The Ruin of Rome, Commentary on Revelation · Chapter 13
CHAP. XIII.
WEe hauehave heard in the former chapter the deſcription of the church, and of her archenemie the diuel, and of the battell betwixt them, with the ſucceſſe thereof. Now in this chapter wee are to heare of the dragons two great inſtruments, whereby he fighteth againſt the woman: that is, the Romane empire, and the Papacie. For by theſe two, as it were his two hands, he hath in all ages, from the Apoſtles time to this day, moſt cruelly aſſailed, and afflicted the church. Therefore the maine drift of this chapter is, to deſcribe at large theſe two beaſts, together with all their beaſtly proceedings. So that this chapter may fitly be deuided into two principal parts.
The firſt is a deſcription of the Roman monarchy, when it was at the higheſt pitch, vntil the 11. verſe.
The ſecond, is a deſcription of the Papacie, when it was in his pride, and exaltation; in all the verſes following vntounto the end of this chapter.
In the firſt of theſe two maine branches, the Romane Empire is diuerſly deſcribed.
Firſt, of the petigree thereof.
Secondly, of her ſeuen ſeuerall gouernments.
verſ. 1 Thirdly, of her great and outſtretched power.
Fourthly, of her victories.
Fiftly, of her blaſphemies.
verſ. 2 verſ. 3 Sixtly, of her furie, rapine, and pride.
After this is ſet down the wound, which was made in the Empire, with the curing of the ſame.
verſ. 4.5.6.7.8 9.10. Laſtly, is ſet down the great and admirable power, and authority of the Roman empire, which ruled ouer a great part of the world, and had many nations ſubiect vntounto it, eſpecially, when the Popes were the heads thereof.
In the ſecond maine part is the Papacie very liuely deſcribed.
Firſt, frō the petigree thereof, which is of the earth. verſ. 11
Secondly, from the ciuil and Eccleſiaſticall power thereof, which is pretended to come from Chriſt, although in truth it is of the diuell.
After this is ſet downe that the Papacie ſhould be as mightie, verſ. 12.13.14. and performe as much in the ſeruice of the Dragon againſt God, as euer the Empire of the heathen could do, both by authoritie and force, and eſpecially, by lying wonders.
Then is ſhewed, that as the Papacie did in ſubſtance of matter ſet vp and reſtore againe the old Roman tyrannie, to be worſhipped, and wondred at; verſ. 14 ſo hath it framed an Hierarchie or Eccleſiaſticall gouernment, after the verie forme and preſident of the ancient Romane tyrannie; which is indeed ſo like it, that it is called the liuely image thereof: verſ. 15 and he hath by his Clergie and their iuriſdiction, put ſuch life and ſpirit into this image, that it ſpake with authoritie and power in all countries and kingdomes; verſ. 16.17. in ſo much that whoſoeuer would not ſubmit himſelfe thereunto, and both profeſſe and practiſe poperie, and yeeld himſelfe wholy to the papacie, he ſhould die for it.
Laſt of all, ver. 18 is deſcried and diſcouered from the numeratiue letters of the name of the ſecond beaſt, both who hee was, and from whence hee ſhould ſpring.
Text.
verſ. 1 And I ſaw a beaſt riſe out of the ſea, hauing ſeuen heades, and tenne hornes, and vponupon his hornes were tenne crownes, and vponupon his heads the name of blaſphemie.
Firſt, we are to vnderſtand that a beaſt in the Scripture doth ſignifie a kingdome, or monarchie; and that not in reſpect of the ciuil power therof, which is of God,Rom. 13. as it is written, There is no power but of God: but in reſpect of the tyrannie, crueltie, ambition, pride, and other ſuch like beaſtly qualities thereof, which are of the diuell: and therefore this beaſt is ſaid to aſcend out of the bottomleſſe pit, chap. 17.8.
