A Revelation of the Apocalypse, Chapter 16

A Revelation of the Apocalypse · Chapter 16

p. 421CHAP. 16.

AND I heard a great voice out of the Temple, ſaying to the ſeven Angels: Goeye and powr out the ſeven vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

2 And the firſt Angel went, and powred out his vial upon the earth: & ther came a noyſom & greevous ſoar, upon the men which had the mark of the Beaſt, and which worſhiped his Image.

3 And the ſecond Angel powred out his vial upon the ſea; and it became as the blood of a dead-man: and every living ſowl died in the ſea.

4 And the third Angel powred out his vial upon the rivers and upon the fountayns of waters: and they became blood.

5 And I heard the Angel of the waters ſaying; Iuſt art thou, O Lord, which art, and which waſt, and which ſhalt be; becauſe thou haſt judged theſe things.

6 For they ſhed the blood of the Saincts and Prophets; and thou haſt given them blood to drink: for they are worthy.

7 And I heard an other Angel from the altar ſaying, even-ſo Lord God almighty, true and juſt ar thy judgments.

8 And the fourth Angel powred out his vial on the Sun; and it was given unto him to torment men with heat by fyre.

9 And men boyled-hott with great heat, & blaſphemed the name of God which hath power over theſe plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

p. 42210 And the fift Angel powred out his vial upon the throne of the Beaſt; & his kingdome became dark: and they gnawed their tongues for payn.

11 And blaſphemed the God of heaven, for their paynes and for their ſoars, and repented not of their works.

12 And the ſixt Angel powred out his vial upon the great river, to weet Euphrates: & the water therof was dryed up, that the way of the Kings that come frō the Eaſt, might be prepared.

13 And I ſaw three unclean Spirits like froggs, coming out of the mouth of the Dragon, and out of the mouth of the Beaſt, and out of the mouth of the falſe Prophet.

14 For they are the ſpirits of Divils working ſignes, & which goe unto the Kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battel of that great day of God almighty.

15 Behold J come as a theef: Bleſſed is he that watched and keepeth his garmēts, leaſt he walk naked, and men ſee his ſhame.

16 And he gathered them togither into a place called in Hebrew Armagedon.

17 And the ſeventh Angel powred out his vial upon the ayre: and ther came a great voice out of the Temple of heauen, from the throne, ſaying, It is doon.

18 And ther were noiſes and lightnings and thonders: and ther was a great earthquake, ſuch as was not ſince men were upon the earth, even ſo great an earth-quake.

19 And the great city was rent into three parts, and the city of the Gentiles fell; and that great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the feircenes of his wrath.

20 And every Ile fled away, and the mountayns wer not found.

21 And a great hayl, as of talent weight, fel out of heaven upon men: and men blaſphemed God, becauſe of the plague of the hayl; for the plague therof was exceeding great.

The Analyſis.

HITHERTO hath been the common type: now foloweth the ſpecial execution, diſtinct with the parts therof, in this chapter: and then more at large & continued, in the reſt folowing. The execution is commanded ver. 1. then the parts ar ſet down; both the common, the effect of the work, and the event; and the particular, ſeven diſtinct vials, (according to the mā ner of the former periods,) for thoſe ſeven notable plagues, wherwith the enemies are to be ſmitten. The firſt of them is powred out upon the earth, ver. 2. The ſecond upon the Sea, ver. 3. The third upon the rivers, ver. 4. whoſe ſecondary event is a twofold teſtimony: firſt of the Angel of the waters, ver. 5. & 6. ſecondly of the Angel from the altar, ver. 7. The fourth is p. 423powred upon the Sun, ver. 8.9. The ſixt, upon Euphrates; of which ther is alſo a twofold event; firſt the drying up of the waters, ver. 12. ſecondly, a preparation to warr, wherof ther be three princes, authors; and as many Miniſters, froggs, ver. 13.14. Then a warning given to the elect. ver. 15. and the gathering of the enemies into the place Armagedon, ver. 16, The ſeventh is powred out upon the ayre: whoſe firſt event is a ful end, ver. 17. the ſecond, noyſes, l…ghtnings, eartquake. Alſo the deſtruction of the enemies, ver. 19.20. of cities, of nations, and of men; in the beginning of the 21. ver. and a hayl of talent weight, cauſing men to blaſpheme, ver. 21.

Scholions.

1 And J heard a great voice out of the Temple: In the commandement, we ar to conſider, whence the voice cometh, to whom, and to what ende. It commeth out of the Temple, as it did in chap. 9.13. from the foure hornes of the altar: ſometime from the Throne, as after in chap. 19.5. The difference is, that the voice from the Throne, cometh as it were immediately from God: from the Temple, whē any thing is obteyned by the prayers of the ſaincts: who here are ſayd to command; that we may know how great force faithful prayers have; which as if they were authors of the thing to be doon, doe ſo boldly bid the matter to be taken in hand. And in deed, it could not be, that men inlightned with ſo great light of the truth, should not earneſtly ſtrive with God in prayer, to deſtroy Antichriſt very ſpeedily. Aretas hath not theſe words, out of the Temple: but al our books agree, as doth alſo the vulgar Latine: and in other places it is uſually told, whēce any voice cometh. They to whom it came, are the ſeven Angels. But what need was there of it, (may ſome ſay;) ſeing they were appointed before unto this buſines, and furnished with things needful, in the former chapter? Verily, they ſtood ready at the barrieres, and wayting for a ſigne: but unto a cō mon commandement, ther muſt alſo come a ſpecial, if any would have ful power to doo a thing. For this therfore doo they wayt: shewing that not ſo much as a finger may be moved, without Gods wil & providence, wherby al things are governed. The commandement is, that they goe and power out their vials upon the earth. But ſome of them are poured upon the ſea, rivers, ſun, aier: It is true, yet al their force redoundeth upon the earth. The other elements have not a chaunge for their owne ſake, but to affect the earth therby, as that which is the common baſen for the liquour powred out. But how then is this proper …o the firſt, (as the verſe folowing sheweth,) which is common to all? We shal ſee in the particular explication p. 424that the firſt belongeth indifferently to the common multitude of the inhabitans of this earth: the other, unto ſome certayn ſorts, of chief note.

