and as we have tranſlated. Wherin is ſignified, that there is a ſeparated and divers conſideration of ſoules & bodies in this place; and that there is a farre other meaning then of that in Ezech. howſoever in wordes he alludeth to that.
14 And the fruits luſted after: foreign: for the autumne of thy deſire (for foreign ſeemeth to be cauſal.) The Interpreter Aretas, and the time of thy deſire. It is a manner of ſpeaking of the Hebrewes for, thy deſired autumne, as foreign, in the fyre of flame, for, in flaming fyre, 2 Theſſ. 1.8. as though he should ſay, thy deſired harveſt is loſt. By which proverbial manner of ſpeakidg, we ſignify, that power to gaine is taken frō one. Or the ſame hebraiſme may be underſtood, ſo as that which goeth before may be in the place of the concrete, and the autumnal deſire of thy ſoule: as alſo in the 2 Theſſ. 1.9. And from the glory of his ſtrength, for and from his glorious ſtrength. In which ſenſe the autumnal deſire, noteth out that wanton greedines of rath-ripe fruits, which the richer ſorte, and the dainty ones have, getting the firſt fruits for them by a great price; the more plentifull ſtore of which afterward they loath: as though he should ſay: Once thou didſt lash out huge coſts upō things of little value, but now thou art not ſo wantonly ready to buye: that thy former ſtrange longing is gone: thoſe things now would be acceptable, which of late thou deſpiſedſt; according to that of the Poet, the empty ſtomake doth ſeldome deſpiſe cōmon things; which of the two wayes we wil take them, we ſee that theſe things doo very well hange togither with the former, wherby the mourning of the merchan…s is greatly amplified, that buyers shalbe now wanting altogither; whereas lately, when Rome flourished, they had ſo quick & ready a market. Wherof the Spirit tendreth a double reaſon by this mourning: firſt, that nowe ther was no luſt to buy; ſecondly, that al ability was utterly loſt.
¶ And al things which were fatte & excellent: That is, al plenty & abounce is departed from thee; which doo more confirme the former interpretation. For ſeing theſe things doo ſignify a rich plenty, it is like, that that which went before, is to be referred rather to luſt, that the ſame thing may not be ſpoken twice; although ſo it is wont to be ſome time, when the latter is added in ſtead of a more full expoſition. The Compl. & the K. Bible read, are periſhed from thee. So Aretas and the common tranſlation: but the ſenſe is nothing altered.
15 The marchants of theſe things; The cauſe being declared, now he commeth to the manner of mourning, with a breif repetitiō of the cauſe. The marchants, ſaith he, of theſe things, that is, they who beſtow al their labour about the aſſociating and retaining of theſe countreys, & ioyning them to the ſervice of Rome. VVho were made rich of her, getting ample rewards of this their labour. VVe have ſeen before briefly with how great gaine they travelled about this marchādiſe, which openeth a way to Biſhopriks, Cardinalſhips, yea evē to the higheſt Prelateſhip. And who ſeeth not men of every coūtry, being either of great wit or learning, of great force either by riches or favour, or famous for noblenes of birth & deſcent of blood, whoſe induſtry may be profitable for the beautifying of Rome, to be hyred by what meanes ſoever, to bend al their cares & thoughts to this point? Wolſeius & Polus flourished in our countrey in our Fathers dayes. The firſt deſcended of baſe parents, but ambitious, tumultuous, notably framed for the profit of Rome, and therfore promoted to ſo great honours, that he was not afraid to vaunt himſelfe ſomewhat above the King. The other of a milder diſpoſition, but of great authority for noblenes of parē tage: for which cauſe he waxed rich by the Romish aboundance, until he gave ſuſpition of a contrary mind, & bewrayed ſome deſire to knowe the truth. Then he perceived that Petoum a certain begging fryar, to be ſet againſt him of the Pope; whom he should have ſeen adorned with his ſpoiles & booties, if the thing had come to paſſe as the Pope wished. This labour is in ſo great account, as that he who onelyonly begged a reward, ſhould be equal by & by to the higheſt States of the earth. But after that Rome shalbe caſt down, no man wil hyre this labour, evē for one farthing. This evil shal take theſe marchants, when they have loſt all hope of their gaine.