This word beaſt is thus taken in the ſeuenth of Daniel, Dan. 7.4.5.6.where the three great Monarchies of the Babylonians, Medes and Perſians, and of the Grecians, are compared for their pride, rapine and cruelty, to a Lyon, a Beare, and a Leopard. The Angell in that chapter ſaith expreſly,Dan. 7.17. that theſe beaſts were kings, that is, kingly gouernments or Dominions.
By the beaſt in this place is meant the Romane Monarchie, not in regard of the ciuill power thereof, but eſpecially in reſpect of the tyranny of it, in oppreſſing the Church.
By the ſea here is meant the troubleſome ſtate of the nations: as it is taken chap. 4. verſ. 6. and chap. 21. verſ. 1. For from the boyling, and broyling eſtate of the former kingdomes and heathen nations, which were as a raging ſea, did the Roman Empire ſpring vp, as all ſtories do witneſſe. And the Prophet Daniel doth flatly teach that through the diuiſion of the Greeke Empire,Dan. 10. which fell out in the poſteritie of Alexander the Great,Dan. 11. eſpecially betwixt his two ſonnes Ptolemeus and Seleucus, this Romane monarchie by degrees made a head, till at laſt it came to this pitch, which now we ſhall heare of.
By the ſeuen heads of this beaſt, are meant the ſeuen ſeuerall gouernments of the Roman Empire. Firſt, by Kings. Secondly, by Conſuls. Thirdly, by Decemuiri. Fourthly, by Dictators. Fiftly, by Triumuiri. chapter 17.9. Sixtly, by Emperours. And laſtly, by Popes, as heereafter ſhal more plainly appeare.
By the tenne hornes of this beaſt, is meant the great power and large dominion of the Roman Empire, or as the Angell himſelfe doth expound it, chapter 17.12. thereby is meant tenne kings, that is, manie kingdomes, which ſhould be ſubiect to the Roman Monarchie, and wherein in verie deede the power and ſtrength of the Empire did conſiſt. For by theſe hornes the Roman Empire did not only puſh downe other nations: but eſpecially doſſe againſt the Church, and as it were, cruelly gore the ſides thereof.
Nowe then we ſee that the Roman Emperours both in homes and heads, were like their Father the diuel or the dragon.
By the tenne crownes vponupon his tenne hornes, are meant his great and manifolde victories ouer other countries and kingdomes.
The hornes of this beaſt are ſaid to be crowned, & not his heads, becauſe the Roman Empire hath alwayes more preuailed by power then by policie, by ſtrength then by ſubtilty. But the Dragon hath his heads crowned, and not his homes, becauſe he hath alwayes done more hurt by policie, then power; by ſubtiltie, then ſtrength. One thing in all this is greatly to bee heeded, that the holy Ghoſt in this chapter doth ſpecially ſpeake of the Roman monarchie, as the Popes were heads thereof; or as it was vnderunder the dominion of the Popes in their pride, when as the Emperours were almoſt troden vnderunder foote: and not ſimply and ſoly, as the Emperours were heads thereof.
Moreouer it is ſaid, that vponupon the ſeuen heads of this beaſt was written the name of blaſphemie. For beſides the blaſphemies of Caligula, Nero, Domitian, Diocleſian, Iulianus, and the other old heatheniſh, and perſecuting Emperours, which hauehave arrogated vntounto themſelues diuine honour, wee ſhall anon heare of the ſurpaſſing blaſphemies of the Popes againſt God, ver. 5.6. and all goodneſſe.
verſ. 2 And the Beaſt which I ſaw was like a Leopard, and his feete like a Beares, and his mouth as the mouth of a Lyon, and the Dragon gaue him his power, & his throne, and great authoritie.
