A Revelation of the Apocalypse, Chapter 19

A Revelation of the Apocalypse · Chapter 19

p. 621CHAP. 19.

AND after theſe I heard a great voice of a great multitude in Heaven, ſaying Halleluia, ſalvation, and honour, and glory, and ſtrength to the Lord our God.

2 For true and righteous are his iudgements: and he hath condemned that great whore, which hath corrupted the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his ſervants ſhed by her hands.

3 And againe they ſaid, Halleluja: and the ſmoke of her roſe up for evermore.

4 And the foure and twenty Elders, and the foure Beaſts fel downe, and worſhipped God that ſate on the throne, ſaying Amen, Hallelujah.

5 Then a voice came out from the throne, ſaying, prayſe our God all ye his ſervāts, and ye that feare him both ſmall and great.

6 And I heard like a voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of ſtrong thundrings ſaying, Hallelujah, for the Lord that God our almighty one hath raigned.

7 Let us be glad and reioyce, and give glory to him, for the marriage of the lambe is come, and his wife hath made her ſelfe readie.

8 And to her was given that ſhe ſhould be arrayed with pure fine linnen, for the fine linnen is the righteouſneſſes of the Saincts.

9 Then he ſaid unto me, write, bleſſed are they which are called to the Lambes ſupper. And he ſaid unto me, theſe words of God are true.

10 And I fell before his feete, to worſhip him: but he ſaid unto mee, ſee thou doo it not: I am thy fellow ſervant, and one of thy brethren, which have the teſtimony of Ieſus. Worſhip God: for the teſtimony of Ieſus is the Spirit of Propheſie.

11 And J ſaw heaven open, and behold a white horſe, and he that ſate upon was called faithfull and true: and he iudgeth and fighteth righteouſly.

12 And his eyes were as a flame of fyre, and on his head were many crownes: & he had a name written, that no man knwe but himſelfe.

13 And he was clothed with a garmēt dipt in blood; and his name is called THE WORD OF GOD.

14 And the hoſts which are in heaven followed him upon white horſes, clothed with fine linnen white and pure.

15 Out of his mouth went a ſharpe ſword, that with it he should ſmite the Heathen: for he ſhal rule them with a rod of yron; for he it is that ſhall treade the wine-preſſe of the fierceneſſe and wrath of Almighty God.

p. 62216 And he had upon his garment, and upon his thigh a name written; THE KING OF KINGS, & LORD OF LORDS.

17 And J ſaw an Angel ſtand in the Sunne, wWho cryed with a loud voice, ſaying to all the foules that did flie by the middes of heaven, come and gather your ſelves togither unto the ſupper of the great God.

18 That ye may eate the fleſh of Kings, and the fleſh of Tribuns, and the fleſh of mighty men, and the fleſh of horſes, and of them that ſit on them, and the fleſh of all free men, and boundmen, and of ſmall and great.

19 And J ſaw that Beaſt, and the Kings of the earth, and their hoſts gathered togither to make battell againſt him that ſate on the horſe, and againſt his army.

20 But the Beaſt was taken, and with him that falſe Prophet, that wrought miracles before him, wherby he deceived them, that received the Beaſts marke, and them that worſhipped his Jmage. Theſe both were alive caſt into a lake of fire burning with brimſtone.

21 And the remnant were ſlaine with the ſword of him that ſitteth upon the horſe, which commeth out of his mouth, and all the foules were filled full with their fleſh.

The Analyſis.

HITHERTO have bin the things which goe before the deſtruction, or are joyned togither with it: now thoſe things which follow it. This is a thankes giving in the foure firſt verſes; and that is twofold: One of the multitude without difference, both for the iuſt puniſhments taken of the whore, ver. 1.2. and alſo repeated againe, becauſe of the eternity of the ſame punishment, ver. 3. The other is of the Elders and Beaſts, ver. 4. And thus farre is the more full declaration of the fift viall. There remaine yet two, the ſixt to be powred out upon Euphrates: and the ſeventh into the ayre. That former is handled in the reſt of this chapter even unto the 20. verſe. This laſt is cō tinued from thence to the concluſion of the whole booke. There wer two parts of that former in chap. 16. The drying up of Euphrates, and preparation to warre. Likewiſe two parts of the declaration are propounded, after the ſame manner. We have shewed that that drying up did ſignify the calling of the Iewes which is deſcribed in this place, firſt, by a provoking to praiſe God, and by the ioy of the freinds of the bridgroome, ver. 6.7. then by the preparation for the marriage, ver. 8. Furthermore by the certenty of the thing, which therfore he commandeth to be written and regiſtred; & the truth wherof he confirmeth, partly from the principal authour, ver. 9. partly from himſelfe the miniſter a glorious and holy Angel, ver. 10. The preparation for warre, firſt is of the Saincts, whoſe Captaine is Chriſt himſelfe, of whō p. 623a divers forme is expreſſed, and divers names applied to thoſe divers ſhapes. All which notwithſtanding ar referred either unto righteouſnes in iudgment, or to fortitude in warre, as is shewed in the ende of verſe 11. Therfore he commeth to iudgment furnished, both ſitting upon a white horſe, and by a fit name called faithful and true, ver. 11. and alſo with flaming eyes and an unknown name, ver. 12. He cometh forth to the battel, both himſelf clothed with a bloody garmēt called the word of God, ver. 13. And alſo a great army following him, ver. 14. and having ordinances of warre, ver. 15. Whoſe name fit for this shew is King of Kings &c. ver. 16. And in ſuch wiſe is the Captaine. The Souldiers are gathered togither by the voice of an herald ſtanding in the Sunne, and promiſing certaine victory, ver. 17.18. The army alſo of the enemyes is aſſembled; ver. 19. declared now onelyonly in a word, the preparation wherof hath already bin ſpoken off ſufficiently in chap. 16.13.14.15.16. Such is the larger declaration of the ſixt viall, the which proceedeth no further than the preparation of the warre. The ſeventh followeth, partly conſiſting in the deſtruction of the enemies, partly in the happineſſe of the Church, after they are deſtroyed. The enemies are two, the Weſtern Beaſt, and Eaſtern Dragon: of his deſtruction it is ſpoken in the two other verſes of this chapter, both of the Prince himſelfe, ver. 20. and alſo of his ſouldiers, ver. 21.

Scholions.

1 And after theſe things J heard a voice: Theſe firſt verſes we refer in the Analyſis to the fift vial, the ruine of Rome: by which it is declared, how ioyful an argumēt of praiſing God, her deſtructiō ſhall miniſtet to the ſaincts. The Angel exhorted them to reioyce, before in chap. 18.20. And now the thing being brought to paſſe, all the godly shall triumph earneſtly. But ſeeing this executing followeth the deſtruction, it muſt needs be that either this throwing of the milſtone into the ſea, is the very deſtroying of the city, or that the manner of deſtroying of it is altogither concealed: which yet notwithſtanding shal come to paſſe between that ſigne given, & this thankesgiving. The firſt gratulation is of a great multitude in heaven, that is, of the mixed multitude of the Church converſant on earth: for we keepe in the common ſignification of this word: which beareth not that theſe things should be referred to any knowledge, which the heavenly ſoules have of things done with us. The citizēs therfore of this militant Church in every countrey, where the fame shal come, they shal leape for ioy, and shal breake forth into this grateful commemoration.

p. 624¶ Hallelujah: Halleluiah is an Hebrew word, praiſe ye the Lord: wherby the faithfull exhort one an other to give thākes, and prepare their minds as it were with this preface. True joy ſuffereth not it ſelfe to be contained in the boſome of any one, but taketh to her ſelfe fellowes, to whom ſhee may both impart her ſelfe, and alſo may be more ſtirred up by the joint affection of others. This one word containeth large matter of very great ioy. But why doth the heavenly multitude ſpeake now in Hebrew? Is ther more holineſſe in theſe lettres and ſyllables than in other? They ar toyes. Are then ſome Hebrew words kept, as Oſanna, Amen, Abba, and the like, which we shal uſe as tokens of our cōcord with the ancient Church, that both wee beleeve in the ſame God, and invocate him alone? This indeed is a profitable cauſe of retaining theſe words: but eſpecially this ſeemeth to be the reaſon in this place, that the Church of the Gentiles after Rome be overthrown, shal provoke their brethrē the Iewes to the faith, that impediment being taken away, which moſt of all hindred their converſion; it could not be that the crucifyers should acknowledge the ſame Lord, while this flourished, or was at all, which gave leave to crucify him. This is the cauſe why the Hebrew word now ſoundeth againe ſo often. Praiſes were not in theſe words before time: but whē the converſion of the Iewes is at hand ioyned next to this reioycing, for iuſt cauſe now the Saincts doe ſpeak with the tongue of one sheepfold.