¶ Shal ſtand a farre off: To weet, Cardinals, Bishops, & others, which at that time ſha…be converſant in other places than at Rome. They being ſet without danger, with a lamentable voice shall bewaile her ruine a farr off, but they shal hav neither ability nor courage of mind to repel the danger.
16 And ſaying, alas, alas: It is the ſame concealing, which was in the mourning of the Kings in ver. 10. wherby the truth and greatneſſe of the ſorow is expreſſed. The argument is ſomwhat divers; for they agreably to their perſons did lament that ſo great a power was abolished. Theſe complain that ſo huge wealth was ſpoiled, which marchāts chiefly regard. Notwithſtanding ſeing this fine linnen, purple, skarlet, & the other decking ſignifyeth the pride of Rome, upheld chie…ly by the riches of Spaine, as at the 12 ver. the marchants lament & ar altogither diſmayed, that al theſe richeſſes have profited her nothing; as thou they should ſay, how is she come to naught, that was fortifyed by ſo great aide of the Spaniards, againſt which if the whole chriſtian world had conſpired, worthily might any mā think that they should doo nothing worth the paines taking?
17 And alſo every ſhipmaſter: The third mourning is of the mariners & watermen, that is of the inferiour miniſters of the Romish court, Deanes, Abbots, Priors, General, Ieſuits, & ſuch like. Theſe al live of the ſea by promoting the ordinances & decrees of the whore. Of which ſort were the Spips and Shipmaſters in chap. 8.9.
¶ And al the company of them that dwel in ſhipps: The Complut. the Kings Bible, and Aretas read thus, and every one that ſ…ileth in ſhipps, the common tranſlation, and al that ſale in the lake: this is further off, but as it ſeemeth fetched from hence that ploion is a little shippe rowed with oares, of which there is more often uſe in Rivers and flouds. VVhichWhich interpretation is not altogither to be refuſed in ſo great variety of copies, and declareth more plainly a certain diſtribution of the general comprehenſion into certen claſſes.
And whoſoever trafike on the Sea: word for word in the Greek, doo labour on the Sea, as in the Goſpel of Iohn, labour the meate, that is, for the meate, cha. ſixe, verſe twentie ſeventh. In this laſt member are comprehended all which doo ſtudy to the Popish doctrine, teaching, learning, and ſetting forth the ſame eyther by voice or writings, defending the ſame to their power, or by any other way or meanes whatſoever advauncing and promoting it.
Of which ſorte are the Maſſe Prieſts, Monkes, Fryars, above the reſt at this day the Ieſuits, who doo leane upon their cares luſtily, and ſmite this ſea with all their ſtrength, without which if the ſhippe of the fisher man had bin, it had dashed long ſince on the rockes. Although while they in rowing labour to avoide Scylla, they ruſh upon Charybdis: by diſputing they ſ… more openly in the ſight of men, the whores and Popes filthineſſe, which they ſtrive to cover.
18 What city was like to this great city? As the mariners ſpeak of Tyrus, Ezek 27.32. What city was like Tyrus, deſtroyed in the middes of the ſea? And for iuſt cauſe did they aſtonished, aske this, when they conſidered with them ſelves the former riches of the citie, flourishing of late by the commerce of ſo many, and ſo great nations, which they thought could be vanquished by no ſtrength of man. How much trouble wrought it Nebuchadnezar? Ezech. 29.18. How much Alexander afterward? Who repented him of the ſiedge, he ſo deſpaired of the winning thereof by force, who yet at an other time thought nothing impoſsible for him. But theſe watermen should be diſmayed for iuſter cauſes at Rome, late the Queene of the whole world. The moſt auncient city, the chaire of Peter, which alw…yes hath overcome all calamities; and should be mighty and flourishing even to her very old age, both by her owne riches, and her friends. Theſe and many ſuch things wil compel them to cry out, what citie was like to this great city? Who would not have thought that ſo eminent excellency in all things, should have bin free from deſtruction? How have we bin deceived, dreaming of her everlaſtingneſſe? How have we deceived others, vanting that this ſhippe ſhall never be drowned? How unexpected are all theſe things, contrary to our perſuaſion, opinion, and vaunting? Such a force hath this wondering queſtion.