2 And the firſt went, and powred out his vial upon the earth: We have ſeen the commandement: now beginns the particular execution. Where the effecting of the work, is the powring out of the vial upon the earth. VVhichWhich words, muſt not be taken properly. For the vial is not any material veſſel; nor full of very liquour, but of Gods wrath, as in the former chapter, ver. 7. Neyther is the earth, this ground which we tread upon; but firſt it ſignifieth, men; and then not al…, but Antichriſts marked ſervants onelyonly, as the event ſtraightway teacheth, for ther came a ſoare on the men that had the Beaſts mark. In which ſenſe, it hath been often uſed before: which we doo therfore cō ſtantly reteyn in al out explication, that therby we may the better ſee, how the whole propheſie agreeth with it ſelfe. The event giveth a noyſome & grievous ſoare, that is malignant and incurable, as Phyſicians uſe to cal it, wher ther is ſo much ranckling and venimous matter in it, as it wil never ſuffer it to heal up. But neither is this a ſoare truly and properly ſo caled: whoſe procreant cauſes, we ſee, are figuratively borowed. And like events muſt we minde to be in the other vials alſo: for to expound them according to ſtrict property of ſpeech, as doth the Ieſuite; is not to explayn, but rather to confound al things, ſo as the light of the truth shal never appear. They which have this ulcer on them, ar men. There came an ulcer againſt the men, (as Th, Beza tranſlateth it,) or in the men, as the vulgar Latine ſaith, in homines: according to that phraſe of ſitting in the Temple, foreign, 2 Theſ- 2.4. But the prepoſition with the fourth caſe ſignifyeth, as if the boyles tormented them, not ſo much by cleaving in the body, as by afflicting it outwardly: which doth more agree to figured ſoares; as if he should ſay, thoſe things shalbe doon againſt Antichriſts bondmen, which ſhal prick and vexe them no leſſe then noyſome ſoares. Of what condition theſe mē are, is declared by the mark of the Beaſt, and worſhiping of his Image. VVe have shewed before, chap. 13.17. from the threefold note wherwith the Beaſts worshipers are ſigned; that the firſt, hath the name of the whole, & is called a Character or Mark, the place wherof is in the right hand. VVhichWhich was the propre note of his chief worshipers, the Noble men, Clerks, Scholars, &c on whom, as upon propps, the Beaſt doth chiefly lean. VVherefore theſe should ſpecially be plagued with this ſoare. But not they onelyonly that have his mark: but alſo they that worſhip his Image. And this is chiefly of the learned men, and ſuch as are wiſer then the common ſort, as is shewed on chap. 14.9. although the worſhiping of the Image, is in ſome ſort, common to al; chap. 13.15. and therfore should this ſoare, moleſt the whole crewe p. 425of them; yet ſpecially thoſe which think they ar furnished with the cōſent of al antiquity, for to give that honour to the Beaſt. But hence we may obſerve, how it can not be, that the firſt vial, should be alone with the firſt trompet; ſeing the vial is powred onelyonly on this kind of men, wheras there were not any ſuch, before the ſecond Beaſt, whoſe beginning is not anciē ter then the fift trompet: which point we noted, on the firſt verſe of the former chapter. Theſe things thus explayned, doo al lead unto this, that this ulcer is nothing elſe but ſpite & envie, then which no greater torment could Sicul…an tyrants feel; as ſayth the Poet. And herewith were the Papiſts marvelouſly tormented, when the vial was powred out. Which ſicknes is rightly caled an ulcer, the nature whereof it reſembleth by a twofold accident. For it forceth them that ar troubled therwith, to keep in and not come abroad; ſo that they flee the ſight of them, for whoſe proſperity they ar ſtriken ſick; as of old the Aegiptians, who togither with their Sorcerers had by the ſprinkling of the aſhes ſo many bliſters al over thē, that they could not ſtand before Moſes, Exod. 9.10.11. Then alſo in private they are ſo afrayd to be touched, that they uſe al the means they may, to keep the ſoare, leaſt it be ſquiſed. Which kind of evil, came upon the men that bare the Beaſts badge, ſtraight after the opening of the Temple, chap. 11.19. (to which, theſe vials, as I have shewed, are to be joyned; which the repetition of things paſt, hath ſevered with ſo long a ſpace between:) namely about the yere 1560, where the former Propheſie ceaſed. For then our gracious Q. Elizabeth, being bidden by the voice out of the Temple to powr out her vial upon the earth; that is, being admonished by the counſels of godly men, about the end of the firſt yere of her raigne, she removed many moſt worthily out of their Prelacies, and other eccleſiaſtical dignities and benefices, who glorying onelyonly in the mark of the Beaſt, denyed due obedience to their lawful Prince. Among them was the Archbushop of York; the B b, of London, Elie, and 14. others, beſides men of meaner note, De…ns, Archdeacons, Parſons, Vicars and the like. How needs muſt men be vehemently burned, when they ſaw their dignities, lands, fearms, faculties, honours to b… b…towed on their adverſaries; and themſelves in the meane time to … deſ…iſed and contemned? Many could not bear the ſorow; but fl…d …ver ſea becauſe therof to ſ…ek ſo much eaſe as not to behold it: other… at home, payning away with greif in ſecret places; al of them ſleeing the light and ſ…ght of men, whom to behold ſo merry and joyful, was as yll …s a bitter death. And though they changed the aier, yet was not their payn aſſwaged; when the Pope himſelfe, and that whole nation, by but hearing it onelyonly, were very ſorely tormented. Which he abundantly teſtified p. 426by his Bulls againſt our moſt noble Queen, ſeverely commanding all ſubjects to forſake their allegeance unto their Prince: neyther could they be ſtayed by any religious regard of oath, wherof that violatour of al Law both of God and man, did diſcharge them. But, thanks be to God, he yet laboured in vayn, wherby his torment is much the more increaſt. For thus ſayd he with himſelfe, as Saul did of old; Have ye al conſpired againſt me? Js ther none of you that is ſory for my ſake? Wil no man eaſe my boyle, with the blood of that Queen, which hath wrought me ſo much woe? Have patience, good Pope; this is the time of thine ulcer, not of thine eaſe. But his ſicknes ſuffreth him not to reſt. Therfore he rageth felly, with venemous libells; he incenſeth the Kings with al earneſtnes, to wage warr; he privily ſendeth Ieſuits, the bellowes of al ſeditions, to betray their country; he ſecretly ſuborneth ungracious cut-throats, to kil their ſacred Prince: finally he applyes himſelfe by whatſoever means he can, to ſtyrr up troubles, wherby he may work the utter deſtruction of the realm, and of us all. But having tryed all wayes in vayn, through the mercy and goodnes of our God, theſe two and fourty yeres; both he the Prince and head of miſcheefs, and his deſperate children, doo ſcarce refrayn from tears, becauſe they nought worth tears doo ſee. In France about the ſame time, (that we may ſee this ſoare was univerſally ſpred among the Papiſts;) when Charles the 9. began his reign, and dayly the Papiſts authority did more and more decay: a great part of Nobility, joyned themſelves to the purer doctrine, of the Peers of the realm very many; the Queen mother (for fear, I ſuppoſe, of her Engliſh neighbour,) was much buſied about religion, and not obſcurely favoured the profeſſours therof, or at leaſt feigned it; ſome of the Papiſts wēt more ſeldom to their wōted temples; many which ſtuck more faſt to their old opinions, kept themſelves ſo within their private wall, that they durſt ſcarce be ſeen in publik meetings For what other diſeaſe, I pray; then for the payn of this ulcer? Germany had angred the Thracian ſtock, long before. But at the ſame time, the wounds erſt inflicted, now growing more full of atter, were changed into ulcers. The decree of Charles, as we ſayd before, was heavy, wherin peace and liberty was granted to religion; but the leſſe hope they had to repele the ſame, the ſharper did it prick thē dayly. For Emperour Ferdinandus ſucceeding his brother, thought it beſt to reſt in the former decrees, wherto he had conſented at Auguſta, before he was Emperour. Maximilian his ſon, did alwayes miſlike that manner of propagating Chriſtian religion, with armes, or compelling any to receive it, that were unwilling. How untollerable was this moderation to the ulcerous Papiſts, that burned with deſire of revenge? But now let us p. 427ſee in a word, how this ulcer wil not be touched. Which the Council of Trent verily shewed, in the ſecond ſeſsion under Pius 4. in the yere 1562. where this buſines was committed to ſome choſen men, for to conſider of divers cenſures and books, eyther ſuſpected or pernicious: that is, that by al meanes they should have care ther went out nothing among the people, that nipped the Popes authority, and Romiſh ſuperſtition in any one word. Doubtleſſe the ulcer is very egre and virulent, that can indure nothing that is rough or hard. Therfore whatſoever is layd to it, let it be tender and ſoft. For this cauſe did Pius the 4. ſet forth an Index of the forbidden books; which Sixtus the 5. afterwards augmented, and Clemens the 8. lately recognized. VVherin it is appointed, which books men muſt quite abſteyn from; and which one may uſe, ſo they be corrected. (Certainly the Pope preſcribes a diet, for his botchie patients.) Among other rules of correcting, this is one, that al things be wel lookt to, and attentively noted, not onelyonly the things that offer themſelves manifeſtly in the courſe of the work: but if ther be any that ſecretly doo lurk in the Scholies, in the ſummaries, in the margins, in the tables of the books, in the prefaces or epiſtles dedicatorie. Inſtruct. de correct. book D. 2. How ſuſpicious is ſicknes? Verily this fear of running upon any thing that may offend, hath shred off in many late writers whatſoever was in them of ſoundeſt iudgment, and more free truth. But the bookes are in al mens hands, wherby they may perceive, what it is that payneth theſe brand-marked perſons, and where. Although one purging Index ſet forth by Philip the 2. King of Spain, in the year 1571. may be in ſted of many And leaſt thou mighteſt think perhaps, that they are troubled cō cerning late writers onelyonly, or the marginal notes of others: they doo violence to the very words of the ancient Fathers. For example, in a certaine edition of Auguſtine, which Iohn Gibbon an Engliſh Ieſuite, Doctor of Div. & Profeſſor at Trevers, peruſed in the diſputatiō about Saincts, Theſ. 207. there theſe words are no more read, yet doo not we conſtitute temples, preiſthoods, holy things and ſacrifices to the Martyrs &c. as the ancient true copies have, in the 8. book of the City of God, chap 17. but contrary thus; we doo conſtitute temples, preiſthoods, holy things and ſacrifices to the Martyrs, becauſe not they but their God is our God &c. O impudent falſers, which make Auguſtine to affirm, that, which he openly denyeth: that I ſpeake not how unapt you feyghn his words to be, that ſacrifices are to be conſtituted to the Martyrs, becauſe they are not God. The Ratts doo periſh by their own bewraying. Francis Iunius in the yeere 1559, ſaw at Lions with Trellonius ſome pages of the true Ambroſe cancelled and raſed by two Franciſcan Friers, and other new ones ſubſtituted in place of the former, after their p. 428own wil, againſt all faithful evidence of other books. An unhoneſt prank, and an impious: but not new with the Romiſts; who shewed themſelves ſuch artizens long ſince, in the Council of Nice. But what doo they mean, by adulterating the writings of the ancients? Would they ſtop the mouth of this age? They cannot: ther are left, thanks be to God, true copies, by which their ſacrilegious impudency is cōvinced. Or, as is more likely, doo they provide for time to come? Foolish Popelings, which now get anciēt writers to ſuccour you: when ſhortly ther shal not a Papiſt be left for them to yeild ſuccour unto. Your cauſe, within theſe few yeres, shalbe tried, not by the Fathers, but by fyre and ſword: as this Revelation wil manifeſt. In the mean while we may obſerve, both how dāgerous it is, to depend now on the Fathers imprinted by others: and how ful of botches the Popish crew is, which is ſo afrayd of nayles, as it pareth them to the quick; & not herewith content, wrappeth woll alſo about the Fathers fingers, that they may the ſoftlyer handle their ſcabby bodyes.

3 And the ſecond Angel powred out his vial upon the Sea: The ſecond vial puts forth his force againſt the ſea; to weet, figurative, as was the earth: for ther is the ſame reſpect doubtleſſe of every one. And ſeing the overthrow of Antichriſt is here in hand, what great dammage should he ſuffer, more then al other men, by the ſea properly ſo caled, turned into rotten blood? For this is the firſt effect of this vial: neither would the ſecond hurt him any whit more, wherby al living things dye in this ſea. The earth affordeth him infinite daynties, ſo that he may eaſily bear the want of fiſhes, though they should dye every one. Wherfore we muſt not ſtick in the native ſignification, but take that which we have ſeen often uſed before. It meaneth therfore Doctrine, the notable change wherof, should fall out under this vial; of corrupt, being made moſt corrupt. In former ages verily it was turned into bloud: but now it changeth into much more groſſe and royled filthineſſe, then ever before: until at length it becometh like the bloud of a dead man, that is, rotten, clammy, groſſe, black bloud; not liquid and freſh, ſuch as floweth from a living body. The firſt Council of Trent therfore, is this ſea; being no leſſe conpounded of a hotchpotch of al Popish errours, then the natural ſea is of the gathering togither of many waters. VVhichWhich Council was begun ſome yeres before, (as we have shewed, chap. 11.7.) but at length was made an end of, and confirmed by the definite ſentence of P. Paul the 4. at the requeſt of the Cardinals Moronus and Simoneca, in the name of the reſt of the Council, in the yeare 1564. Into this ſea of errors, the yere after, and the eight next folowing, the ſecond Angel Martin Chemnitius powred out his vial: who began and compoſed a Trial of p. 429this Tridentine Council, and found it to be nothing but an horrible confuſed Chaos of many monſtrous opinions. But this occaſion, forthwith upſtarted many doughty Papiſts to mainteyn the ſame: who behaved thē ſelves ſo fortunatly in this ſervice, that by defending the bloud, they turned it into rotten bloud; that is heaped up many more peſtilent errors, to thē that were before. Among the reſt, there roſe up handlers of controverſies at Rhenes, Doway, Loven, as frontier Captaynes; by whoſe induſtrie it came to paſſe, that al the durt which lay ſtinking about here and there in many ditches, was ſcraped togither into one channel, that therof at length mought exiſt this rotten ſea. But above al, the heaping togither of waters moſt fowl with carrayn bloud, was playn to be ſeen, when P. Gregory the 13. in the yere 1571. procured two ample Colleges to be built at Rome, for to corrupt youth beyond the Alpes; and made Robert Bellarmine maſter of this worke; that he should ūfold the controverſies of faith, unto the ſtudents of thoſe Colleges. For he, that he might the more provide for his auditors, that is, the ſooner deſtroy them; thought it not beſt to labour about any one point, two or three; as many others had doon before; but to bring al controverſies into one body as it were, which he ſaw was yet wā ting, as himſelfe confeſſeth in his Epiſtle to the Pope. Wherby, through Gods good providence, it came to paſſe, that an intyre and perfect body of Popish doctrine, abſolute in al points, which never was before, being largely diſputed in theſe books of controverſies, did now come forth in publik: that they which willingly ſhut not their eyes, might ſee the Sea playnly turned into filthy bloud.