¶ Salvation, and honour, and glory: That is the prayſe of ſalvation, honour, and glory, and praiſe of power be given to our Lord. Glory is a certaine very excellent opinion which a man hath of any ones excellency, therfore called of the Grecians doxa. Wherfore in this deſtruction of Rome ſo bright a beame of Gods goodnes and power shal shine forth, that al the faithful shal admire it, and be aſtonied. Honour is that worship both inward and outward, wherby we doo reverence ſo great excellency. It is & ought alwaies to be ioyned with glory: otherweiſe vaine is that eſtimation of one, which no dutie accompanieth: the vulgar latine readeth, prayſe, & glory, and powr, be to our God: The Complut. and the Kings Bible have, Salvation, and power, and glory of our God.

2 Becauſe true and righteous: The truth in iudgments reſpecteth the promiſe: righteouſnes rewarding according to their deſerts. The credit of both theſe falleth into utter decay with the world becauſe of delaying: frō whence now for good cauſe God is praiſed of his people in both theſe reſpects; wheras he hath proved ſufficiently to the world, that he dooth puniſh naughty acts, and that he neglecteth not the iniuries which are done to his.

p. 6253 And againe they ſaid: An other thankes giving, the thing being more certenly known. The firſt tidings of the taking of the city, shal cauſe the firſt, as it ſeemeth; but when the faithful shal have learned that the ſame is utterly overthrown, without al hope of renewing, they shal renew their ioy, and shal give new thankes a freſh. The ſecond is done in fewer words than the former: peradventure according to our diſpoſition, whoſe firſt brunt is moſt vehement.

¶ And her ſmoke roſe up: That is, now is ſhee delivered up to eternal punishment to be tormented. For an everlaſting fyre is shewed by the ſmoke aſcending for evermore: by which kind of ſpeaking is ſignifyed, that the continual remembrance of her punishment shalbe with al the godly alwayes. A token wherof they shal have continually before their eyes, the ſmoke aſcending without intermiſsion, leaſt perhaps they should forget it. He alludeth to the eternal torment of the wicked. Therfore the eternity of the punishment shal give a new cauſe of gladneſſe. And not without cauſe, when they knowe that the inſolency of the wicked whore, shal not onelyonly be reſtrained for the preſent, but alſo that none shal have any feare of her for the time to come.

4 And thoſe fowr and twenty Elders fell down: Such was the reioycing of the mixed multitude, ther followeth the aſſembly of the faithfull gathered togither ſolemly, which doo labour openly and ioyntly to the ſame duty of thankes giving. For this multitude of Elders and Beaſts giveth a shew of an Eccleſiaſtical aſſembly: which God the Father, for his ſonnes ſake coū teth ſuch, as this moſt holy company repreſenteth. And therfore, as oftē as any thing is performed by a common name, that is shewed by this ſacred Senat, as we have shewed in chap. 4. Such therfore shalbe the order of giving thankes, that the end and concluſion of the common thankes giving, be reſerved to the publike congregations. And ſo it hath come to paſſe, that private reioycing alwayes goeth before the common & publik. Any blaſt of report is wont to ſtirr up that firſt: this is not undertakē but when the things are throughly known and undoubted. But the foure and twenty Elders fall down, when the Beaſts give glory and thankes to him that ſitteth on the throne. It belongeth to theſe to moderate the whole action in the publike aſſembly; the reſt of the congregatiō ought to ioine their praiers, and to teſtify their conſent by a common voyce in the ende. According to this cuſtome there are rehearſed here onelyonly two words, Amen, Allelujah. As though that former were of the Elders; this latter, the ſumme of the thankes giving which the Beaſts utter in conceived words. But this order hath bin declared more fully in chap. 4. from whence this p. 626ought to be underſtood the ſame; which now is shewed briefly. But obſerve that the laſt ſongs of the Church of the Gentiles shalbe gratulatory, which yeeld no other ſong then Halleluiah. Even as the book of the Pſalmes is concluded with ſongs of praiſes. Shee ſunge in time paſt many lamentable ſongs, and hymnes of a mixt kinde, but the laſt part of the Comedy shalbe doubtleſſe a moſt joyful tryumph. And theſe are the funerals of the city of Rome, and the rites by which her burial shalbe celebrated. The day and yeere cannot certenly be ſet downe, in which her funeralls shalbe: yet from other ſcriptures I think it to be clear, that they shall not be differred at the furdeſt, beyond three ſcore yeeres The ſixeteenth chapter hath taught, that next after that the vial is powred out upon the throne, Euphsates shalbe dryed up, that is, after Rome deſtroyed, the Iewes shalbe converted. And other places ſeeme to confirme, that their firſt calling shalbe about the fiftieth yeere above one thouſand ſixe hundreth. But how much Rome preventeth that time, it is uncertain: it is like, but a very litle, conſidering that the chooſing of a new people followeth it at the heeles. We have ſeen how farr the vials have proceeded. The next is now to be powred out on the Sunne, which is shortly to be expected: by the heate wherof, after Rome hath bin very hot a short ſpace, shee ſhall approch the flamme of fyre by the fift vial, which ſhal burn her altogither; then the throne shalbe deſtroyed, and this gratulation prepared for the godly. Doeſt thou then, ô Rome, keepe now a yeere of Iubilé, when thy funerall rather were to be provided for? In very deed, within the ſpace of one Iubilé, that is, about fifty yeres hence, thou shalt keepe Iubilé in truth, not ſo much thy ſelfe by reioycing, as by giving occaſiō of exceeding great ioy to al the ſaincts by thy deſtruction. Doeſt thou then with Balthaſſar, abandon thy ſelfe to eatings and drinkings, Cyrus compaſsing abou thy walls, and being already entred into the chanell of Euphrates, which is turned aſide? I know that the admonition of an Heretique (as thou will have mee to be,) with thee is of no force; but conſider diligently the man or the thing it ſelf, if hatred wil ſuffer thee, leaſt peradventure, whom thou counteſt an Heretique, thou finde him too late a true Prophet: yet if thou deſpiſe my voyce, let the holy remnant here, if any lie hid in thee. Awake yee elect, come yee out, make haſt to flee away, yee have lyen too long in the bedds of Sodome, a showre of brimſtone will fall by and by, unleſſe yee depart quickly, you cannot be ſafe. Obey the Spirit, who would have you to be warned by this ſacred Revelation. Why doo yee hange upon this purpled company, whoſe eyes God hath blinded by his iuſt iudgmēt? If my admonition shal have place with you, yee shal refreſh greatly the p. 627mindes of the brethren, but the fruit shalbe your owne, to weet the ſalvation both of ſoules and bodyes.

5 Then a voice came out from the throne: Hitherto the fift vial; now the ſixt is handled. For this exhortation belongeth to new praiſes, not to the deſtruction of Babylon. For to what end should ther be a commaundemēt againe touching this thing, and a new triumph? Therfore now it is declared, how the waters of Euphrates ſhalbe dryed up. This folowed next the overthrow of the throne chap. 16.12. Becauſe the great river shalbe turned into drie ground, from hence we learne that nothing should be a let to the gueſts, or rather to the new bride, as is plainly confirmed in verſe 7.