19 And ſh…l caſt duſt upon their heads; After the manner of mourners, Iob. 2.12. For theſe shall waile ſo much the more earneſtly, by how much they are leſſe able to upholde themſelves by their owne riches. But this Angel ſpeaketh in the time paſt, they did caſt duſt on their heads: and alſo in the former verſe, and they cryed ſeing the ſmoke. Yet theſe things goe before the ruine, which they have ioyned and knit unto them. For which cauſe he ſeemeth to change the time, and not onelyonly for the moſt certen truth of the thing to come, as the Prophets are wont elſewhere.
¶ Wherin were made rich all: Not onelyonly thoſe chiefe purpled Fathers, but alſo they who were of the baſeſt ſtate and condition. Behold the whole Hierarchy, how doo all flowe in exceeding great riches? In everie country very much and the beſt ground came to them. Moreover it is a thing wō derfull to be ſpoken, they which fained to ſuſtain their life by begging frō towne to towne, lacked nothing, which might ſerve even for ryot. Miſerable common people, who were ſo deceived that they beſtowed money on beggars farre richer, then they themſelves, that did give. But ſuch is the cunning of Rome to enrich her friends. In theſe daies how bountifully & liberally are our traitours, wanting their countrey, goods, & friends, entertained at Rome, in Spaine, and elſwhere? They get that reward of their treaſon abroad, which by honeſt meanes they could not obtaine at home. A reward is not wanting at home for well doing. But they hate true vertue, the fruite wherof they would receive. Rome maketh theſe men rich, counting it an unworthy thing (for here the whore wilbe godly) that the maintainers of her honour should not become rich by her wealth alone, howſoever they shalbe deſtitute of all other aides. Theſe may therfore for iuſt cauſe bewaile the deſtruction of the whore, with whom they found the wages of their naughtineſſe: which now they shalbe compelled to practiſe for nothing. For ſome are too fully minded, never to be thrifty.
20 O Heaven reioice of her: Thus farre the mourning of the wicked, now he sheweth what aboundant ioy shal come from thence to the godly. Heaven is the whole multitude of the Saincts on earth, as often hath bin obſerved. Apoſtles and Prophets, are not thoſe famous preachers of the Divine truth, which were in auncient times, but all the godly executing the office of teaching in the Church. For what doo our affaires on earth, pertaine to the holy ſoules reſting in heaven? The dead, ſaith the wiſe man, know nothing at all, to weet, of our affaires, who in the body are ſtrangers from the Lord: Eccle. 9. And therfore the Prophet ſaith, that Abraham is ignorant of us, and that Iſrael knoweth us not: Eſay 63.16. Therfore they ar living ſaincts on the earth, whom the Spirit calleth Apoſtles & Prophets, for a comfort in thoſe troubles which they finde in the world; that although they be inferiour by manie degrees in gifts to the auncient Apoſtles, yet they may know themſelves to be in the ſame ſtate and account with God. He ſpeaketh to them by name, becauſe the chiefe ioy shalbe theirs, as their ſorow shalbe greateſt, becauſe of the more deadly hatred wherwith the whore was inflamed againſt them. From which we perceive, as hath bin ſaid before, ſeing the ioy is common to all the elect, that thoſe wayling marchāts are not of this number; and therfore that they are ſaid to be ſuch, ra…her for likeneſſe ſake, than for the truth of the thing.
¶ For God hath puniſhed her: The Hebraiſme is more ſignificant; For God hath iudged your iudgement on her. This kind of ſpeaking dooth shew a punishment; but yet, iudgment and lawful examination of things going before, not inflicted raſhly. This is the matter of the ioy, becauſe God at length would avenge the Saincts on the whore, which ſo many ages hath raged againſt them ſcotfree, with all manner of iniuries.