¶ And every living ſoul dyed in the Sea: But how can this be, (may ſome ſay,) ſeing every ſowl liveth not in the ſea? This, it may be, cauſed Theod. Beza to tranſplace the words thus, and whatſoever thing lived in the ſea, dyed: But the natural order of the words hath a meaning agreable with al other of this book, and of this kinde. For we are to know, that the whole crew of the malignant Church is divided eyther into the Clergie, or into the reſt of the Laitie. Thoſe clergie men are the proper living things of this ſea: theſe laie folk are cheifly earthly, and denoted by the earth. Now if he had ſayd, every ſowl living in the ſea, dyed; ſome would perhaps have gathered, that this death was proper to the Clergie & Doctours: but when he ſayth, every living ſowl dyed in the ſea, he teacheth, that the popish l…itie & people, perish in this blood, togither with the Clergie. But, thou wilt ſay, the words perteyn alike unto al, which any way live: therfore this death ſeemeth to be common unto al. I anſwer; al verily, which before ſeemed to live, ſo ſoon as they came down into this ſea, ſtraight way were choked & dyed. p. 430But al the elect, have their dwelling in the Temple, and the Temple is placed in heaven, chap. 15.6. ſo that they need not to be afrayd at al of this earthly ſea, whoſe rotten bloud shall kill onelyonly the men of the ſame kind. And here all unleſſe they leave their earth, that is, unleſſe they forſake the Popes religion; shal finde deſtruction in this ſea: for no other waters ſhal they have to drink, but theſe thus filthy; nor be informed with any other doctrine, then that is drawen out of the Council of Trent, and controverſal books of the Ieſuites. How can they then but dye preſently, if they drink of thoſe waters, wherin al the foundations of ſalvation, are turned into deadly poyſon? Moſt miſerable therfore is your eſtate, ô yee Papiſts, which drink in filthy bloud, as moſt ſweet heavenly liquour: and ſettle your ſalvation, in moſt certayn deſtruction. But it is Gods juſt judgement, that they which deſpiſe the pure waters of life, ſhould miſerably periſh in this bloud: draw out, ô higheſt God, thoſe whom thou haſt deſtinate to the prayſe of thy mercy. But beſides let us know, that it is not ſafe to ſwimm in this Sodomitish lake, as many doo, which make no conſcience to aſſēt unto any religion. This then is the eſtate of this filthy ſea: which wel becometh the ulcerous flock, to be fed with the rotten bloud therof, as it were with rivers.

4 And the third Angel powred out his vial upon the rivers: Th'effect of the third vial, belongeth to the fountayns & rivers. The event turneth the ſame into bloud. Fountayns and rivers, are as the breaſts wherewith the ſea is nourrished, and which borow their nouriſhment from it againe. And the ſea, being the Doctrine: the Fountayns are the Maſters which have charge of the doctrine; and theſe, no mean fellowes, and footſtools, ſo to ſpeak; but principal Doctours, on whoſe mouth the reſt of the troup doo depend. Theſe now, by al mens iudgment, are the Ieſuites: from whoſe diſtributiō, the reſt of the multitude gathereth, like babes taking the meat into their mouthes, which they chewed for them. Dominicus of old appeared unto Pope Innocent in his ſleep, to hold up with his ſhoulders the Lateran Church, that was in danger of ruine: but at this day, the Ieſuites be the chiefeſt propps of the Popes throne: which nevertheleſſe they shall not hold up long; who long ſynce have begun to faulter and fayl as overcharged with the weight. For under this third vial, the rivers shalbe turned into bloud; that is, thoſe Maſters of Popish doctrine, the Ieſuites, shalbe put to death; that the Church of Rome, which in time paſt was wont to kill with the ſword, may at length be killed her ſelfe, as the Spirit hath foretold, chap 13.10. Which power this vial began to exerciſe about the year 1581. when in our realm of England, by the common decree of the States in Parliament, it was enacted, p. 431that whoſoever ſhould goe about any manner of way to draw the mindes of the ſubiects from obedience towards their lawful and natural Prince, unto the Biſhop of Rome, or unto the Romiſh religion for the ſame end: they ſhould be put to death as guilty of high treaſon. What is this, may ſome ſay, to the Ieſuites? Very much when they al mind nothing els, indevour nothing els; being traytors to their country, killers of Princes, ſeducers of ſubiects, the plagues and bane of al Kingdomes and common weals. Therfore the powred out vial wanted not effect, but in the ſame yere Everard Ducket, Edmund Campion, Ralfe Sherwin, & Alexander Brian, Ieſuites and nouriſſons of the Seminaries, being convincted of the breach of the law, were worthily punished. And after them folowed Iohn Paynes, Thomas Ford, Iohn Sherret, Robert Iohnſon, & many other of that leven. Thus by Gods grace, the wickednes of wretched men was ſomewhat reſtreyned: that though it were not quite taken away, (for who can require of the Leopard to change his skin?) yet did it not ſo freely range abroad, but was forced to lurk in darknes, to diſguiſe it ſelfe, to counterfeit & diſſemble al things; that ſo both the venim might be diſperſed more ſecretly, and the miſcheevous heads therof, be provided for.

5 And I heard the Angel of the waters: We have ſeen the firſt event: the ſecond is a twofold teſtimony wherby the fact is approved: of which the firſt is by the Angel of the waters; who is not one of theſe rivers & fountayns, as the Angel of the bottomleſſe pit, before, chap. 9.11. but one that is over the rivers and fountayns to execute this iudgement of God. In which reſpect the reſt may be called the Angel of the earth, the Angel of the ſea, the Angel of the ſun, &c. to whom power is given over theſe things. For in that he ſaith in the next verſe, & thou haſt given them blood to drink, he playnely exē pteth him from the number of them. This Angel therfore is ſome civil Magiſtrate, which had power, or rather which was author and Counſellor for turning theſe waters into bloud, namely for killing and putting to death the Ieſuites. Whom if I should note by name to have been that noble mā of bleſſed memory, S. William Cicil, late high Treſurer of England: the words folowing wil shew, I doe it not without ground.

¶ Iuſt art thou o Lord: This teſtimony adorneth God with the prayſes of his Iuſtice & Truth: and annexeth a reaſon from the preſent thing, in putting the murtherers to a deſerved death. And a like celebration of Gods iuſtice, was verily made by him whom even now I named, S. William Cicil. For he in the yere 1584. to ſtop the mouth of gaynſaying raylers, rendred a reaſon in a book ſet forth, of putting the Ieſuites to death among us. VVhichWhich book is intituled the Iuſtice of Britany; wherby is clearly manifeſted, p. 432that ſome lewd fellowes in England were for shamefull treaſōs put to death. He published the book almoſt in all languages, that all might hear the Angel celebrating Gods iuſtice; and others that would procure the ſafety of their realmes and peoples, might be ſtirred up by this moſt worthy preſident, to doo the like. The book hath the very ſame argument that theſe two verſes have; neither can the ſumm of it be compriſed in any words more fitt.

¶ Which art, a…d which waſt, and which ſhalt be: Thus dooth Theod. Beza ſet it down, out of an ancient hand-written copie. Aretas, the vulgar Latine, and Montanus, in ſted of foreign ſhalt be, doo read foreign, holy. The former celebrated God for cōſtancie in his promiſes, that he is alwayes like himſelfe, avenging wicked deeds in like ſort now, as he punished thē in ages paſt. This latter togither with cōſtācie ioyneth holines; as if he ſhould ſay, which for thy conſtancy and holines canſt let this wickednes goe no longer unpunished: but where a title is uſed, from the diſtribution of time, the two firſt articles are not wont to be put without the third; therefore the firſt reading ſeemeth to be the more true.

¶ Becauſe thou haſt judged th…ſe things; That thou haſt shewed ſuch a iudgment, that is, haſt inflicted ſuch a puniſhment on the rivers & fountayns: According to the Hebrew metonymie; for with them, to iudge, ſignifieth to puniſh and avenge: as the nation whom they shal ſerve, I iudge; that is, I will puniſh, Gen. 15.14. So Deut. 32.36. 1 Sam. 25.39.

6 For they ſhed the bloud of the Saincts: Theſe words shew reaſon, of the former celebration. But where have the Ieſuites shed bloud? As though this were hard to know? Are not theſe the ſpyals for the holy fathers of the Inquiſition, as they that for the moſt part cary Chriſtians to their boucherie: from whence, no not the guiltleſſe, as they ſay is let goe, but eyther it coſteth him his life, or at leaſt al his goods? But beſides this, al the world now knoweth that theſe men are the plotters of al treaſons againſt Princes, and the troublers of publike tranquilitie: which abſteyn not their hands, no not from ſacred Princes, for whom they deviſe death ſundry wayes, as we with great danger have often tryed; and other Princes alſo, by their owne proper peril, have by this time learned. But though theſe things were not, ſeing they ar bound by oath to the Bishop of Rome, who…e moſt feirce defenders they undertake to be: they are worthily guilty of the bloud of al the Saincts, which the Pope hath shed in ſo great abū dance. So Chriſt condemneth the Iewes then preſent, of the death of Zacharie, whom their anceſtors killed many yeres before; becauſe they allowed the ſame things that their Fathers, which had wrought that miſcheif, p. 433Mat. 23.35.