¶ Becauſe the marriage of the Lambe is come: Which ſurely was the reaſon why wee hav interpreted that ſixt vial, cōcerning the calling of the Iewes. Firſt therfore the efficient cauſe of this calling is ſet forth, a voice coming forth from the throne. Which yet is not of the Father himſelfe, but of the Sonne, as it is cleare from that which followeth, praiſe yee our God. It came out of the throne, becauſe the Sonne shal effect this wonderfull thing rather by his own power, than by any aide of man. He shal take to himſelf alone the duties of this thing, and shal performe all wholly by himſelfe. VVhichWhich way alſo otherweiſe, should the Eaſterne Iewes beyōd Euphrates firſt embrace the faith, which are furtheſt off from hearing of the Goſpel? Yet no ſound thundring from heaven is to be expected; but this voice is the efficacy of the Spirit, whom God now shall ſend into the harts of his people, that being turned to him with all their harts, they may acknowledge, praiſe, and celebrate the one onelyonly true God, his Sonne Ieſus, and the H. Ghoſt. Now God powreth upon the houſe of David, and upon the inhabitans of Ieruſalem the Spirit of grace, and of prayer, Zach. 12.10. Now he wil build the Virgin of Iſrael, and ſhal adorne her ſelfe with her timbrels, and ſhal goe before in the dance of them that praiſe; now he ſhal ſay, reioyce with gladneſſe for Iacob, & ſhowt for ioy openly before the very Gentils: publiſh, prayſe, and ſay, ſave o Lord thy peopeople, the remnant of Iſrael. Iere. 31.4.7. But it is to be obſerved how this calling is ioyned togither with the deſtruction of Rome. It is ſevered frō it by no other tranſition, but as riſing from thence forthwith from her fall, becometh cleare to the world. The Temple was full of ſmoke that no man could enter in, untill God had ſatiſfyed his anger upon the whore; but after he hath punished her according to her deſerts, then as it were with a quiet minde, he shal cōvert himſelfe wholly to accomplish the ſalvation of all his elect, and to receiv againe his people ſent away from him by ſo longue a baniſhment. VVherfore if we have kept a true account of this calling, we ſhall not wander much from the laſt deſtruction of Rome.

p. 628¶ Praiſe yee our God: No man cā praiſe God, but he that knoweth him, neither al generally, but the whole multitude of the elect on earth, endued with the knowledge of God, may conſent to praiſe him. Therfore this provocation declareth that calling, and the ſame general, when as al are bidden to praiſe, both univerſally, and particularly, as well the ſmal of the Iewes, who becauſe of their new comming to the faith, might ſeeme at that time to have bin ſcarce borne; as alſo the great of the Gentils, who being more growen in Chriſt, have obtained a ful maturity by a long profeſsion, who shal praiſe God for their brethrens converſion, when they ſhal ſee that which hath not bin told them, and ſhal underſtand that which they hav not heard, Iſay 52.14. But the Iewes themſelves then with ioyful & glad minds, shal heare, that favour at length is shewed them; that their eyes are opened for to know the truth, that they are reduced againe, built, multiplyed, & ſtablished more then before time, ſo as they shal ſatiſfy themſelves with no praiſes. Then, faith Ieremy, ſhal proceed out of them voice of thankes giving, and the voice of them that laugh, then ſhal the virgin reioice in the dance, the yong men and old men togither, chap. 30 19. and 31.13. and many the like things, perteining to the ioyfulnes of that moſt pleaſant time.

6 And I heard as it were a ſound: The voice of a new people converted to Chriſt, and praiſing God for this unexpected bounteouſnes. This is an exceeding great voice, by reaſon of the multitude of the people; then alſo making a noiſe in the beginning by obſcure reports, and more eaſy to be underſtood what it meaneth, then the noiſe of waters roaring confuſedly, which yet notwithſtanding a while after ſhalbe terrible, and apaling like thunder. It may be doubtful, whither this be the voice of the Gentiles, as it were the friends of the bridegroome, or of the Iewes thēſelves who embrace the calling. The Gentiles had learned before to found Hallelujah. And now he biddeth them ſpeake to their brethren, and to ſtirre up them by a new ſhoute. Alſo the next verſe folowing declareth the exultatiō of friends reioycing in their behalfe. But this terrible voice, as it were of waters and thunders, ſeemeth to belong to the Iewes. Yet nevertheleſſe it may be the ioint voice of both peoples. Whoſe ſoever it is, either of the one, or of both, we underſtand from hence an effectual calling. But the voice calleth them to praiſe God, becauſe now he hath obtained his kingdome. Chriſt hath alwaies ruled: but the glory of his Kingdome shal then flourish moſt clearly, which in former times, partly the infidelity of the Iewes, partly the tyranny of the Dragō and Beaſt did much obſcure. Now a ſtone hewen out of the mountaine without hands ſhal reigne, which Kingdome ſhal not be deſtroied for ever, neither be leſt to an other people. Dan. 2.44. He maketh p. 629mention of Gods omnipotency in getting this Kingdome, wherby in very truth he declared himſelfe moſt mighty in deſtroying the enemies, who with al their ſtrength, wil reſiſt this Kingdome when it beginneth.

7 Let us be glad and reioyce: So the freinds of the bridegroome ſeeme to provoke one an other to joy. Let us, ſay they, adorne ourſelves moſt gorgeouſly, as it is wont to be done in triumphs and feſtival dayes, and common reioycing. And it is a thing indeed very greatly to be triumphed for, to underſtand that brethren divided from us by ſo lamentable a divorce, ſo many ages, are now at length choſen into the ſame body of Chriſt with us. Of which ioy the Prophets ſpake many excellent things.

¶ Becauſe the marriage is come: For as the former comming was called gamos a marriage, Mat. 22.2. wherby Chriſt ioyned to himſelfe the Gentils, and took them into the marriage bed: ſo likeweiſe much more shalbe the time of marriage, when he shal draw the Iewes, whom firſt he woed, to his love, and company: from whence it is not without cauſe, that in the ſame place it is ſaid, he made marriages for his Sonne, not one, but moe; the former at his firſt comming; the ſecond at this calling of the Iewes. Which is more evident in the Greeke, where gamos, marriage, is uſed in the ſingular number. The Latines call every particular marriage, nuptias, marriages in the plural number.

¶ And his wife hath made her ſelfe ready: Both ſiſters, as wel the Gentils, as the Iewes, make one wife, being married to the ſame bridegroome, as once Leah and Rachell to Iacob. Leah indeede more deformed, to weet, wee Gentils have entred firſt into the company of the bedde, and became alſo farre more fruitfull; but the choſen and faire Rachell, the people of the Iewes, shal at length alſo be brought into the bed chamber, and ſhall become a mother of moſt ſweet children.

8 And to her was graunted: To weet, the new bride, which of late was altogither void of this apparell. The Church of the Gentiles was moſt glorious in her firſt beginning. A crowne of twelve ſtarrs adorned her head, & all the reſidue of her was clothed with the Sunne, chap. 12.1. Therfore this fine linnen is not provided for her: but to that other, which before time lay ilfavoured, foule, naked, not covered ſo much as with ragges, theſe fine linnen garments are given, wherby shee may hide her deformed nakedneſſe. And this fine linnen is Jeſus Chriſt, made ours for righteouſnes and ſalvation by imputation: which garment the Iewes wanted, while refuſing Chriſt and his righteouſnes, they went about to eſtabliſh their owne righteouſnes: but at length being graffed in by faith, they shall renounce their former hope, & shal embrace this ſalvation, clad with this p. 630glorious garment onelyonly.