Here the Roman Empire is deſcribed of the likelihood of qualities, which it had with the other three Empires going before it. For firſt, it is compared to a Leopard, for ſwiftneſſe to pray vponupon others; and alſo for firceneſſe, and ſubtiltie, as did the Greeke monarchie. Secondly, it is compared to a Beare for rapine and rauening, as the monarchie of the Medes and Perſians. Thirdly, it is compared to a Lyon for pride and inſolencie, as the monarchie of the Chaldaeans. So then by this deſcription it is verie cleere, that this beaſt ſignifieth the Roman monarchie, becauſe it containeth in it the whole power of the other three Empires: and is here deſcribed as a compound of diuers beaſts, yea as a verie monſter of monſters, hauing the body of a Leopard, the feete of a Beare, and the mouth of a Lyon.
Moreouer it is ſaid, that the Dragon gaue him his power, and his throne, and great authoritie. Which plainely ſheweth, that the power and authoritie of the Roman Empire is of the diuell, in reſpect of the euill qualitie thereof, that is, fraud, rapine, chapter 17. v. 8. and oppreſſion: In which reſpect it is ſaid to aſcend out of the bottomleſſe pit, as was declared before. But the ſubſtance of it, and the gouernement it ſelfe, was of God. For the powers that be, are ordained of God, Rom. 13.2.as ſaith the Apoſtle.
And I ſaw one of his heads, verſ. 3 as it were wounded vntounto death: but his deadly wound was healed, and all the world wondred, and followed the beaſt.
Heere Iohn in a viſion ſeeth one of the ſeuen heads of the beaſt, almoſt wounded vntounto death. There bee diuers and differing opinions of the learned touching this wound of the Empire, both when it ſhould bee, and howe, and by whom. Some vnderſtand it of the death of Iulius Caeſar: ſome of Nero: ſome of the oppreſſion of the Gothes and Vandales: ſome of the great preuailing of Iohn Huſſe, and Ierome of Prage in the greateſt part of Bohemia. But to let all theſe paſſe, if wee do wiſely conſider and weigh with our ſelues, that by a beaſt in this place, is not meant anie lawfull adminiſtration of gouernement: but a tyrannicall power in perſecuting the Church, wee ſhall find that a head of the beaſt was then wounded, when Conſtantine the Great ſlew Maxentius and Licinius, the two laſt perſecuting Emperours, ſet vp true religion, and brought peace to the Churches. For hereby the Roman Empire was greatly wounded, as touching the tyrannie of it. The holy Ghoſt doth not ſet downe which of the ſeuen heads were thus wounded, but in generall ſaith, one of them. Nowe it is verie probable, that he meaneth the ſixt head: For we doe not reade of anie ſuch wound in the former fiue which were paſt. Neither can it be vnderſtood of the ſeuenth head, which was the Papacie, becauſe it receiued no ſuch wounde as yet. It followeth then, that the wound was in the ſixt head, that is, in the Empire. But we reade of no Emperour that did ſo wound the beaſt, as did Conſtantine the Great. And therefore it is verie probable, nay, an hundred to one, that the holy Ghoſt here pointeth at him.
But it followeth, that his deadly wound was healed, to wit, by theſe wicked Emperours which ſucceeded Conſtantine, as Conſtantius, Iulianus, Valentius, and others, which afreſh did ſet vp Idolatrie, and perſecuted the Church. Nowe vppon the healing of this wound, it is ſaid, that all the world wondred, and followed the beaſt: that is, manie nations, or the greateſt part of the world did ſubmit themſelues to the Roman tyrannie. For ſure it is, ſome kingdomes were neuer ſubiect to the Empire of Rome, as ſome part of Aſia, and ſome part of Africa.
verſ. 4 And they worſhipped the Dragon which gaue power vntounto the beaſt, and they worſhipped the beaſt, ſaying: Who is like vntounto the beaſt, who is able to warre with him!