21 Then a certain Angel tooke up: Hitherto hath bin declared the deſtruction by words onelyonly; now a ſigne likeweiſe is uſed, wherby it may be declared that it shalbe ſudden and eternal. And this is done by the miniſtery of a certain third Angel; of whom there is no mention made from whence he came: peradventure becauſe he is that firſt, whoſe place from whence he came is shewed in ver. 1: who now is brought in againe to performe that very thing, which thar preparation ſaid, would come by and by. For unleſſe this caſting of a milſtone into the ſea, be the very overthrowing of Rome, it is not deſcribed by what way it shalbe done. In the beginning of the chapter following, we shal underſtand that the thing is accomplished. And the former Angels went but a litle before the deſtructiō. Wherfore either now is handled the ſame overthrow, or he wholly concealeth how it should be performed.
¶ A milſtone caſt into the ſea: may be a fit ſigne of the ruine, as the burning mountaine caſt into the ſea, was of the beginning of Antichriſtian tyranny, chap. 8.8. But yet the thing is darke to us. The event wil manifeſt it at length. This Angel is caled ſtrong, taking up a ſtone like a milſtone, & caſting it into the ſea: for by ſo many degrees is the type propoſed. Which things declare an admirable ſwiftneſſe of this ruine, and no more repairable. A great ſtone by his waightineſſe falleth down with a great violēce: yet with a greater if it be caſt: but with much more being thrown of ſome valiant and ſtrong man. Neither is ther hope, that that shal flote againe in the toppe, which both his owne weight, and outward force, have faſtened in the loweſt bottome So shal Babylon be caſt with violence, neither shall it be found any more, Yet theſe things are not ſpoken ſo, as if hee were to be taken at the firſt aſſault, which before we have shewed by a probable reaſon, shalbe beſieged for ſome ſpace: even as alſo the old Babylon came not into Cyrus power, but after ſome long delay: but becauſe after it hath bin taken, and begun to be ſpoiled, very quickly shall her deſtruction be finished. It may be that this type may ſignify the manner of taking Rome, which we know was uſed in Babylon. Of right is the type one, of them both, whoſe impiety is alike; and like alſo shalbe the deſtruction: Ier. 51.63.64.
¶ With ſuch violence ſhalbe caſt: The word is ioyned with the ſigne, without which the ſignes are weake.
22 And the voice of Harpers: He declareth this deſtruction more at large, after the manner of the Prophets, who are wont to deſcribe a final overthrow in ſuch words, as Ier. I wil cauſe to periſh from them, the voice of gladnes, and the voi…e of mirth, and the voice of the bridgrome, the noiſe of the milſtones, and the light of the candle, chap. 25.10. All things, ſaith he, ſhalbe deſtroyed, whi…h per…eine eyther to preſent delectation and neceſsity, or to future increaſing For hitherto belongeth this ſpecial rehearſing. Harpers are they which play on the harpe: Muſicians are by a common name, ſuch as ſinge with lowd voice. The pipe & trumpet are windy inſtruments. Thoſe former are of a milder ſounde and ſweetnes: theſe of a rougher, and belonging to warre: although there be ſome uſe of it in ſolemnities of peace. But al belong to mirth, as we learne from Ieremy, from whom theſe things are fetched: from whence it would be a thing unpleaſant and abſurd to deale with the Ieſuite any further about mourning pipes.
¶ Nor any crafts man: After thoſe things of delectation, he rehearſeth the things which appertaine neerer to the life: of which there is a more neceſſary uſe, as of craftſmen and milles. Where there is any ſociety of men, it is needfull that artificers be in the ſame place: but chiefly it behooveth that there be ſufficient victuals, which the milles doo note out, without which no man can continue ſcarce for one day. Behold whither at length our riot hath brought us, procuring alſo deſtruction to thoſe inſtruments which we have abuſed to vanity and naughtines: not leaving any commō food there, where gluttony and bellycheere onelyonly were regarded.