¶ That ſhee ſhould be arrayed with pure fine linnen, and ſhining: He ſaith not, fine linnen was given unto her, but, to her was granted, that ſhee ſhould be arrayed with fine linnen &c. This is the difference, becauſe in that former is ſignifyed, that fine linnen is given immediately; in this, mediately by faith. This fine linnen is pure and ſhining: pure, in reſpect of iuſtification, becauſe it preſenteth us unblameable and without fault, free from all ſpotte & blemiſh: ſhining, in reſpect of glory, both with God, who becauſe of this purity in his Sonne, maketh us heires of his eternal Kingdome; and alſo with men, to whom it manifeſteth our adoption by her moſt ſhining fruits, which the Spirit working togither with us, maketh manifeſt unto them.

¶ For the fine linnen is the righteouſneſſes of the Saincts: Behold how diſtinctly and plaiynly the Spirit ſpeaketh: for he ſaith not that the righteouſneſſes of the Saincts are fine linnen, but contrariweiſe that the fine linnen is the righteouſneſſes; neither of the wicked, as when a man is firſt converted to God, but, of the Saincts: that is, the wholle iuſtification, yee even of thoſe whoſe piety doth moſt of all shew it ſelfe, commeth not from themſelves, and from things ingraffed, but abideth without in the outward garment, to weet of Chriſt, whom we put on by faith onelyonly. A moſt plaine ſcripture, which, ô yee Papiſts, conſider diligently, that your blaſphemous pride being at length reiected, yee may ſeeke true ſalvation from thence, from whence alone it may be obtained. Doo yee thruſt upon God the merits of the Saincts? Away with thoſe polluted garments, the fine linnen given, is our iuſtifications: the clothing is not made of our vertues, wherby wee may be able to ſtand before God. No ſimilitude dooth ſet more clearly befor our eyes the imputation of righteouſnes by faith, then this garment uſed ſo often in the Scriptures. But why, wilt thou ſay, doth he ſay iuſtifications rather then iuſtification? not to deſtroy the onelyonly righteouſnes of faith, but ſeing dikaioma, iuſtification is a proofe wherby a man sheweth himſelfe to be iuſt, as chap. 15.4. And there is a double argument to this purpoſe, one before God by faith, in which reſpect Chriſt is the white fine linnen of the Saincts, chap. 7.13.14. Another before men, by the works of ſanctification; in regard of this double argument the Spirit ſaith iuſtifications, that he may containe in one word, that which even now he declared by two, pure and ſhining. For the works of holines, if they be taken aſunder, ar not pure; or if faith be conſidered by it ſelfe, it is not ſhining. For it lyeth hiddē within, farre from the eies of men. Neither of both therfore apart can be called iuſtifications, both are to be ioyned togither, to expreſſe the force of the multitude. And to whom this fine linnen is given, both are found in p. 631them.

9 Then he ſaid unto me write: Who ſaid? Not he that ſate upō the throne. For the Elders worshipped him, ver. 4. This, it was not lawful, being the felow ſervant of Iohn. Therfore it is ſome Angel, to whom were committed the charge of ſealing this Prophecy. Firſt therfore he biddeth him write: by which ſo ſolemne commandement he teacheth that there is in it a great and ſtrange matter. We commit to writing things, the credit wher of we will have to be confirmed unto all poſterity: for which cauſe, lawes were graven once in Braſſe, and ſet up in a publike place. Alſo God ſpeaking to Ieremy concerning this ſame thing; Write, ſaith he, for thy ſelfe all the words which I ſpeake unto thee, in a book, chap. 30.2. As if God providing for our infirmity, should give us ſealed writings, from which wee might cal upon him for helpe more freely and boldly, if peradventure he should ſeem to forget his promiſe. But not onelyonly Iohn is confirmed hereby, but alſo the event is reſpected, as we have ſeen from the like places before: as if it should come to paſſe that by the authority of ſome holy man, ſome publike writing should be ſet forth, which moſt plainly should cōfirme this thing not to be new, but foreshewed of God from the furtheſt times, and that therfore the goodneſſe and truth of God is to be acknowledged and praiſed in the ſame. But the time wil manifeſt, what at length is to be thought concerning this matter. But what is it which he is commanded to write? That they are bleſſed which ar called to the marriage ſupper of the Lābe; a thing indeed wonderful & never heard off before, that al should be bleſſed which are called. Before time this rule was in force; many are called, few choſen: which thing example alſo hath prooved true, when the calling fell not out proſperouſly to the auncient gheſts, who being called refuſed to come. But now it shalbe otherweiſe. Al the called shal come gladly, neither shal alledge for their excuſe things of ſmal importance, as did thoſe former, Mat. 22. So great now shalbe the efficacy and grace of the Spirit, that they shal obey at the firſt hearing. Before, ſaith Iſaiah, ſhee travailed, ſhe brought forth, and before her paine came, ſhee was delivered of a man childe. Who hath heard ſuch a thing? Who hath ſeen ſuch things? Shal the earth be brought forth in one day? Or ſhall a nation be borne at once? For aſſoone as Zion travailed, ſhee brought forth her children &c. So Pſal. 110.3. Thy people moſt voluntary of all men in the time of thine armies in the beautiful places of thy holineſſe, frō the wombe of the mourning, ſhalbe to thee dewe of thy youth. Many ſuch things might be brought, and peradventure it would be profitable; at leaſt weiſe that occaſion might be given to our men to conſider diligently of thoſe places: from the true meaning wherof I feare that wee erre, by interpreting the p. 632things that are to come, as if they were paſt. This ſentence therfore, which is commaunded to be written, taketh away al ſcruple frō Iohn. He might have minded the former obſtinacy of the nation, and for that cauſe have doubted of their converſion. But the Angel commandeth this care to depart. There shalbe ſo great diligence of the people, that it shalbe ſufficient for them to be called away. It is to be obſerved, that the Iewes both here and elſewhere in many places, are called keclemenous in the preterperfect tence, by a certain prerogative of calling, as it ſeemeth, as who were called ever ſince the firſt times of the world. Mat. 22.3.4.8. But the Gē tiles kletous Mat. 22.14. becauſe they were firſt called at Chriſt coming, or rather after his death. Which difference ſeemeth to be obſerved in this revelation; from whence chap. 17.14. they, who the Lambe being their Captaine, doo ſubdue the tenn Kings, are named called and choſen, whom, it is manifeſt to be the faithfull among the Gentiles.

¶ Theſe words are true: The ſecond confirmation taken from the principal authour, as though he should ſay, reſpect not mee, as reporting any thing of mine owne, but be ſo perſwaded, that this is the decree of the moſt High God, as thou thy ſelfe heardeſt even now with thyne own ears, ver. 5. but the natural placing of the words hath an emphaſis, as it is in the Greek, which by the diſplacing is loſt; theſe are the true words of God himſelfe, that is, of moſt divine, moſt excellent, and moſt certen truth. True are alſo ſome words of men, but there is ſome infirmity in our moſt true things. Wee alwayes ſpeake from the earth, Iohn 3.31. Therfore ſome preferment is attributed to this truth, which appeareth not, if we change the order of the words. It is no ſtrange thing, that the words of God should be true.

10 And I fell down before his feet; VVhy now more then before? VVas he abaſhed with the maieſty of the Angel? But he had bin accuſtomed now a long time to wonderful ſights. Or was it for ioy of the converſion of his nation? ſo in deed it ſeemeth. For Iohn being ravished, as it is clear frō the anſwer of the Angel, with the ſweetneſſe of this Prophecy, for ſudden ioy, wherwith he was carried away, would give more worſhip then was meet, to ſo welcome a meſſenger.