Now is ſhewed how all the ſubiects of the Roman Empire, did worſhip the Dragon: that is, they maintained that worſhip, which he liked and loued, that is, the worſhip of idols, which the Apoſtle calleth the worſhip of diuels. And it is ſaid alſo,1. Cor. 10.20.21. they worſhipped the beaſt: that is, they did all with one accord ſubmit themſelues both to the religion, and authoritie of the beaſt: that is, to the Popes, as they were the ſeuenth head of the Empire. For, as I ſaid before, ſo I ſay againe, the holy Ghoſt heere ſpeaketh of the Empire, when it was in the greateſt glorie and exaltation; yea when all the worlde wondred and followed the beaſt; yea, when all admired the great and large dominion of the Roman empire; and ſaid within themſelues, who is like vntounto the beaſt? who is able to warre with him? Now, the Empire of Rome was neuer ſo great and powerful, as when the Popes were heads thereof, I meane when they executed the whole ciuill iuriſdiction of the empire, beſides their Eccleſiaſticall power, which now did both meete in one. For now the Papacie was aloft, and the Roman Empire ioyned with it: ſo that the eyes of the world were dazeled with the pompe and magnificence thereof, and they ſaid, What is like vntounto it? or who is comparable to the Pope, the ſeuenth head thereof? For then the blinde worlde thought that the power of the Popes, was not onelyonly aboue all things in this world, but alſo did reach euen vntounto heauen and hell. For they imagined that the Pope might carie to heauen whom hee would; and whom he would, he might caſt downe to hell: and therefore who could warre with the beaſt? And thus wee ſee the reaſon of their wonderment, and of their ſpeech. All ſtories and experience it ſelfe doe ſhew, that there was neuer anie power in the world ſo wondred at, as the vſurped power and maieſtie of the Pope, after he came to bee the head of the Roman monarchie. For then the world ſuppoſed that hee had power, euen as God: and that he might depoſe, and ſet vp kings and Emperours at his pleaſure. Then it is cleere, that vnderunder the dominion of the Popes, Rome hath beene in her higheſt exaltation and glorie. For the Papacie was the ſeuenth head of the beaſt, whereby the whoore of Babylon was ſupported in her moſt magnificall pompe and pride.
verſ. 5 And there was giuen vntounto him a mouth that ſpake great things, and blaſphemies, and power was giuen vntounto him to do 42. moneths.
ver. 6 And he opened his mouth vntounto blaſphemy againſt God, to blaſpheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwel in heauen.
Here are ſet down the proud and blaſphemous ſpeeches both of the old, and new Romane Empire; and of the old, and new Romane Emperours. For this beaſt (as I ſaid before) comprehendeth al the Roman Empire, both vnderunder the Heathen Emperours, and the Popes. Touching the great things, and blaſphemies, which the old perſecuting Emperours hauehave belched out againſt the God of heauē, it wold require a volume to ſet them downe in particulars. I wil therfore only mention two or three for exampels ſake: As firſt that of Caius Caligula, which would hauehave his image ſet vp in temples to be worſhipped as God, and that the people ſhould ſweare by his name. Nero alſo did openly blaſpheme the name of Chriſt, and required diuine honour to be giuen vntounto him. Domitian commanded that he ſhould be called God and Lord. Many others required the like things: and ſo al the world woondred and worſhipped this blaſphemous beaſt. Now as the ſixt head, which was the old empire of Rome, was ful of the names of blaſphemy; ſo the ſeuenth head, which is the new Empire vnderunder the dominion of the Popes, which he here chiefely ſpeaketh of, did moſt of al blaſpheme. For the Pope did challenge vntounto himſelfe al power both in heauen and earth: he would be worſhipped as God: he vſurped authority ouer the worde of God: he did take vponupon him to forgiue ſinnes. He did moſt blaſphemouſly incroach vponupon all the offices of Chriſt, as king, prieſt, & prophet. He hath commāded the Angels. He hath erected blaſphemous images, and cauſed pictures to be made of the Godhead. He boaſteth and craketh great things of his Papal power, of Peters keies, of Peters chaire, of Peters ſucceſſion, of his miracles, of his two ſwords, and of his manifold praerogatiues roial. One of the Popes poiſoned his God: another caſt his God into the fire: another would eate his peacocke in deſpite of God. Some of thē counted the religiō of Chriſt a tale or a fable: ſome drank to the diuel: ſome ſaid, they could doe as much as God. It were infinit to ſet downe al their blaſphemies: for it is ſaide of the whoore of Babylon, that ſhe was full of the names of blaſphemy. Let this ſuffice for the vnderſtanding of this text, that as the olde heatheniſh Emperours did blaſpheme, ſo the Popes being heades of the Empire, did moſt of al blaſpheme. And as it is here ſaid, they did not only blaſpheme the name of God, but alſo did open their black and blaſphemous mouthes againſt his tabernacle, that is, his church, calling it a cō pany of heretickes, ſchiſmatickes, apoſtataes and ſuch like; and alſo againſt them that dwell in heauen, that is, the ſpirits of iuſt and perfect men, which are in heauē, as Luther, Caluin, Melancthon and ſuch like.