23 And the light of a candle: Candles are a confort in the night, the uſe wherof no man will want, although he be of a moſt poore condition. But thou wilt ſay, what great dammage can be in the loſſe of things of ſo ſmal price? Such ſmal matters moſt fitly deſcribe the greatneſſe of the evill. For if things moſt common and of moſt frequent uſe are lacking, any ſtore of things of ſome moment, is not to be expected: unleſſe peradventure the candles are to be referred to the bridgroome and bride, which follow. They were wonte to be uſed ſolemly in marriages. From whence is the parable of the tenne Virgins which came forth with their lampes to meet the bridgroome, Mat. 25.1. Doubtleſſe Chriſt borroweth the ſimilitude from a thing in comm uſage and cuſtome. Children in time paſt were called ſcotioi, which were born ek ton adadouketon gamon, from marriages, in which no torches were caried before them, as the Interpr. of Homer hath obſerved, Iliad. E. It was alſo a cuſtome amōg the Romanes, for a boy that had Father and mother living, to beare before the ſpouſe, a torch of a white thorne, becauſe they were married in the night, as Plutarche ſaith in his Problemes. But that is clear which is added concerning the bridgroome & the bride, to weet, that this calamity shal not lie upon her onelyonly for ſome time, but that ther shal be no hope of anie better eſtate in time to come. This is it which the voice of the bridegroome and bride meaneth, as though he should ſay, never shal any marriages be contracted here, wherby should be made an increaſing of poſterity.
¶ For thy marchants were the great men of the earth: Here the ſinnes of the city are rehearſed to be three; Luxurie, Idolatry, and the murder of the ſaincts. Her riot appeareth, becauſe they that ſerve her luſt are made the great men of the earth. It muſt needs be that her exceſſe in pleaſures is very wicked, whoſe ſervants are advanced unto ſo great dignity. Wee have shewed before that this is a marchandiſe of ſoules, and that theſe marchāts are the Lords Cardinals. Which who ſeeth and acknowledgeth not to be theſe great men, manifeſt demonſtrations of the Romiſh luxurie? Thomas Wolſey our countreyman in often ſpeach was not ashamed to ſay, I and my King. Such a Cardinalship is pride. But why may they not vaunt themſelves ſo proudly, when they shal ſee great Princes to ſue for this their dignity, or at the leaſt to glory no leſſe in the ſame being given them, then in the chiefe ornament of maieſty? There have bin many of old evē of the Kings ſtocke, who judged this degree; not unworthy the nobleneſſe of their race. VVith us in Queene Maryes dayes was Cardinal Poole of a Princely linage. Among the Franch of late Cardinal Borbon of the blood royall, and of Lorrrain, brother of the Duke of Guiſe. Albert of Auſtriche yet flourisheth, but yeſterday a Cardinal, and brother of Rodulphe the Emperour. Is not this in very truth a great dignity, which ſo great Princes doo not refuſe? May they not of right be called the great men of the earth, which are placed in ſo high a top of honour? But thou wilt ſay it yet more if thou shalt ſee the aſſēbly of the ſtately Lords ſitting togither at Rome. Let ſome Prince come, whom the Pope for honours ſake wil receive into the company of the Cardinals, what place hath he aſsigned for him? To weet, before the laſt Cardinal Deacon, ſo as if there shalbe a great and ful ſenate, the Prince himſelfe after three ſcore & eight men cloathed in purple garments, shal ſit the laſt ſave one, as of late in the yeere 1593. Maximilian the Prince of Bavarie. This is that intolerable pride, yet meet for the Romish court; where even Emperours kiſſe the feete of the Pope: why should not the Conſellers of this Prelate, excell other Princes in dignity? But at length this pride shal cal forth that low eſtate, wherby Rome shalbe preſſed downe even to Hell. It is manifeſt ynough from the foreſaid things, how from this fountaine, Idolatry hath flowen into all the VVeſt part. Neither is ther any need of moe words concerning the murders of the Saincts, which wee have touched before; neither is ther any man to whom they are not moſt certainly known.