¶ And thou haſt givē &c. As Tomyris did to Cyrus. To giv on… blood is to give one to death; as I will give thee the bloud of gealouſie and wrath, that is, I will cauſe thee to be cruelly killed, as they that are ſlayn in the heath of wrath and gelouſie, Ezech. 16.36. By which it appeareth, that the fountayns & rivers, are men, as we interpreted at the firſt: unto whom the murder of the ſaincts is attributed, whom they agayn muſt make amends with their owne bloud.

7 And I heard another from the altar: The ſecond teſtimony is of an Angel from the Altar. foreign properly is an altar of ſlaine Sacrifices; & ſometime the altar of incenſe, as chap. 8.3. becauſe it is likewiſe a ſigne of Chriſts death. Theod. Beza tranſlateth it, out of the Sanctuary; which doth not ſufficiently expreſſe the force of the ſentence. Perhaps he ſo turned it, becauſe of the prepoſition foreign, which for the moſt part is of place, and of that which conteyneth any thing; which might ſeem not to agree unto an altar; but a like place before, wher an Angel came, foreign from the altar, chap. 14.18. may open the meaning of this. VVe shewed that this maner of ſpeach belongs unto them which ar killed for Chriſt, which have a place given them under the altar, chap. 6.9. Therfore this Angel is one of that flock, which ſufferring calamitie for Chriſts name, dooth by his ſentence approve the fact of killing the Ieſuites, and for that cauſe celebrateth in like ſorte the juſtice of God. Even as it is manifeſt to have fallen out in the yere 1586. April 4. when the States of Holland and of the other Provinces confederate with them, did decree, that none of the bloudy ſect of the Ieſuits, or that then was a ſtudent with the profeſſors of it, whither he were born within the confederate Provinces, or a forreyner, ſhould creep into thoſe provinces, eyther by ſea or by Lād, under payn of hoſtility and loſſe of his life. By which decree they give their verdict againſt thoſe ungracious men, and ſubſcribe to the ſentence erſt givē by the Angel of the waters in England. And who ſeeth not them lying under the altar, who ſo many yeres ſuffered ſo many and horrible things of the cruel Spaniard, for the profeſsion of Chriſt? Although they now by uſe have learned, that ther is more confort in theſe calamities, then in al Spanish deynties, which in time paſt they injoyed, when they wanted the holy truth the while. VVerfore, you noble Hollanders, cleave ſtil with perfect harts to him, by whoſe defenſe you have hitherto been kept ſafe. Beware of the Romish wiles; doo not ſo deal, as that now by hearkning to Popiſh Sinons, your conſtancy paſt avayl you nothing, ſave to let you have tryall of your new feigned freinds to be noyſome foes. Think yee that the Catholik King could be more addicted to the Antichriſtian religion, thē the p. 434Prelate and late Cardinal of the ſame? VVould he more deſire to take Chriſt from you, then this man? Take heed; be not diſmayed with fear of any peril, though al men should forſake you. The time is short: ſtand ſtil, and behold the ſalvation of Iehovah, which he wil work for you within theſe few yeres. But what doo I? I could not chuſe but by the way to warne in a word my brethren that are in danger. I come againe to the matter. Two yeres before that decree was made by the Hollanders, when the French King Henry the 4 was wounded, by Iohn Caſtell a Ieſuite, who had decreed to kill him: this worthy ſentence was uttered in the Seſsion of the great Chamber, both againſt this Caſtell, and the whole hierd of Ieſuites; namely, that all the Prieſts of the College of Clermont, and all others that w…re addicted to the foreſayd ſocietie, ſhould, as corrupters of youth, troublers of the publik tranquilitie, enemies of the King and Queen; depart within three dayes after the proclamation of this Edict from Paris and other cities and places where they held their Colleges, and within fifteen dayes folowing, get them out of the whole Realm. And if they did not, but were found any where, after the time preſcribed: they ſhould be puniſhed as guilty of high treaſon &c. A holy and wholſome decree: but ô Father of mercies, rear up, I beſeech thee, thyne altar among them, that the Roman Antichriſt being quite abandoned, they may injoy with the reſt of thyne elect, the ſyncere worſhip of thy name.

8 And the fourth Angel powred out his vial upon the Sun: Hitherto have bin theſe times wherin now we live; for unto this vial have our ages come: the other foure ar by us to be looked for, ſo that the ſerching of them out is the more difficult. Notwithſtanding we truſting in his guidance alone, by whoſe conduct we are come hitherto; and being holpen by the light of thoſe that ar paſſed, which we have drawn from the former explication: doo hope that we shal bring ſomwhat, which may be profitable for the illuſtration of them that are to come. The proper force of this vial, is turned upon the Sun: wherof ther is a tow fold event; firſt, a power given to the Sun, to ſcorch men by fire; in this verſe: ſecondly, a very great heat of men, blaſphemie and obduration; in the 9. verſe. As touching the Sun, the borowed ſpeech is like the former. For the ſame men complayn of the greatnes of this heat, which felt the former calamities; as in the next verſe, and they blaſphemed the name of God which hath power over theſe plagues. But if it be underſtood of any Sun-burning properly; how dooth it afflict the bad, more then the good, ſeing both of them dwel togither on earth, and the one ſort ar no more covered from the force of the heavenly bodyes, then the other? But ther is no other Sun to be thought of, then the vial which is powred out upon it: which we have shewed to be caled ſo, rather for ſimilitude, p. 435than for any reſpect of proper nature. Let the uſual ſignification therfore of this word remayn, wherby it denoteth the holy Scriptures: with whoſe light the dark minds of men are no leſſe illuſtrated, then the eyes of the body are with the beames of the Sun. VponUpon theſe is this vial to be powred, not for to hurt them, as the former vials did the earth, ſea, & rivers: but for to give them a kind of force and edge, wherby they may prick the ſharper, and peirce the deeper. How notable the goodnes of God is in this reſpect towards theſe laſt times: ther is no man, unleſſe he be ſhamefully unthankfull and envious, but doth acknowledge. For by the paynes of ſome very excellent, (for why may I not ſo cal thoſe learned men, which have ſo greatly holpen Chriſtian religion with their ſtudies?) many things are made unto us moſt eaſy and playn, in which the ages paſt, have been much deceived. Neither is this a vayn boaſting of our times; but a true preaching of the bounty of God. Notwithſtanding ther shal be a time at lēgth whē the light of the Moone ſhalbe as the light of the Sun; and the light of the Sun ſhalbe ſeven fold like the light of ſeven dayes; in the day that the Lord ſhall bind up the breach of their wound, Iſa 30.26. as partly by the things that folow, wil appeare more manifeſt. Many things ther are in the Scriptures, not yet ſufficiently explayned: but the neerer we come unto that day, the more copiouſly wil the light increaſe dayly, by the neer beams of the riſing Sun. That I may tel the very thing; Antichriſt is in deed layd open, now long agoe through the grace of God, in marvelous manner: but ſeing in theſe yeeres wherin now we live, and wherunto the order of time hath brought us, the wayting men of the ſeat of Rome, have felt nothing heavier, then that their Ieſuits should be put to death, which was the ſentēce of the vial next before; this burning heat of the Sun is to be expected ere long, even ſome greater perſpicuity of the Scriptures, wherby the man of ſin may be more vehemently ſcorched. His filthines shalbe diſcovered yet more, wherupon men will the more hate him; which wil drive him and his unto ſuch intemperance, that he wil gnash and rage againſt the Sun which hath manifeſted to the world his ſo horrible hiew, that himſelfe shal not indure to behold the ſame. Wherfore I am to exhort you, yee learned men, whom God hath adorned above others with a ſingular facultie of perceiving and illuſtrating the truth: that ye would diligently employ your ſelves in this noble work for the Church. You hear what a garlond God hath reſerved for theſe laſt times. Great is the prayſe of our Anceſtors, which firſt plucked off Antichriſts vizar: no leſſe will theirs be, which shal utterly hyſſe him and drive off the ſtage. Yea they are wont in ſpecial, to make the triumphe, which doo make an end of the battel. This onelyonly conflict ſeemeth to be left for p. 436learned men: the more are they to be ſtyrred up to apply their ſtudies. That which further dooth remayn, fyre and ſoword shal performe; and shall not be accomplished by ynk and pen.

¶ And it was given unto him to torment men by fyre: The firſt event, it ſhall torment men with heat. But what men? why is nothing here added, as the mark of the Beaſt, or ſome ſuch like, wherby we may know unto what flock it perteyneth? Shall others alſo be burned with this Sun, beſides the houſhold of Antichriſt? verily ſo it ſeemeth. Hypocrites and all others that ar not indued with true godlines, whatſoever religion they profeſſe, cannot endure that their wickednes should be manifeſted, and reproved by the light of the heavenly truth. Wherupon it is no marvel if many other earthly men alſo, which are not of the Popes profeſsion, be moleſted by this heat of the Sun. But the words of the next verſe, which hath power over theſe plagues, ſeem to be of thoſe men, as I ſayd, which have felt the former ſcourges alſo. But to what ende is this added, by fire; ſeing the word foreign burn, doth ſufficiedtly expreſſe the burning of the Sun? It is that wee may know, that the heat wherwith they shall boyle, ſhall not be heavenly but earthly; ſuch as is fire, to weet, envy, contention, ſtrife, and al bitternes of minde. For fire is here metaphorical, which playnly sheweth that this is not the proper Sun, ſeing it worketh not by it own but by an others vertue. Such then shalbe the firſt event, that men shall boyl in heat, not onelyonly by a ſecret exacerbation of their mindes, but even by open brawles and reproches. But shal the Angel of the Sun, receave ſuch a reward? It had bin better for him to have ſtopt his vial, that it might not diſtill ſuch trouble unto him. But let him not be diſcouraged: God will prepare him a ſecret place with himſelfe; to keepe him from the virulence of tongues. The ſame hath been the condition of al the Prophets alway: ſo it is with the holy book, that being taſted, it is ſweet in the mouth as honey; but being eaten, it maketh the belly bitter: chap. 10.9. Wherfore let ungratious men reproch freely; ſo as the manifeſtation of their wickednes doo move their choler.