Moreouer it is to be noted, that this mouth was giuen vntounto this monſtrous beaſt, thus to blaſpheme and ſpeake great things. But this is to be vnderſtood, that it was giuen in the wrath and iuſt iudgement of God vpō the world, to plague them withal, becauſe they regarded not the knowledg of the truth. But it is added, that this power of the beaſt thus to worke his actions, was limited vntounto 42. monethes; ſo that although he rule and rage for a time, yet ſhal he not long continue.
ver. 7 And it was giuen vntounto him to make war with the Saints, and to ouer come them; and power was giuen vntounto him ouer eueryevery kindred, and tongue and nation.
ver. 8 Therefore all that dwell vponupon the earth, ſhall worſhip him, whoſe names are not written in the booke of life of the Lambe, which was ſlaine from the beginning of the world.
Theſe two verſes do ſet forth the great power which was giuen vntounto this beaſt, both in fighting againſt Gods people, and alſo ouercomming of them, and murdering of them by heapes. As we reade of thouſands murdered in the firſt ten great perſecutions, and ten thouſands by the Popes, ſince they came to exerciſe the ciuill authority and iuriſdiction of the Romane Empire, and that in al countries and kingdomes of Europe; as it is here ſaid, that power was giuē vntounto him ouer eueryevery kindred▪ and tongue and nation. And it is added, that all that dwell vponupon the earth, that is, al the ſubiects of the Roman monarchy, ſhal worſhip the beaſt, and make a God of him; as we read they hauehave don. And the chiefe motiue therof, was his blaſphemous mouth, boaſting & threatning great things if any did withſtand him: and alſo his mighty power and authority, whereby he bare downe al before him. For if any did but mute againſt him, he was ſure to ſmart for it. And thus through his tyrannicall power he ſubdued al nations vnderunder him, and made them ſtoupe and fal downe and worſhip him. But it followeth, that for al this, none of Gods elect did worſhip him, or ſubmit themſelues to his religion, and authority, but only thoſe that dwell vponupon the earth, that is, earthly men: as papiſts, atheiſts, and reprobates, and al ſuch, whoſe names are not written in the booke of life.
Chriſt is called the Lambe ſlaine from the beginning of the world, becauſe the ſauing power of his death was from the beginning to all beleeuers, although hee was not actually exhibited vntil the fulneſſe of time.
Yf any man hauehave an eare, let him heare.
Yf any lead into captiuity, he ſhall goe into captiuity: ver. 9 ver. 10 yf any kill with a ſword, he muſt be killed by a ſword. Here is the patience and the faith of the Saints.
Here is ſhewed, that the things ſpoken of this great beaſt, are very ſecret and myſtical, and can be vnderſtood of none but thoſe onelyonly, whoſe eares and eies God openeth to heare, & ſee, and vnderſtand, that is, the very elect of God: as for al papiſts and worldlings, their eares & eies are ſealed and ſhut vp, they cannot vnderſtand them, but doe ſtil worſhip the beaſt, aſcribing vntounto him diuine power and honor.