¶ See that not: to weet, that thou worship mee not, a defective ſpeach, noting out the grievouſneſſe of the naughty act: for he maketh ſpeed, and finisheth not the ſentence for haſt. Even as wee are wont to prohibit a thing, eyther by ſudden crying out, or by the hand, when the thing permitteth not any time for words. He confirmeth the prohibition by two reaſons: firſt from the equal dignity of the Miniſters of Chriſt: J am, ſaith p. 633he, thy felow ſervant, and not onelyonly of the Apoſtles, but alſo of thy brethrē which have the teſtimony of Ieſu. Al our office is equal: they who preach Chriſt, & ſalvation by him, are in equal dignity with them, which reveale things to come. The office of preaching is equal to the office of revealing: this is the meaning of that which is ſaid in the ende of the verſe. For the teſtimony of Ieſu is the Spirit of Prophecy. The ſecond reaſon is, becauſe adoration belongeth to God onelyonly; Worship him, ſaith he, to whom alone ſuch worship is due. Doo not ye, ô Popiſh Idolaters, tremble at theſe words? Ye take great paines about deviſing reaſons, why the Angel prohibited adoration, as though he himſelfe hath not rendred moſt cleare ones in his own words. But what reaſons bring yee? To weet, that after our fleſh taken of Chriſt, the Angels are greatly afraid to ſee the ſame proſtrate before them, as Gregory the Great wil have it. Moreover becauſe, beſide this dignity, men are alſo Miniſters of Chriſt, Prophets, and meſſengers of the Evangelical doctrine, and Martyrs for the ſame. Be it ſo, doo ye not perceive that you are killed with your owne ſwords? If they feare much to ſee our nature proſtrate to them, after the ſame taken of Chriſt; why do ye caſt down your nature to ſtones, and painted Images, and put the holy Angels in feare? If they wil not be worshipped of the Miniſters of Chriſt, either at length, ceaſe to doo wickedly, or at leaſt confeſſe your ſelves not to be Miniſters of Chriſt. And in this weiſe is the firſt calling of the Iewes, that shalbe now shortly, which Daniel deſcribeth by a certen pointing out of the time, chap. 12.12. & c, Ezechiel ſaw it shadowed out by the dry bones, moving themſelves with an exceeding great noiſe, & ſhaking, and by and after covered with ſinewes & flesh. chap. 37.78. as wee shal heare afterward, God willing more fully.

11 Then J ſaw heaven open: It being declared how Euphrates muſt be dried up, or rather to what ende, that is to ſay, that nothing may be an impediment to the Iewes returning into their owne countrey, now he proceedeth to the other part of the ſixt vial, the preparation for warre, the Captaine wherof is firſt deſcribed. And ſuch a forme of him is exhibited not onelyonly as is needful for this warre, but alſo which declareth the whole ſtate of things from that inſtant moment, even to the end of al things. It is no new thing, that under the perſon of Chriſt, a short and brief Prophecy of the whole ſtate of his ſpouſe should be delivered. He is not chā ged; unleſſe in ſo much as it is convenient for his Church. Therfore in this new shape as in a glaſſe, we ought to behold the face of the ſpouſe, by how much it is to be conſidered the more diligently. This wonderfull ſight is ſeen in heavē open, that is, in the holy Church, whoſe moſt bright p. 634glory now moſt of all ſhalbe made manifeſt to al men, as before by a dore open in heaven, the notable dignity and excellency of the firſt Church, as it was in the Apoſtles daies, and by and by after, chap. 4.1. But this is more ample glory, that heaven is opened not by ſome little dore, but by a whole gate; ye whole walles, that I may ſo ſay, nothing letting but that her full maieſty now may be ſeen of men, as farre as is granted on earth.

¶ And behold a white horſe: We may not ſuppoſe that Chriſt ſhal come forth in any viſible ſhape; theſe things are farre from his laſt comming, as thoſe things which follow wil manifeſt; but he wil shew forth openly and evidently ſuch a force in the adminiſtration of things, as this figure repreſenteth. The whole deſcription conſiſteth of foure parts. In every one of which is to be conſidered the preparation and name. In this firſt part the furnishing is a white horſe, the name faithful and true. The ſimilitude of which things, with that in chap. 6.2. hath cauſed that ſome did thinke this to be the ſame viſion, by which errour they confound all things. They differ much in times, and in argument. That white horſe belonge to the firſt liſts. But this to the laſt goale. That former went forth by and by after Iohn, when Traiane flourished, and his next ſucceſſours. This laſt is not ſeen but after the deſtruction of Rome. There, the confuſed multitude of all the beleevers was reſpected. Here, the converſion of the nation of the Iewes onelyonly is intreated off. Yet herin they agree, that the white horſe in both places ſignifyeth Chriſt triumphing by his truth; but thē the Gentiles being ſubdued; now at length a ſtubburne people being reconciled unto him. To which thing he carried a name fitted: wherby he sheweth, that he wil now at laſt manifeſt to the whole world how faithfull & true he is, in performing his promiſes; and that not any thing, even the leaſt shalbe fruſtrate, which once he foreshewed by the Prophets, concerning the reſtoring of this nation in the laſt times. Such a one therfore shal Chriſt be, notable by theſe marks, when he shal beginne the converſion of this people. His promiſe shal ſeeme to have bin forgotten through long delay; which at length he shal performe, with moſt plentiful increaſe of new joy.

¶ And who jugeth and fighteſt iuſtly: So Theod. Beza tranſlateth, a relative being put between, as though theſe things togither with the former, should conſtitute the name it ſelfe: which in the reſt is wonte to be shorter: but the ſenſe is al one, ſeing it is in likeweiſe, whither a man be counted ſuch by his name, or found to be of this ſort in very deed. The worde have this force properly; and he iudgeth and fighteth in righteouſneſſe: where the coniunctiō copulative may be a cauſal, as though theſe words should render a reaſon, both of the white horſe, and alſo of the name; & should p. 635be added to the ſame in ſtead of an interpretation. He ſitteth upon a white horſe, becauſe he fighteth righteouſly. His name is faithful and true, becauſe he iudgeth righteouſly. Which words are ſpoken in reſpect of his own people, taken, as they ſeem, out of Pſal. 96.10.13. where, to iudge in truth and righteouſnes, ſignifyeth to rule and moderate his people in framing and ordering their life according to truth and righteouſnes, & that not onelyonly as touching their outward actions, but alſo in reſpect of inward newneſſe of the heart: which dependeth upon the regeneration of the Spirit, wherby we are reformed after the Image of God, as Calvin hath written very wel. Theſe words therfore declare the effectual power of calling, which Chriſt shal now beſtow aboundātly upō his; and moreover ſafety from their enemies, with whom he wil make warre and render them a reward meet for their deſerts.

12 And his eyes: The ſecond part of the deſcription: where his eyes are as it were a flame of fyre, and on his head are many crownes: but a name unknowne to all men, but to himſelfe alone. As touching his eyes, they are moſt sharpe, pearſing al things, which as flames of fyre conſume whatſoever letteth the ſight, make lightſome the darkeneſſe it ſelfe, and ſet moſt hidden things in the light. What cā hide it ſelfe from ſuch eyes? Such an one shal Chriſt shew himſelfe in drawing out his people into the light of truth, from the hidden dennes and darkeneſſe wherſoever they lurked, ſo as this sharpnes of ſight shalbe very admirable to the world. I wil ſay to the North, ſaith the Lord, give, and to the South keepe not backe, bring my ſonnes from farre, and my daughters from the endes of the earth, Iſay 43.6. The crownes are many, becauſe of the many ſingular victories, which the Iewes shal get, when firſt they shal give their name to Chriſt, from thoſe ſundry nations, among which they live diſperſed, ſtriving as much as they can againſt their converſion. But why is his name unknown? that here we may know that great myſtery to be, wherat Paul cryed out, O the deepneſſe of the richeſſe, both of the wiſdome and knowledge of God! how unſearcheable are his iudgements, and his waies paſt finding out, Rom. 11.33. &c. There he ſpeaketh of this ſame thing, of the hardening of the Iewes for a time, & calling at length in their time: which whole matter he concludeth with an admiratiō of Gods wiſdome, affirming that no wit of any creature can comprehende the infinitneſſe of the myſtery. So this viſion foreshewing in the calling of the Iewes, a certaine choiſe and ſeparation of an elect people from others, after the fulneſſe of the Gentils shal come in, preſenteth Chriſt likeweiſe in an unknown name, becauſe no creature can by any reaſon conceive the exceeding greatneſſe of this iudgement and mercy. Let us therfore reverence p. 636this name, which becauſe of the highneſſe thereof, muſt needs be hidden from every creature. OnelyOnly let us obſerve the congruency of things, that the converſion of the Iewes doth likeweiſe come from the unſearcheable wiſdome of God, as once the reiection of them and receaving of the Genliles.