9 And men boyled with great heat: The ſecond effect ſhalbe marvelous & unuſual vexations; when ther shalbe no shelter no not in the thickeſt forreſt, that men can uſe to alay their heat. Therfore they blaſpheme the name of God that hath power over theſe plagues: like the men of Atlas, which curſe the Sun with al execrations, becauſe it parcheth them with too much heat; as Herodotus relateth. Theſe laſt words ſeem to make this plague peculiar unto them, that were vexed alſo with ſoates, and whoſe fountains were turned into blood. Notwithſtanding we are not to think that it ſhalbe open blaſphemy againſt God, ſo as his holy name ſhalbe manifeſtly violated p. 437after the manner of the Hethens, and them that know not God: but that then men doo alſo commit this wickednes, when they difame his truth, and uſe curſed ſpeaking againſt it; ſuch manner of indirect blaſphemy, it ſeemeth it shalbe.

¶ And they repēted not to give him glory: A defective ſpeech; which is more full, in chap. 9.20. as if he should ſay, And they repented not of their workes, to give him glory; and ſo after in ver. 11. Now therfore ſee what this greater light and heat ſhal effect: it shal drive men to blaſphemy; but they ſhal perſiſt in their wickednes, no leſſe then before. Leaſt perhaps thou shouldſt look, that they being convicted in conſcience, should ſubmitt themſelves to ſo manifeſt truth. This therfore take thou knowledge of before; that thou be not offended at the obſtinacy of men.

10 And the fift Angel powred out his vial upon the throne: This vial upon the Beaſts throne, hath for the firſt event, the darkning of his kingdome: for the ſecond; rage, blaſphemy, darkning, of the Beaſts brood, ver. 11. VVho this Angel is, we shal ſee in the next chapter, upon ver. 17. wher the declaration of this thing is purpoſed. What the Throne is, the things that wee have heard before, doo ſufficiently teach us: for it is the City, which the Dragon gave to the Beaſt, chap. 13.2. which wee have shewed to be Rome, and wilbe playner yet, by the things that folow. Therfore after the evidēce of the Scriptures, wherby the Beaſt ſwelted in heat in ſuch marvelous mā ner: that which now next is to be looked for, is calamity that shal come upon this very city. Not any light adverſity wherby her former dignity shalbe a little leſſened: but her laſt overthrow, wherby shee shall utterly be ruinate, as after shalbe manifeſt: when that ſaying of Sibylla shall come to paſse: Then (Rome) ſhalt thou be waſted quight, as thou hadſt never been. This therfore toucheth Antichriſt, neerer then the former. The farr-darting Sun did ſcortch, but it was from farr: now, the tops of his ſacred Pallace shall fal down; wherby the brightnes of the Popes Kingdome shalbe turned into darknes. For how should it not be covered with mournfull blacknes, when the Princely Court is cut down, and Chaire overthrown, which they were wont to vaunt should be eternal, and that Hel gates ſhould not prevayl againſt it? To prove which point, Bellarmine bringeth many reaſons: but the ſpeedy event wil teach, how he was deceived. Although ſome Ieſuites, being forced hereunto by the truth, doo now beginn to ſpeak of the deſtruction of it. VVich yet they wil have to be, not becauſe of Antichriſt; but before his birth, or at leaſt before he shal begin his reign. But this fiction, we wil take away in his place. We may hence obſerve, how lōg-ſuffering God is, and ſlow unto wrath. A thouſand times hath he now already p. 438convinced this whore of her filthynes: yet will he not quight deſtroy her until he hath ſet out her wickednes in a clearer light. VVhichWhich when it alſo shal be doon in vayn; what remayneth but the laſt punishment, when ther is no hope at al of any amendement? But after the ruine of the City, the Beaſt shal remayn a while; not to recover his former dignity, but to perish ſoon after, with a greater deſtruction. And therfore he ſayth, his kingdome was made darke, not altogither extinct, but bereft of the former brightnes.

¶ And they gnawed their tongues for payn: The ſecond event; they ſhal gnaw their tongues for rage and madnes. Huge and intolerable shalbe the payn; ſuch as is noted elſwhere, by weeping and gnaſhing of teeth, Mat. 22.13. Vnleſſe perhaps by a proverbial manner of ſpeaking, ſo great anguiſh be ſignified, as wil they, nil they, they are compelled to refreyn their malapert tō gues, to renounce their own writings, and ſpeak thenceforth more modeſtly; which is commonly caled the biting of the tongue, and eating of ones own words. But becauſe in the next verſe it is ſayd; they repented not of their works, the former expoſition is more ſimple. Although they may faighnedly and for fear, temper their evil ſpeakings, ſo as they repent not from the hart and truly: yet I chooſe rather the former. That ſpeech of Zachary ſeemeth to agree fitly with this; Their tongue ſhal conſume in their mouth, Zach. 14.12. And that phraſe foreign for payn, is an Hebraiſme, mehhamal; foreign anſwereth to the prepoſition min: as elſwhere, for ſighting, Pſal. 102.6.

11 And they blaſphemed the God of heaven: Infinite is the hardnes of mās hart, which cannot be tamed by any afflictions. Graunt that the Papiſts be not convicted by the increaſed light of the ſcriptures: will not the deſtruction of their holy city move them to acknowledge the truth? VVil they now burſt out agayn into blaſphemy; wher ther is no hope but by asking forgivenes? But it is not in him that willeth, nor in him that runneth. God ſtriketh and ſoftneth, what harts he thinketh good. And where it is ſayd, for their ſoares; by it is ſignifyed, that theſe are the ſame men, on whom the former vials were powred. But mention is made ſpecially of ſoares; becauſe every calamity, cauſed not ſenſible payn. The Sea changed into blood, was ſo farr from working any ſorow: that it rather miniſtred matter of reioycing to men that knew not their miſery. Furthermore it is hereby manifeſt, that the former vials doo yet reteyn their force; and vaniſh not ſtreight way, when new ones come in place. But above all, Envie, which we ſayd was the ſoares, doth moſt torment: which cauſeth greater greif by the felicity of their enemies, then by their owne deſtruction. VVho would look for any feeling of the former ſoares, when the ſorow for their waſted throne was upon p. 439them? O envy, great is thy power.

¶ And repented not of their workes: For this Beaſt is the Panthereſſe, chap. 13.2. it cannot change the skin. But the power of God should not have bin ſo eminent in times paſt, if Pharaoh had repented at the firſt miracles. So shal ther be many ſubtil deviſes after the throne is overthrown: Antichriſtian religiō shal ſtil be reteyned amōg the Papiſts. But let none be afraid: the Beaſt is reſerved onelyonly for the triumph.