In the 10. verſe the iudgement and vengeance of God is denounced againſt the Romane monarchie, both former and latter; which, as it hath long oppreſſed the church with cruel bondage, and drawne thouſands into perpetual captiuity; ſo it ſelfe alſo ſhould be caſt downe, with al the adherents thereof, both in this life and that which is to come. For as the Romane Empire did tyranniſe ouer the world, and led millions into ſpirituall captiuity and bondage: ſo here it is auouched, that according to the iuſt lawe of quittance, it ſelfe ſhould be brought to the ſame lore. And as this beaſt had murdered many by the ſword; ſo he him ſelfe muſt be murdered by the ſword alſo: As the Apoſtle ſaith,2. Theſ. 1.6 God is iuſt, and therefore will recompenſe tribulation to them that trouble his Church. Now al this ſeemeth vntounto me, to be a cleere prophecy of the fal and final deſtruction of the Romane Empire, which indeede conſidering the pitch that it was at, may ſeeme a thing ſtrange and incredible: and therefore the Holy-ghoſt ſtirreth vsus vp to attention in the ninth verſe, as to a thing of great woonderment, and admiration: for if the Romane monarchie fall, the Papacy muſt of neceſſity fal with it. For the Romane Empire is that beaſt, chapter 17. verse 3. which beareth vp the whoore of Babylon, as appeareth in the 17. Chapter of this prophecy, where we ſhal (God willing) plainely, and at large heare of the ioint deſtruction of them both together.
It is added: Heere is the patience and faith of the Saints. That is, here is required great patience of al Gods children, to waite, and carry til the performance and accompliſhment of thoſe things; and alſo faith and ful aſſurance to beleeue, that they ſhal in Gods appointed time come to paſſe. For few doo beleeue theſe things, and therfore wait not with patience for the accompliſhment thereof.
And I beheld another beaſt comming out of the earth, ver. 11, which had two hornes like the Lamb, but he ſpake like the dragon.
Hauing deſcribed the firſt beaſt which is the Roman Empire: now the Holy-ghoſt commeth to deſcribe the ſecond beaſt, which is the Papacy, or the kingdome of the great Antichriſt: for although hee bee deſcribed before in regard of his monarchy, that is, the ciuill iuriſdiction, which hee exerciſed as he was the ſeuenth head of the beaſt, and head of the Empire; yet here he is deſcribed after another ſort, that is, according to his eccleſiaſtical authority: and therfore he is called another beaſt, or a beaſt differing from the former, in that he exerciſeth an other power, beſides the power of the heathen Emperours of Rome, which is his ſpirituall iuriſdiction,Chap. 16 Ver. 13. Chap. 19. Ver. 20. in which reſpect he is called the falſe prophet.
This ſecond beaſt riſeth out of the earth, as the former roſe out of the ſea: then it appeareth that Antichriſt is, by his breed, a ſonne of the earth; obſcurely borne, & by little and little creeping vp out of his abiect eſtate; as did the Turke. It is here moſt truly ſaid, that the kingdome of Antichriſt ariſeth out of the earth, & is the very breed of the earth: for aſſuredly it neuer came from heauen. It was firſt hatched out of couetuouſneſſe, ambition, pride, murders, treaſons, poiſonings, ſorceries, enchantments, and ſuch like. For al ſtories do ſhew, that from theſe roots the Papacy grew to his exceeding height and altitude.