13 And he was clothed with a garment dipt in blood: Such hath bin the deſcription of the Captaine gathering togither his people: now followeth the shape of him making warre: which therfore he taketh upon him, that in fighting iuſtly, he may make his no leſſe ſecure from all outward feare of warre, then he maketh them happy at home by iudging iuſtly and moderating al things moſt conveniently. The figure of this is a bloody garment, and a name that word of God. For after this converſion begun, and a happy increaſe of the name of Chriſtians for ſome yeeres, then a huge and cruell warr shalbe raiſed up, ſuch as the like hath not bin in any time. The Turk shal rage in the Eaſt. The Beaſt and falſe Prophet in the Weſt part: both of them shal endevour to root out even every footſtep of the truth, as Daniel sheweth clearly chap. 11.44.45. and 12.1. and Ezechiel chap. 38. & 39. as farre as belongeth to the Turk. And as it is mentioned at the ende of this chapter, concerning the Beaſt and his companion. Then shall Chriſt shew himſelfe to be ſeene in this forme clothed with a bloody caſſocke, and wholly ſwimming with blood of the enemies. VVhichWhich time Iſaiah ſeemeth to have reſpect unto, ſaying, Who is he that commeth from Edō with read garments, from Bozrah? Wherfore is thy apparell red, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the wine preſſe, chap. 63.1.2. For very good reaſon now shal Chriſt be ſeen ſprinkled with the blood of the enemies ſlaine. And then shal the Iewes be ſuch in deed, through their tender minds melting into teares, as the Prophet in the chapters following deſcribeth that they ar to be hereafter. The name is fit for this time, that word of God, which the world then shal finde to be moſt true, al thoſe things at length being performed, which have bin delivered in the ſcriptures. Before time it almoſt counted the word of God as a thing to be mocked at, as it doth alſo in this time, becauſe it ſeeth both the promiſes and punishments to be differteth ſo long. Ye the citizens began to doubt of the truth therof: frō whence is that complaint in Iſaiah, the Lord hath forſaken mee, and the Lord hath forgotten mee, chap. 44.14. As though the promiſes were nothing elſe then great words onelyonly, or vayne lofty ſpeeches which had come to nothing. Therfore Chriſt shal declare now in truth, that the leaſt title of it hath not bin in vaine. This deſcription agreeth to the ſeventh vial, under which shalbe heard that ſaying, it is done, chap. 16.17. And the myſtery of p. 637God is finiſhed, chap. 10.7. to which time is reſerved the perfection of all things, and the greateſt authority of Gods word shal flouriſh, the moſt conſtant truth therof being ſeen in every thing.

14 And the hoſts which are in heaven: The laſt part of the deſcription: where the preparation conſiſteth, partly in the ſouldiers, in this verſe; partly, in the weapons and inſtruments of warre, ver, 15. But the name is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, ver. 16. The army ſeemeth to be provided, not ſo much for battel, as for triumph. For what are white horſes to warre? What fine white linnen and pure? A helmet & corſelet were fitter. And ſo the thing is in deed. A triumph is ſet forth, not a battel: for the enemies in the Weſt and Eaſt part being at length deſtroyed in that late foreſaid warre; a glorious peace shalbe reſtored to the Church, & which no tumultuous noiſe of troubles, shal ever after interrupt. Then al the children of God shall keepe a perpetual triūph, al things being remooved for ever which might procure any trouble, as shalbe made more cleare, from the things folowing.

¶ Which are in heaven: The cityzens of the holy Church on earth: all of them making one ſheepfold, shall folow one shepheard Chriſt: they ar clothed with white and pure fine linnen, for the ſame cauſe which we have ſpoken of at the 8. verſe.

15 And out of his mouth went; The victory once gotten, shalbe preſerved for ever: neither shal ther be any feare of warre to beginne againe, our Captaine being ſo furnished, that as he can, ſo he wil much more reſtraine the ſubdued enemies at his pleaſure: for the sword comming out of his mouth, shal punish them forthwith, as before he threatned to them of Pergamus, that he would fight againſt them with the Spirit of his mouth, chap. 2.16. Wherby is ſignifyed, that either the enemies shalbe deſtroyed according to the iudgemēt of the ſacred word, the punishmēts being taken of them, which the word hath appointed againſt them: or at the leaſt shalbe brought to that caſe, that wil they, nil they, they shal obey thoſe lawes, which the word ſhal preſcribe. This latter ſeemeth to agree better to this place, when al nations shalbe obedient to the Church, ſeeking and receiving from it lawes and ordinances, wherby they may be governed. Theſe therfore ſhal be ſmitten after this manner. But if any yet being ſtubburne, shal refuſe to obey, he ſhalbe ſubdued with a rod of iron; and shalbe bridled by a rigourous government; but if he shal continue in his obſtinacy, neither wil ſuffer himſelfs to be overcome and bowed by an ordinary way, although many togither shal conſpire to the ſame wickedneſſe of rebellion, they shall be caſt as cluſters of grapes into the winepreſſe of the fierceneſſe of God, and ſhall he p. 638troden in the ſame. Wherfore the enemies shal have no power ever to riſe up againe: now of neceſsity the yoke muſt be borne of them for ever. The Cō pl. & the K, B, read a ſharp two edged ſword doth tread, in the presēt, becauſe puniſhmēt shalbe no mor differred as before, but the wicked shalbe puniſhed, preſently to be trode under foote with great fury, as grapes in the wine preſſe, Iſaiah 63. Lam. 1.15.

¶ The wine preſſe of the fierceneſſe: VVhichWhich punishment of the wicked ſhal be no leſſe pleaſant to God, then the drinking of wine to the thirſtie. That muſt need, be done manfully, in which one is occupied with delight. Horrible therfore shalbe the punishment of the wicked, which by the greevouſnes therof shal make amends aboundantly, for the delights of al the former times: See Deut. 28.63.