12 And the ſixt Angel powred out his vial on the great river Euphrates: This river is not eyther the Tyber or any other fortreſſe of Rome; (whoſe deſtruction was taught us by the former vial; and why should the thing doon, be now doon agayn?) but it is that which runneth through Meſopotamia Eaſtward from Iudea, as before, chap. 9.14. which notwithſtanding is uſed figuratively for any impediment, that may hinder the paſſage into this country. The firſt event is, the drying up of the waters therof, as of old the Red Sea was by the Eaſtern winds, and as Iarden was to the Iewes when they paſſed into the Land of Canaan, Exod. 14. Ioſ. 3. The end of drying up theſe waters is, that the way of the Kings from the Eaſt may be prepared. But who be theſe Kings? Are they thoſe foure Angels ſpoken of chap. 9.15. The counpt of the time wil not bear it. For the trōpet ſounded many yeres agone: but this vial is not yet begun to be powred out: it foloweth after Rome is waſted, which yet flourisheth, and which the trompet ſaw flouriſhing long. Are they thoſe Kings of the earth and of the whole world, mentioned in the 14. verſe of this chapter? But, theſe to whom Euphrates giveth place, are the Kings of the E…ſt onelyonly, not of the whole world. It would be long to recken al the interpretations of other men; much more to refute them. It ſeemeth unto me, that they are here meant, for whoſe ſake alone the ſcripture mentioneth the waters of old to have bin dryed up; namely the Iewes, unto whom the read ſea yeilded paſſage, and Iarden ſtayed his courſe, til every one were gone over, journying on foot through the deep. This miracle is proper to this people onelyonly: for that which Ioſephus writeth that the ſea of Pamphilia gave way to the Macedonians, when Alexander led his hoſt that way: (Antiquit. b. 2. chap. 7.) Other writers doo playnly shew, how the thing is to be underſtood. Plutarch, (in Alexand.) ſayth that Hiſtorie-writers amplifyed the thing beyond al credit: and that Alexā der himſelfe never boaſted of any ſuch wonder in his Epiſtles. Arianus writeth that uſually ther is no way to paſſe through the ſea neer Phaſelis, but when the North winds blow; which blew vehemently when Alexander went that way, that they ſeemed, not without Gods power, to have yeilded them an eaſy paſſage. But Strabo book 14, writeth moſt playnly, that the ſoldiers traveiled p. 440al the day even up to the navel in the waters. So then Alexander paſſed through the waters that were shollow, and not quite dryed up. Neyther doo I think can it be found in any record; that ſuch a thing did ever happen to any other people then the Iewes. The vanity of writers may feign many things: but the Scriptures doo challenge this, as peculiar to this nation onelyonly. I will ſay, ſayth God, to the deep, be dry, and I wil dry up thy flouds, Iſa 44.27. And againe, Art not thou the ſame, which dryed up the ſea, even the waters of the great deep: making the deeps of the Sea, to be a way for the redeemed to paſſe over? Iſa 51.10. And leaſt ſome should thinke this miracle was onelyonly for the time paſst, and not ſuch to be looked for ever after: he addeth in the next verſe; So the redeemed of the Lord ſhal returne, and come with joy into Sion &c. And in Iſa 63.11. where should he be that brought theſe up out of the ſea with the ſhepheard of his flock? which cleft the waters for th…ſe, to make himſelfe an everlaſting name? which led theſe through the deepe, as an horſe in the wildernes, ſo that they ſtumbled not? It is no marvel therfore, if the peculiar note & enſigne of this nation onelyonly, be putt for the men themſelves. But what need there a way to be prepared for them? Shal they returne agayn to Ieruſalē? Ther is nothing more ſure: the Prophets playnly confirme it, and beat often upon it. Yet not to the end that the ceremonial worship should be reſtored: but that the mercy of God may shine unto al the world, in giving to a nation now ſcatered over al the face of the earth, & dwelling no where but by leave; their fathers habitations, wherin they shal ſerve Chriſt purely and ſincerely, according to his owne ordinance onelyonly. A thing of old commonly ſpoken of by the ancient Iewes, which they underſtood by the Prophets, although but narrowly and through the lattiſſe. Wherupon it was berayed with old wives fables, both in ages paſt, and ſo is now at this day. The feighned Eſdras ſaw ſome ſparkles of this truth; which he overwhelmed with ſo many and great fictions, that he had need be a wary and attentive reader, and one of no mean judgement, that would gather gold out of that confuſed heap. They entred in, ſaith he, ſpeaking of the ten tribes that were led captives, at the narrow paſſages of the river Euphrates: for the moſt high then ſhewed them ſignes, and ſtayed the ſprings of the river, til they were paſſed over, 4. Eſdras, 13.43.44. A Iewiſh fable: but neerer to the truth is that which there foloweth, ver. 47. The moſt high ſhal hold ſtil the ſprings of the river agayn, that they may goe through: &c. which agreeth with this place, & may both of them be underſtood metaphorically: though nothing letteth, why it may not pleaſe God agayn to shew his ancient power of drying waters up extraordinarily. Seing therfore it is certayn, that this nation shal earneſtly flock unto the Goſpel, and that in the laſt times, as p. 441Paul teacheth, Rom. 11.25. and the laſt period of things is of the vials: & it is not likely that ſuch a wonderful matter should have no mention at al in this clear Propheſie: unto which alſo here is added the proper enſigne of this nation, for whoſe onelyonly ſake, both ſea & river (as we read) were dried up: I am not altogither unadviſed, in ſuppoſing, that this is the onelyonly matter here in hand: which muſt eyther be foūd in this place, or be wholly omitted in this book. VVherfore after Rome is overthrown and cut off there shalbe a common bruit of this new Chriſtian people: at the hearing wherof the Gentiles shalbe aſtonished. But what, are the Iewes Kings? why not? ſeing al Chriſtians are Kings, Rev. 1.6. and the fowr and twenty Elders, which repreſente the whole company of the faithful, doe all wear crownes: chap. 4.4. And this magnificent name doth the Spirit give them, becauſe it shalbe very honourable, after ſo many ages, and ſo ſtiff ſtubbornes of that nation; for them to come againe, as it were by recovery of law, unto the truth; and religiouſly and holily with al obſervance to honour the ſame, having their incredulous and obſtinate harts ſubdued. But beſides this the whole Eaſt shal obey them, that not without cauſe ar this people caled Kings, in reſpect of their long and large dominion & Empire. But they ſeem to be called playnly Kings in Iſay 24.21. if we diligently mark the words and meaning of the place: And it ſhalbe, ſaith he, in that day the Lord wil viſit the hoſt of the high, in the high place; and the Kings of the earth, upon the earth. And they ſhalbe gathered with a gathering as a priſoner into a pit, and ſhalbe cloſed up in the cloſe-place: and after many dayes ſhal they be viſited. And the Moon ſhalbe abaſhed, and the Sun aſhamed, when the Lord of hoſts ſhall reign in mount Sion, and in Ieruſalem: and ſhalbe glorious, before his Ancients, & the Kings of the earth, are al one; who after are gathered into the pit, after many dayes are viſited; and at whoſe deliverance, the Moon is abaſhed &c. VVhichWhich laſt words are certenly meant of the ful reſtoring of the Iewes: wherfore the firſt words intend alſo the ſame. VVhom God, in heavy indignation, becauſe they refuſed his Son, did thruſt into the pit or dungeon, for many ages togither, and kept them cloſed up in a very hard priſon. But at length after many dayes he will viſit theſe priſoners, and bring them out of the gayl: for whoſe fervēt zele and ſingular ſtudy of true godlines, the Churchches of the Gentiles as the Moon & Sun, shalbe abashed at this greater brightnes. They ar caled the hoſt of the high, in the high; becauſe the Iewes were the peculiar people of the high God, and of his Church which is heavenly: wherupon they ar often caled in Daniel, qaddiſche hheljonin, the Saincts of the high; Dan. 7.22. &c. But this is inough to find out the meaning of this place: I may not now ſtand longer upon it. I have handled it p. 442the more at large, for to give occaſion unto our men to mind theſe things more diligently. Theſe Kings come from the Eaſt, becauſe the greateſt multitude of Iewes, is in thoſe countries: and theſe firſt of all shal ſee the truth, and embrace the ſtudy of it. But, thou wilt ſay, The Temple is ſhut, until the ſeven plagues be fufilled: which we shewed to be ſpoken in reſpect of the Iewes, chap. 15.8. But that is to be underſtood of their univerſal caling: and here onelyonly the beginning of it is taught, as we shal declare after more at large. And by theſe things we may ſee, how the ſixt vial, anſwereth to the ſixt Trompet. The trompet, ſent from Euphrates, four furies into the world: the vial shal miniſter great joy from the ſame place: which ſhal yeild new huige troupes of Chriſtians, by whoſe vertue thoſe furies shalbe ſent back to hell. But as Romes Idolatry, caled for thoſe cruel Turks: ſo after that Rome is utterly abolished, ſtraightway this cōfort shal appear.

13 And I ſaw out of the mouth of the Dragon: The ſecond event is firſt a preparation unto warr; wherof there are three Princes Authors, & as many Adminiſters, three unclean Spirits like froggs; in this verſe; whoſe work is deſcribed in the verſe folowing. The Princes are, the Dragon, the Beaſt, & the falſe Prophet. The Dragon always throughout this whole book, is the open enemy: which were the Roman Emperours, ſo long as they continued hethens: in theſe laſt times, the Turks doo cary this perſon. The Beaſt is the more covert and crafty enemie, Antichriſt ſitting in the Temple of God; as in the 13 chap. The Falſe Prophet is now firſt named, and often henceforth after the fift vial. But ther muſt needs have been ſome deſcription of him ſome where before: for Iohn ſpeaketh as of a perſon wel known. And this verily we shal find in that ſubtil and crafty ſecond Beaſt; of whom we heard in chap. 13.11. &c. who wrought ſignes and wondrous lyes. Both of them perteyned to the conſtituting of the ſame Antichriſt; but with this condition, that the firſt ſignifyed the temporal and civil tyranny: the ſecond, the ſpiritual fraud and malice, as is ſayd before. This ſecond Beaſt is now plainly caled the Falſe Prophet, by reaſon of the more manifeſt revelation, which ſhalbe under this ſixt vial. For though he reteyne yet with him many attendants, yet the better part of men, and they of his former worshippers; shal know him for a crafty lying hypocrite, and deteſt him as a lothſome creature. For now the event wil teach, after Rome is deſtroyed, how glorious lyes thoſe were, about Peters Chaire; the Holines of the Church of Rome, the invincible ſtedfadnes and perpetual conſtancy of it, againſt the practiſes of al. Wherfore the Beaſt and Falſe Prophet is one Antichriſt; but having a double power, al which he wil now uſe, both civil & ſpiritual; to deceive the unskilful, and draw them agayn to be of his ſide. p. 443He wil open his treaſury, he wil ſpare no charges, he wil levie huge bands of ſouldjers, and other things that perteyn to force. Neither wil he be leſſe diligent to catch the ſimple, by al ſpiritual fraud, counterfeiſance, fallacies, and other like legierdumain of lyes and errours; wherby he may abuſe their payn and help unto this laſt battel which he now prepareth. So the Turk, the Caeſarean Biſhop, and Pope-Balaam; are theſe three mouthes, which at laſt wil belk out the Froggs in their time.

¶ Three unclean ſpirits like Froggs: The Miniſters of theſe miſcheevous heads. To weet out of the Dragons mouth; Turks, Baſhſhnes, Agnes, B…goes, and the other officers of his army. Out of the mouth of the Caeſarean Biſhop; his Captayns alſo of warr. Out of the mouth of the Pope falſe Prophet, he hath the Ieſuites in ſpecial, and the other toades of his wicked Hierarchie. They come forth out of the mouth, becauſe by their mayſters cō mandement they take this work in hand; as is manifeſt by the vow of miſſion, wherby the Ieſuites are bound to the Pope. But why are they called Spirits? Is it becauſe they ar like the breath which comes out of the mouth and have very neer alliance to them of whom they are breathed, both refreshing and animating them, and agayn borowing of them heat & ſtink? Verily theſe three Emiſſaries, ar joynd in neer alliance with theſe their maſters: they draw from them heat and life; and life they give unto them againe. Or is it perhaps becauſe they shew themſelves no leſſe diligent & mighty in executing their buſines, then the Spirits bee? Surely the world hath now experience of the ſingular vigilancy and almoſt incredible induſtrie of theſe three Emiſſaries; and it is not likely that they wilbe more ſluggish in the laſt combate. They are like to Froggs; becauſe they reioyce in their moſt filthy and unclean pollutions, from which they draw beginning and life. They refuſe to be clothed with Chriſts righteouſnes, boaſting themſelves to be clean ynough before God in their own myre. And when before, the Sea was made like dead mans blood: what other thing cā take pleaſure in ſuch a fowle Camarine-puddle, than Froggs, Toads, and other like fennish and execrable filth? But beſides their uncleannes, they have alſo an importunate croaking: for no means doo theſe ſtirrers up of troubles, and fighting furies, leave unaptented; for to ſet al the world togither by the ears. But why is ther no difference between the Miniſters of the Pope and of the Turk? Becauſe albeit nothing is more common with them than the name of Chriſt; (wherupon they wilbe caled Ieſuits;) nevertheleſſe, whiles they hope for life and ſalvation by their owne merits; they differ nothing from heathens, which deſpiſe Chriſt altogither.

14 For they are Spirits of Devils: He deſcribeth yet more largely the nature p. 444of thoſe Spirits, by their Lords, their monſtrous works, and their Ambaſſage unto all the Kings of the earth. Their Lords are the Divils: becauſe the Princes whom they ſerv be the vaſſals and Feoffies of the Divil himſelfe, chap. 12.9. and 13.2. Signes they work, by the force and power of the Divil, for of them is he a marvelous artizen, and with ſuch faculty did he furniſh the ſecond Beaſt, 2 Theſ. 2.9. Rev. 13.13. They goe forth to gather the Kings of the earth unto battel: for after that Euphrates shalbe dryep up, and the way prepared for the Eaſtern Iewes: the Turk fearing himſelfe, wil prepare warr againſt them, with as great furniture as he can; as is more largely declared in Daniel, chap. 11.44. Nor wil the Romiſh Beaſt togither with the falſe Prophet in the Weſt, be leſſe ſtudious to abolish utterly all them that favour pure religion. He wil prudently take his oportunity, when the Turk shalbe imployed in the Eaſtern warr. Wherby it shal come to paſſe, that in one & the ſame time, the ſafety of the whole Church ſhall be in very great danger. This is that warr, whoſe alarme theſe Froggs doo ſound unto the Kings of the earth.

15 Behold I come as a theef: Theſe words doo trouble the learned man Th. Beza, as if they had crept in hither amiſſe from ſome other place. But feing theſe times shalbe very calamitous, as in reſpect of the Iewes Daniel foretold, chap. 12.1. neyther is it likely that our Chriſtian nations ſhalbe in better caſe: let not this warning ſeem ſuperfluous or importune unto any. The greatnes of the peril, may deterr even the ſtrongeſt man. But leaſt any ſhould hitt againſt this rock and make ſhipwrak; Chriſt biddeth him be of good courage, and not through any fear, to forſake the righteouſnes of faith, (which here he calleth garments, and which the adverſaries will moſt ſeek to bereav us of:) promiſing that he wil come as a theef unwares, and doo vengeance on the enemies above al expectation, and defend his Church.

A like comfort ther was, chap. 13.10. & 14.13. that we may know, ſuch hortatorie voices muſt needs be new, and are not fruitleſſe, but ſeaſonable & very neceſſary. Neither are theſe words brought in abruptly; but wheras in the words next before, mention was made of God almighty, theſe ar for more force related in his perſon.

¶ His garments: The hope of forgivenes of ſinns through Ieſus Chriſt alone, wherby our ſinns are covered, Rom. 4.6.7. Neyther be there any other garments, wherwith al our nakednes can be covered. The purity of the Saincts or of our ſelves, wil not ſo much as cover our shoulders, ſo farr is it from hiding our more deformed parts. Theſe garments are in deed caled afterward, foreign the juſtifications of the ſaincts, chap. 19.8. wher p. 445we ſhal ſee what is the force of theſe words.

16 And he gathered them togither into a place: Here is the third branch of the ſecond event. But who is this that gathered them? Chriſt verily; and therfore he ſpeaketh not as of many they gathered, to weet thoſe three ſpirits. Whatſoever the Kings shal purpoſe, Gods ſecret providence shall ſo governe them, that themſelves shall feel the ſame deſtruction that they intend to others. Vnleſſe perhaps that which this verb anſwereth unto, be the Spirits in the 14. verſe, which there are ſayd in the ſingular number (according to the property of the Greek tongue) to goe forth, foreign: unto which theſe words may be joyned foreign and they gathered them togither: for the 15. verſe is interpoſed by a parentheſis. But by whoſe means ſoever they be gathered; governed they are by the ſecret providence of Chriſt. For being led by the hand of God, they come togither of their own accord into that place, from whence there shalbe no way to eſcape. Which place is caled in Hebrew Armagedon, as Montanus and Plantins edition readeth it with a ſingle d; as alſo doth Aretas, ſave with difference of a letter, Ermagedon And perhaps theſe had doon right, if they had kept the aſpiration Harmagedon, for ſo I ſuppoſe this word shoul be written, as, (if I be not deceived,) wil appear by that which foloweth. Th. Beza wil have d to be doubled thus, Harmageddon, as alſo the vulgar Latin; as if it were made of Har and Megiddo, which is the place where Ioſias was ſlaine, 2 Chron. 35.22. But this place was pernicious to the Church, proſperous to the wicked: but Armagedon here ſeems the contrary. Iohn Fox our countryman of bleſſed memorie, bringeth a fitter application, as me thinketh, for he ſaith this place hath not reſpect unto Joſias, but unto that notable victory which Debora and Barak with a ſmal company, got over the huge hoſt of Siſera, at the town of Megiddo ſituate on a mountayn, Iud. 5.10. &c. Notwithſtanding whiles I conſider the thing attentively with my ſelf, ther ſeemeth no ſuch matter here to be meant; but that an alluſiō rather is made unto that of Daniel, chap. 11.45. And he ſhal fix the tents of Aphadnon between the ſeas (Lehar tſebi qodeſ…h) in the mountayn of holy beautie. By many arguments it may be shewed, that this propheſie of Daniel, and that of Iohn, doo perteyn to the ſame times namely to this ſixt vial, as at ſome other time, if God permit, we wil manifeſt. The difference onelyonly is, that there particularly it is ſpoken of the Turk, the enemy of the Chriſtiā Iewes: here jointly it is meāt of the enemies of the whole Church, as wel of Gentiles as of Iewes. And the place is deſigned by name, where the Iewes enemy shal camp, namely lehar, tſebi qodheſch, in the mount of beauty of holines, that is, in the holy land, between the Siriak ſea and Euphrates, p. 446which is alſo caled, a ſea, in the Scriptures. But in this Propheſie, wher the Spirit univerſally doth deſcribe the place of that warr, he could not uſe that name which is proper to the Iewes. Therfore he made a new word which should be common to ech people, and come very neer unto that in ſignification. For Harmagedon is made of Har a Mountayn, & meghadhim of delites; or with an affix in the ſingular number maghdo, of his delite. The very ſame that Har tſebhi is, the mount of the Roe. For tſebhi a Roe, ſignifieth alſo pleaſantnes or delite. A word of paramours, when they would ſpeake to their loves moſt amiably; as in Salomons ſong, my beloved is like a Roe &c chap. 2.9. By theſe things then it doth appeare, that the place is foretold by name in Daniel, where the Turk shal fight with the Iewes: but here, where the Beaſt ſhall combat with the Church of the Gentiles, the ſame is onelyonly intimated generally. As if Armagedō wer the common name of both, diſtinguished into har tſebhi qodheſch, the mount of holy bewty; & the weſtern place without name, ſave the name of the whole. Which notwithſtāding teacheth that this warr shal there be made, where the Church flourished with greateſt purity. For this is the mount of delites unto Chriſt: which place we shal ſee ſomewhat more diſtinctly manifeſted, in the explication of this time, chap. 19. But let us obſerv to our confort, that the holy Church among us Gentiles, is no leſſe a mount of pleaſures unto God, thā that which is to come of the Iewes. God reſpecteth not perſons: in every nation they are dear unto him, that truly honour him in Chriſt.

17 And the ſeventh Angel powred out his vial upon the aier: This vial ſhall have a common event, a… being powred into the aier, which compaſſeth the earth & ſeas round about. Which yet is not this clementiſh aier wherin we breath, but ſome other thing ſignifyed by this manner; after the mā ner of the other vials. And we know that the Divil is caled in the Scriptures, the Prince that ruleth in the ayre, Epheſ. 2.2. wherto perteyn thoſe chaines of darknes, which Peter ſpeaketh of, 2 Pet. 2.4. and Iude in his Epiſtle ver. 6. Seing then the Aier is the place of his dominiō, this laſt vial ſhall import moſt greivous calamitie upon al the Divils Kingdome. The former vials nipped ſome parts therof ſeverally: this, ſhal undoo the whole body of the impious, with a common deſtruction.

¶ And there come a great voice out of the Temple of heaven: The firſt event, is a great voice, which is deſcribed by the place whence it cometh, and the thing that it ſpeaketh. The place, is not onelyonly the Temple of Heaven, but alſo the throne it ſelfe; the deſcription wherof, was in chap. 4.2. The Temple is the dwelling place of the Saincts, as we have ſeen before: this Throne is the ſeat of the higheſt Maieſtie: which being placed in midds of the company p. 447of the faithfull, shineth with the incomprehenſible brightes of the moſt holy Trinity. Wherfore this voice commeth immediatly from God in reſpect of the Miniſtery of the Church. Wherby is ſignifyed, that God under this vial, wil in extraordinary manner and almoſt beyond exſpectation, provide for his; shewing forth his power from heaven, for the deſtruction of al the enemies, which were gathered, (as even now we heard) unto the place Armagedon: which interpretation we shal ſee more fully cō firmed by that which foloweth, where a larger explication of this vial is hā dled. The voice uttered is, It is doon: foreign: moſt fitt for the finishing of things, as we know it was uſed in the creating of them, Gen. 1. & it hath this meaning, as if he should ſay; Al things now have bin, which I decreed to be doon; neyther remayneth any more of my promiſes, the complemēt wherof should be exſpected on earth. For this ſame, Is doon, hath referēce unto that in chap. 10.7. In the dayes of the voice of the ſeventh Angel, when he ſhal ſound the trompet, the Myſterie of God ſhalbe finiſhed. Now shal ther be an end of al propheſies, when both al the enemies are utterly extinguished, & there is one sheepfold made throughout the earth, of al the elect, Iewes and Gentiles, under the one Paſtor Ieſus Chriſt. It is certain that this kingdome of Chriſt, thus begunn, shal be eternal; never to be interrupted agayn: and shall at laſt be tranſlated from earth into heaven. But of the time, wherin this tranſlation shall fall out, which is to be performed at his ſecond coming: I find no mention in this book. This propheſie proceeds no further, then to the laſt deſtruction of al the enemies, and ful reſtitution of the Iewish nation: the eſtate of which people ſo reſtored, and of the whole Church of al nations, he telleth shalbe moſt happy, but ſetteth down no moment of time, when they shal leav the earth, and goe to their heavenly heritage. Theſe things shalbe made manifeſt by the interpretation folowing: ſome taſt wherof was here to be given, leaſt any perhaps too much attending unto the whole order of things, should ſlip into that errour of ſetting down the certain time of the laſt day: which thing I ſee ſome godly and learned men to buſy themſelves about; as if by this vial ſome very neer moment therof mought be aſsigned. Which thing, upon more diligent examination, we find to be wholly layd up in exſpectation of hope, and not at al put in any comhrehenſion of ſenſe. Now the agreement of the ſeventh vial with the ſeventh trompet is, that in this, Chriſts Kingdome is begunn, the enemies being in part abolished, as chap. 11.15, wherupon a voice there ſayd, the Kingdome of the world is become Chriſts: but in the other, Chriſts Kingdome is conſumate, al enemies being quite taken away; wherfore the voice of this is, It is doon.

p. 44818 And there were noyſes and lightnings &c. Of the ſecond event ther are three branches; firſt, by what things the execution of the judgement was doon; in this verſ: ſecondly, upon what; in verſe 19.20. Thirdly, what effects, in reſpect of the reprobates; verſe 21. Lightnings, thonders, voices, shall come from heaven: the earth, shalbe moved & shaken: wherby is taught, that both heaven & earth shal cōſpire, for vengeance on the impious: both which shal powr out whatſoever direful-puniſhment it hath, upō the wicked crew. And this not after the uſual manner of former times; but with ſuch horrible terrour, as never was ſince the world was made. For nowe ther shalbe a viſible ſemblance of the infernal punishment, which it ſhall feel at length, in the laſt judgement. Moreover theſe kinds of puniſhmēts doo declare, that the enemies shalbe deſtroyed rather by the extraordinary power of God, than by any work and endevour of men; which after appeareth more clearly, in chap. 19.20. and 20.9.