16 And he hath upon his garment and upon his thigh: This name is written on his garment, becauſe it ſhalbe manifeſt then to al men, that Chriſt is the ſupreme King: which was not ſo evident to the world in former ages. The Chriſtian name hath bin ſpread before now into al contries; but how miſerably did the Heathen Romane Emperours vexe that firſt, when it began? Since that time, by how ſundry entrepriſes hath the Pope of Rome endevoured to bring deſtruction unto it? Neither yet at this time doth he ſurceaſe from his former practiſe; having now the Turk alſo a partner in the ſame trafick; although both follow a divers way of obtaining their deſire. Doubtleſſe ſince that Chriſt hath bin made known to us Gentiles, he hath not ſeemed ſo much to raigne, a to ſerve a miſerable ſervice. Yet nevertheleſſe he gave alwayes ſome proof of his Kingdome, even in the middes of theſe miſeries, becauſe he preſerved his Church againſt al mēs willes, howſoever he yeelded her to the luſt of the enemies; and to be over whelmed almoſt with all calamities and miſeries. But now at length the contrary shalbe manifeſt to al men: Chriſt himſelfe wil take the governement into his hands, & wil give the ſoveraigntie over the things on earth to his Church; then shalbe the time, when the ſtone being cut of the mountain without hands, ſhal breake in peeces the yron, the clay, the ſilver and the gold: and ſhal obtaine a Kingdome that ſhal never be deſtroyed, neither shal be left to another people, Dan. 2.44.45. VVhichWhich thing is made more apparant from the name written on the thigh, as it were in the loweſt parts of the body, and even as though it were in the foote. For the ſcriptures are wonte to call all beneath the belly, the feete, Gen. 49.10. Iſay. 7.20. Therfore he hath this name written in this part, not onelyonly becauſe that which is loweſt in Chriſt, ſcarce reaching to his feete, is higher then the higheſt thing in mē, Monarches bearing the titles of Empire on their head, on their crownes, p. 639and Diademes; but Chriſt carying a loftier title on his thigh, then any Monarch ever hath obtained; not, I ſay, for this cauſe onelyonly, but chiefly becauſe this shalbe the time, wherin his feete, that is, his Church, shal beare rule. Before time they were fine Braſſe burning in a fornace, yet free from any hurt, chap. 1.15. But now after the fierie trial, they shal enioy a moſt noble Kingdome. Now Chriſt shal honour the place of his feet, Iſay 60.13. This is that Kingdome, which al the Prophets doo praiſe with ſo great decking of words; of which ther shalbe no ende; but after that it hath flouriſhed a long time on earth, it shalbe tranſlated from hence at length into heaven at the ſecond comming of Chriſt. So then theſe foure names cōtaine the whole ſtate of the Church from the calling of the Iswes unto the laſt ende of al things. Al which time may be diſtinguished into three parts, the firſt of which goeth before the battel with the Beaſt and the Dragon: wherunto the firſt two names with the whole preparation, are applyed. The ſecond is beſtowed in the battel it ſelfe, ſignifyed by a third name. The third is al the other ſpace from the victory until Chriſt shal come, to which the fourth moſt mighty name agreeth.

17 Then I ſaw a certain Angel ſtand in the Sunne: Thus farre the deſcription of the Captaine: now of certain ſoldiers, who muſt fight with the Beaſt. Theſe ar muſtered by the voice of an Herald of armes ſtanding in the Sunne: who differreth from him that powred out his vial upon the Sunne: for this, by interpreting the Scriptures, shal bring a plague; that other shal provoke the Saincts to warre by exhorting. Neither perhaps doth he that powreth out the vial, ſtande in the very Sunne, but ſet in an other place, shal ſprinkle his liquour upon it. This, ſitting as it were in the charet of the Sunne, hath his ſtanding in the very light. But how, wilt thou ſay, can we conceave any ſuch thing yea by meditating upon it? I think light may be given to this Sunne, from the 12. chap. 1. where we heard that the woman was clothed with the Sunne, that is, shining round about with a moſt cleare light of the Scriptures, with the clearneſſe wherof being adorned, as it were with a garment, shee came forth abroad among the people, & ſhewed her ſelfe in the ſight of the world. But one may be ſaid to ſtand in his clothing, as the wife ſtanding at the right hand of the King in gold of Ophir, Pſal. 45.10. Vherfore this Angel shalbe ſome cityzē of that particular Church, which shal shine moſt clearly by the approbatiō of the very ſacred truth, & shalbe a natural daughter of the woman clothed with the Sunne. VVe know that there is not the ſame purity of al particular Churches which profeſſe Chriſt, but that one doth take out more dreggs than an other. But this Angel shalbe a member of a moſt pure and chaſt congregation, which p. 640above others shal shine with this glorious apparell. This is not one of the converted Iewes, of whom he began to ſpeake even now, but an Angel of the VVeſt part, calling the VVeſterne men to warre againſt the Beaſt, and the falſe Prophet, the plagues of our world. And indeed, al the force of this laſt warre in the VVeſt, ſeemeth to be converted againſt that holy cō gregation, which even now I ſaid, did shine as the Sunne. For which cauſe a cityzen of it, before the reſt, shal ſound the alarme, and cal togither the reſt, not ſo much to the battel, as to the ſpoile. Frō which things in ſome ſort may be underſtood, what is that place Armagedon in the VVeſt part, wherof we heard in chap. 16.16. To weet, ſuch a particular holy congregation or city, which shalbe the place of this warre. For this is har gbei qodheſch, the hill of precious fruits, which God eſteemeth deerer to him then al delights. And it is like that after Rome is overthrown that the Pope will againe place his chaire at Avenion (but I have no certenty concerning this thing, I follow onelyonly coniecture,) but if he shal ſit there, where shall he ſooner and more gladly ſtreine to doo his uttermoſt, than againſt the Genevean people of Savoy hardby; a heart ſore, thankes be to God, now for ſome yeeres, which shal then alſo be the totment of their eyes? And verily, farre be it that my words should grieve any man, the Sunne of our world shineth there and from thence; & that alwayes it may shine more, every godly man deſireth earneſtly of God; neither let my repeated admonition be ſuperfluous. Hold that thou haſt, let no man take thy crowne. In the meane time our prayers shal not be wanting for thee, that the Sunne of righteouſneſſe may ever shine upon thee, and drive farre away all darkeneſſe.

¶ Saying to all the foules that did fly by the middes of heaven: It hath bin obſerved in chap. 8.13. & 14.6. that meſouranema ſignifyeth between heaven and earth, not meſembrian midde day, which the Aſtronomers call the mids of heaven, and that therfore the word belongeth to them, who have eſcaped from groſſe ſuperſtition through the acknowledging of the truth, and yet have not attained that purity, meet for the inhabitants of heaven. The Angel of the Sunne calleth all theſe to take part of the ſpoile, as being nouriſſons of the ſame truth, howſoever it flourisheth not among all with the like purity. From which wee underſtand, that although one or ſome few congregations shal practize ſincere godlines when this warre shalbe moved, yet that very many, and thoſe even of the reformed religion shalbe found, which eyther never have attained a ful reformation, or by negligence and careleſneſſe have fallen backe to that ſtate, that they lack much of the holineſſe of a pure and undefiled ſpouſe. And who ſeeth not, that p. 641mutation to come to paſſe every day more and more? Obſtinate mē will not acknowledge this difference at this time, but they to whom it is grā ted to meaſure every thing by the onelyonly rule of the truth, doo both ſee & bewaile both many ſhamefully falling from heaven, and alſo others as meteores, hanging yet in the clouds.

¶ Come and gather your ſelves togither: He calleth them to a banker, & to mirth. The moſt worthy deſtruction of the wicked men, is to God as a ſumptuous feaſt.

18 That ye may eate the fleſh of things: It is like that the ten hornes which have hated and burnt the whore Rome, shal alſo hate the very Beaſt, once the ſweet heart of the whore. Therfore theſe Kings, who shal ioyne their armies with the Beaſt, are not in the number of thoſe tenne. Neither ſhal ther be onelyonly a denary number of Kings in the times of Antichriſt, when as beſide them others shalbe founde, who doo lend him their helpe. VVhichWhich manner of dreames, how vaine they are, may be underſtood frō thoſe things which wee have ſpoken before. Theſe things then being omitted, now the Angel being ſure of the victory, calleth to the pray, and biddeth them to flye togither, that they may be filled with the ſpoiles of the enemies. And becauſe variety in feaſts doth very much delight men, he propoſeth ſundry kinds of dainty diſhes, the fleſh of Kings, of High Captaines &c. This ſupper shalbe variable and very coſtly. Ezechiel furniſheth the like table, but with the flesh onelyonly of Eaſterne enemies, chap. 39.17.18.

19 Afterward I ſaw the Beaſt: Such is the preparation of the Saincts; there followeth of the wicked; and firſt thoſe in the VVeſt part, with whom the firſt conflict shalbe. The chiefe Captaines of theſe are the Beaſt, and the Kings. For the Pope of Rome, after Rome is deſtroyed, shal have his ſeat in an other place, for a few yeeres, as at Avenion, the Popes city, or Bononie, or elſewhere. But he shal not remaine alive long time after, not abov five and fourty yeeres at the moſt, as may be gathered by a diligent comparing of other Scriptures. Neither indeed being ſpoiled of his principal Chaire, shal he be deſtitute of al aide of Kings, but ſome, to weet, of the earth, followers of wicked ſuperſtition shal yet take his part; who al their hoſts being gathered and ioyned togither againſt Chriſt and his Saincts, shall beginne this battel to try their laſt chance. They wil aſſemble to Armagedon that holy city, a hill of pretious fruits, whoſe Angel ſtandeth in the Sunne, as in ver. 17. From which it is manifeſt, that that preparation which the Spirit hath deſcribed togither in chap. 16. and 14, &c. belō geth to divers enemies, whoſe warre is to be made aſunder; firſt, of the p. 642Beaſt and falſe Prophet; afterward of the Dragon.

20 But the Beaſt was taken: Hitherto the declaration of the ſixt vial: that of the laſt followeth: which firſt teacheth the deſtruction of the enemies, and in the firſt place of the Beaſt and his armies. The Beaſt is taken, intraped as it were, with ſnares upon a ſudden; as wild Beaſts, which unawares fall into the netts. For ſo the word epiaſte ſeemeth to note. And we know that the Lord doth raine downe upon the wicked ſnares, as in Pſal. 11.6. by which their feet are taken there, where leaſt of al they feared. The falſe Prophet is takē togither with him: which two ioyned togither, shew that the Pope of Rome (for he shal retaine this name perhaps, after the city is deſtroyed,) shal at length utterly periſh, both in reſpect of the civil powr wherby he is the Beaſt, and alſo of the ſpiritual, wherby he is the Falſe Prophet. The Spirit ſpeaketh as of two diſtinct perſons, becauſe of that twofold wickednes wherby that man of ſinne is famous: but when I ſay the Pope of Rome, I doe not onelyonly meane that particular man, who then shal ſit in the Chaire, but alſo the very ſtate and order of Popes, which now wholly shal come to naught; in ſuch ſort that no remainders therof shalbe left. OnelyOnly a certen hated memory shal continue, that his impiety hath bin the cauſe of the ruine of ſo many.

¶ Who wrought miracles; Before there was mention of the falſe Prophet in chap. 16.13. But becauſe a bare name was there onelyonly; that it might be unknown to no man, whom he ſpeaketh of by this name, he deſcribeth the ſame here by certain tokens, that all doubt may be taken away. Who, ſaith he, wrought miracles, wherby he deceaved them, which receive the Beaſts marke, and worſhipped his Image. By which things he sheweth moſt plainly, that this Falſe Prophet is that ſecond Beaſt, of which in chap. 13.13. &c. Therfore, let the Papiſts now ſee to it, who wil have Antichriſt to raigne three yeeres and an halfe, before Chriſt shal come to the laſt iudgement; and he to be a ſingular perſon; whither or no, they doo not proclaime open warre againſt the truth? All grant, that eyther this ſecond Beaſt, or that firſt, is Antichriſt. Both which flourished long before, that the dignity and maieſty of Rome the whore, began to be diminiſhed. And alſo both shal remaine for ſome few yeeres, after the overthrow therof, as appeareth manifeſtly from this place. Should we limit al this time, eyther with the ſpace of three yeeres, or with the boundes of one mortal man? But concerning the time of Antichriſt, the things that have bin ſpoken at chap. 17. are ſo certain and evident, that no man can now be in doubt.

¶ And they were both caſt alive: As Coral…, Dathan, & Abiran, the earth opening it ſelfe were ſwallowed up alive into Hell. The deſtruction of the p. 643Popedome shalbe horrible. The Spirit putteth a manifeſt difference, between his puniſhment, and the reſt of the multitude, which shal warre for him. It were better for him to perish by fyre, as the whore perished, but a more greevous example shalbe shewed in him.

¶ Into a lake offyre: Into the ſecond death, to weet, everlaſting, in chap. 21.8. But how can the Papacy be caſt into the fire? That which is proper to men, is tranſlated unto the ſtate and condition of men, shewing as before was ſaid, that not onelyonly men shalbe punished with ſome greevous punishment, but alſo that the thing it ſelfe shalbe utterly taken away, never for to raiſe againe: even as they, who are caſt to hell, muſt not expect any returning or ſetting free. Certenly we may gather, and that not rashly, from this ſtrange and unacuſtomed taking of vengeance, that God will shew by ſome viſible ſigne, how damnable and deteſtable he hath alwayes eſteemed the Papacy. And this laſt is that deſtruction, of which in chap. 17.18. ſhal goe into deſtruction: a iuſt reward of the Antichriſtian tyranny.

21 And the reſt were ſlaine with the ſword: Such then is the deſtructiō of the Prince of wickedneſſe: now of his armies and ſouldiers. Of whō ther is a differing puniſhment, not ſo horrible, at leaſt in shew: they ſhalbe ſlaine with the ſword of him that ſiteth on the horſe: that is, by the word comming out of his mouth, as though he should ſay, they shal undergoe the puniſhments threatned in the word againſt the diſobedient, and ſuch as reſiſt the truth; as in Ieremy: Behold I wil make my words as fire in thy mouth, and this people as wood, and it ſhal devoure them, chap. 5.14. What ſingular thing thē shal the deſtructiō of the Pope have? For he alſo hath bin ſlaine with this ſword. That is true indeed; but the word threatneth divers punishments, according to the manner of the wickedneſſes: the moſt greevous, to the greateſt; the lighter, to the leſſe. Peradventure becauſe the ruine of the Papacy shalbe more horrible than wee think, it is exempted from the common order: not becauſe it is not denounced in the word, but perhaps becauſe it is leſſe regarded of us, and that we ſuſpect it to be lighter then the event will shew. Or, as we have declared in ver. 15. it may be that theſe ſouldiers, after the overthrow received, shall yeeld their vanquished forces to the truth, and ſubiect their neckes to her yoke.

¶ And all the foules were filled with their fleſh: The Victory being obtained the foules gather to the pray, & doo fill themſelves with the ſpoiles. That whole late Popish natiō shal be ſubiect afterward to the reformed Churh. Every country being a nourriſſon of the purer truth, shal have ſome part of the regions, before time given up to ſuperſtition, made ſubiect to them. Which thing ſeemeth to be ſignifyed by the foules ſatiated with the flesh p. 644of the ſlaine army. Such then is the end of the Romish Pope and Papacy, that remained a few yeeres after the city: yet at length ſo much the more miſerable, becauſe shee had ſuch as did adorne her funerall with their teares, and performed the laſt duties by weeping. But ther shal be none left for the Pope, to bewaile his miſery; but he shal die infamous, without mourners, or other funeral pompe. Wherby at laſt is accomplished that prophetical parable of the gheſts called to the marriage, Mat. 22. Doubtleſſe thoſe good and evill ſent for out of the high wayes, are the Gentiles, that embraced the calling, after that the Iewes had refuſed it. Among them, the man that had not a wedding garment, is the Church of Rome, which deſpiſeth the righteouſneſſe of faith, neither regardeth to be clothed with the merit of Chriſt by imputation. The King comming in, and beholding her clothed with her ragges, but not with that garment which onelyonly he approoveth, now at length biddeth his ſervants to bind her hād and foote, and to caſt her into utter darkeneſſe, where is weeping & gnashing of teeth. For Chriſt ſpeaketh not there of any one man, but collectively of a very great multitude, as the ſentence added in the end declareth, that many are called but few are choſen, ver. 14. From which at length we underſtand, that the bright comming of the Lord, with which Paul foreshewed that the man of ſinne should be abolished; 2 Theſ. 2.8. is not his laſt coming to iudgement, but that wherby Chriſt shal take the Iewes into the fellowship of his holy Church: at which time his Kingdome shal flourish moſt gloriouſly, and shal exceed by infinite degrees all the brightneſſe of the ages paſt, as shal be made more evident from the things following. After the Pope is deſtroyed, the Dragon shalbe abolished, & many other things accomplished on earth.