19 And the great City was rent into three parts: The ſecond branch of the ſecond event, upon what this iudgement shalbe exerciſed; which partly are places, partly men. The places be cities & nations. The cities are three, in this verſe; the great city; the cities of the Gentiles, & Babylon. But what is this great City? We have heard before, that a city ſignifieth not onelyonly ſome towne cō paſſed with walls, which many cityzens dwell in, conioyned togither by the bonds of the ſame lawes and right: but alſo the whole dition & empire of any city; as the tenth part of Rome fell, when Germany withdrew it ſelf from the yoke of the ſervitude therof; chap. 11.13. Is it then the Romane Empire onelyonly? In deed ſo this was caled before, the great city, chap. 11.8. but foraſmuch as in this place, the ful deſtruction of al the wicked is handled, (for the vial is powred into the aier, as we ſayd;) it compriſeth whatſoever Dominion and Empire the foes and enemies of the Church, have in any place. It comprehendeth therfore the Turkiſh tyranny alſo, which togither with the Romish, conſtituteth this great city, as is more evident by the deſtruction of this city. For it is rent into 3. parts, proportionable to the three Princes, by whom it is ruled; namely the Dragon, the Beaſt, & the Falſe Prophet, before in ver. 13. Wherfore by this three fold declaration, ther falleth togither, al the Turkish and Mahumetish tyranny, that is, the Dragons: al the power of the Beaſt, that is, of the Caeſarean Biſhop: all the authority of the Falſe Prophet, that is, of Pope Balaam: for this man of ſyn, after the ruine of his throne, remayneth even unto this laſt overthrow. The firſt vial, was but a preparative for the warr: this ſeventh, is of the laſt deſtruction.

¶ And the cities of the Gentils fell: VVe heard of the univerſal Empire of p. 449the impious. But not this onelyonly shall fal in common: but alſo in particular al the confederate cities and provinces, both Turkish, Mahumetiſh, & Popiſh. For Gentils be al they that are aliants from the truth: whither they be farther of from the ſame, as the Barbarous nations, or neerer as the Papiſts, who by a falſe title are counted Chriſtians. For we have ſeen before, how to the Gentiles was given the Court which was ioyned to the Temple, as alſo to them was given the holy city: which were the places of that rowt which boaſted to be Chriſtians, by a vayne tytle, without ſubſtance.

¶ And that great Babylon: The third place which shal utterly perish, is that great Babylon. But did not that perish before, under the fift vial, when Rome, the Beaſts throne did fall, verſe 10? For ſo we ſaw it caled before, Fallen Fallen is Babylon the great city; chap. 14.8. In deed Rome did perish before: but it was new Rome, new Babylon, to weet, Conſtantinople. For every mighty, proud, Idolatrous, bloudy, impious city, may be caled Babylon: but ſpecially next after Rome, Conſtantinople; the onelyonly daughter and heyr unto a farthing of her mother Rome: whoſe natural diſpoſition as she drew by ſtock; ſo did she deſervedly take the name, being caled new Rome. And ſurely it ſeemeth the ſame order of things shalbe here: firſt that al the Turkiſh & Popiſh forces shalbe beaten down and deſtroyed: ſecondly that al the cōfederate cities & provinces, if they alſo doo not quite perish, shal yet at leaſt be under new Governours: thirdly, that the chief city of the Turks, this Babylon, shal bear the iuſt punishment of her impiety. And it may be, the VVeſt Chriſtians, after that the Popes name is extinguished, and that the Turk is overthrown in the Eaſt; wil shew forth their wrath on Conſtantinople, and execute the iudgement mentioned in this place. By which now we may underſtand, that al our enterpriſes againſt the Turk, shalbe vain; until Rome be overthrown. For she at the firſt caled for the Turk, as we have learned from chap. 9.20.21. nor shal his ſcourge be removed, til the cauſe be quite taken away. But after that the Beaſts throne is conſumed with fyre, & the laſt Popish warr is doon: then shal this horrible tyran, without any trouble of ours, be thruſt down into hell: neyther shal we ever need to fear any more moleſtation from any reliques of him.

¶ Came in remembrance before God: Now both the cauſe is mentioned of the deſtruction of the Conſtantinopolitan Babylon; and the puniſhement which shalbe inflicted on it. The cauſe is, Gods remembrance: who is ſayd to remember, both for mercy and for iudgment, when he performeth in deed, what he decreed to be doon. So long as he deferreth vengeance and wrath; he ſeemeth to forget, and to have no care or reſpect of our affaires and actions,

p. 450And this dooth very wel expreſſe the horrible cruelty of this Babylō, wher with God ſuffreth them that are called Chriſtians, to be preſſed: & dooth not in the mean time punish the adverſaries, nor yeild any defenſe from injury. Who wil not acknowledge that God turneth away his eyes from beholding our miſeries: when without punishment he ſuffreth us to be beaten, robbed, vexed with al reproches and contumelies, virgins & wives to be defiled, whole flocks of men to be caried bound and chayned into bondage; infants to be plucked from the breſts for to be inſtructed in Mahumetish blaſphemy, and the parents to know that they bring forth children unto eternal deſtruction? VVho, I ſay, minding theſe and many moe things, al which, Idolatry hath brought upon us: may not worthily ſay, that God hath quite forgotten our miſery? He winketh therfore at Babylons wickednes, that he may drive her to encreaſe calamities on the men, which wilbe taught by no warnings. And at length when our mens impiety shal ceaſe, the shop therof being burned and conſumed: he will caſt his eyes upon Babylon, and cal to mind al her wickednes, for to meſure meet punishment unto her. But thou mayeſt obſerve, that the Spirit dooth not exaggerate the iniquity of this city, with ſo many words as her mother Romes: becauſe the ſinns of Hethen men, although they be very heavy, ar lighter then theirs that abuſe the grace of God. As touching the words, foreign was remembred, is uſed paſsively, as Act. 10.31. ſo alſo foreign, that the cup might be given &c. The punishement shalbe the cup of the wine of the feircenes of wrath. A Cup is a part or portion; as, the Lord is the part of my portion, and of my cup; Pſal. 16.5. & 11.6. a metaphore taken from Governours of feaſts, which were wont to part unto everie one that which he should drink; wherupon Homer mentioneth a diſtributed drinking; Iliad. d. Like unto which are the judgments of God, inflicted on every man in juſt weight and meaſure. And judgements are a cup of wine, becauſe they shalbe as pleaſant to God, as wickednes was to the men: that is, he will take delight in deſtroying them; as chap. 14.10. Vnleſſe it be therfore of wine, becauſe the ſeverity shal take al ſenſe from Babylon, as over much quaffing in of wine, is wont to doe: wherupon, shee shal no more eſcape the evil, then a man that hath loſt his ſenſes through drunkenes. In which reſpect it is ſayd in Zachary, I will make Ieruſalem as a cup that cauſeth ſlomber, and I wil ſmite every horſe with ſtoniſhment, and his rider with madnes, Zach. 12.2.4. And this heaping togither of the feircenes of his wrath, ſignifyeth greivous and moſt sharpe punishements: although it be not ſhewed expreſſely, whither it shalbe ſo pluckt up by the roots, as old Rome was before. It is very like, that after the great calamity which it shall ſuffer, the p. 451city it ſelfe shal ſtil remayn, poſſeſſed of Chriſtians; and alwayes thenceforth shal obey unto them.

20 And every Ile fled: VVe have ſeen the calamity of the cities and next provinces: theſe words now reſpect the nations further off; whom diſtance of place, shal help nothing at al. This deſolation shall paſſe over the ſea, and conſume them in their Ilands. Nor shal it ought avayl them, that dwel on the firm mountayns; for theſe alſo shalbe plucked up by the roots, and perish for ever; as before in chap. 6.14. Notwithſtanding, this trouble shal be farr heavier than that. For there, the Mountaines and Iles were onelyonly moved out of their places: here, they are ſo utterly abolished, as no footſteps of them doo remayn. But an Jle in this place, is not onelyonly a land compaſſed round-about by the ſea: but alſo the continent or mayn land, after the Hebrew manner, which cal al countryes beyond the ſea, Ilands; Pſal. 72.10. and ſo it compriſeth Aegipt alſo, and Africk.

21 And a great hayle as of talent weight: Hitherto hath been the calamity of the places. Now on the men, it rayneth hayl of talent weight, as of old in Ioſ, 10.11. And as they fled from before Jſrael, and were in the going down to Beth-horon, the Lord caſt down great ſtones from heaven upon them, until Azekah; and ther dyed more of them that dyed with the hayl ſtones, than they whom the children of Iſrael ſlew with the ſword. But here he ſpeaketh of ſtones of huge bignes, which would not onelyonly be ynough to kill, but alſo to crush the men to powder; For never before, was there ſeen or heard, ſuch an horrible vē geance, as this shalbe.

¶ And the men blaſphemed God: The effect of all theſe, as touching the reprobates, who yet wil ſpew out their blaſphemy againſt God. This therefore is not the end of all things, when the wicked shall with their approbation ſubſcribe to the ſentence of the law, and ſay, Amen; acknowledging their condemnation to be moſt iuſt, Deut. 27.15. &c. But ther shal ſtil remayn ſome wicked ones in the earth, but for to bear the yoke onelyonly; for never shal they be able to hurt the Church more: which now shal have the cheifty throughout al the earth. And thus have we a breif and diſtinct repreſentation, both of things preſent and to come, even until the end.