This ſecond beaſt hath two hornes, like the Lambe: Whereby is meant his ciuil and eccleſiaſtical power, or his kingdome, and Prieſthood; which he falſly pretendeth to come from the Lamb: and therefore he giueth in his armes two keies, and hath two ſwords carried before him. So Boniface the eight ſhewed himſelfe one day in apparrel as a Pope, and the next day in armour as the Emperour; and the two hornes in the Popes miter are ſignes hereof. But the Holy-ghoſt here telleth vsus, that theſe two hornes are not the hornes of the Lambe, but only like the hornes of the Lamb: for he receiued not his power from the Lamb Chriſt; but from the diuel, that is, the dragon with ten hornes. Then thus it is, the Papacy is the ſeauenth head of the firſt beaſt, that is, the Empire; & yet a beaſt by it ſelfe, with two hornes like the Lamb, in reſpect of his ioint power and authority, both eccleſiaſtical and ciuil, in which reſpect he is called euen the eight: and one of the ſeuen, Chap. 17. ver. 11.
Although this ſecond beaſt hauehave two hornes like the Lamb, yet he ſpake like the dragon, that is, al his words and workes, practiſes and proceedings, lawes and decrees, are for the dragon, of whom he hath his power and throne, and great authority. So that whatſoeuer he pretendeth in religion, and matters of Gods worſhip, as though he would be like the Lamb; yet aſſuredly hee is altogether for the dragon and the diuel: he is aſſured vntounto them, as al experience doth manifeſtly witneſſe.
And he did all that the firſt beaſt could doe before him: & he cauſed the earth, & them that dwel therin, verſ. 12 to worſhip the firſt beaſt, whoſe deadly wound was healed.
Here is ſhewed, that this ſecond beaſt was as mighty and ſtronge as the firſt beaſt, and could doo as much as he, euen in his preſence. Whereby is noted the great power, and authority of the Papacy, in performing as much in the ſeruice of the dragon againſt God and his church, as euer the Empire of the heathen, and thoſe wicked Emperours could doo: yea he did much more againſt Chriſt and his religion, then euer the perſecuting Emperours could do, euen then when they were at their higheſt pitch. And al this he did in his preſence, that is, in the ſight and open view of the whole Empire, or whole world.
And he cauſed the earth, and them that dwell therin, that is, al Papiſts, and worldlings, to worſhip the firſt beaſt, that is, to receiue the worſhip and religion of the old Roman tyranny, which ſet vp and maintained Idolatry. So then, although the power in the Papacy came vnderunder the name of Chriſt, yet in truth it was the ſame that the power of the perſecuting Empire: for the heathen emperours condemned the true worſhip of God, and ſet vp falſe worſhip, euen the worſhip of diuels, which is Idolatry, and ſo do the Popes alſo. So then we ſee, that this ſecond beaſt is al for the firſt beaſt, that is, he leuieth al his power and authority, to ſet vp the worſhip and religion of the old Romane tyrants; and to force al men by cruel lawes and decrees, to receiue and embrace the ſame. So this ſecond beaſt is nothing better thē the firſt; nay in truth a great deale worſe.
verſ. 13 And he did great woonders, ſo that hee made fire to come downe from heauen on the earth, in the ſight of men.
verſ. 14 And deceiued them that dwell on the earth, by the ſignes which were permitted him to doo in the ſight of the beaſt, ſaying to them that dwell on the earth, that they ſhould make the Image of the beaſt, which had the wound of a ſword, and did liue.
Theſe two verſes do containe two ſpecial things: The one is, the falſe & fained miracles of Antichriſt. The other is, the curſed effect thereof.
Touching the firſt, which is the woonders and miracles which Antichriſt ſhould worke, it is here ſaid that he ſhould make fire come downe from heauen, as Elias did. The meaning whereof is not, that the Popes could indeed cauſe fire to come downe from heauen, as Elias did: but in the opinion of the blind world, they ſeemed to hauehave as great power as euer had Elias. For partly by counterfeit miracles, and partly by ſome ſtrange things done by the power of Sathan, the ſeduced world hath verily beleeued, that the Pope and his clergie had as great power to worke miracles, as euer had Elias.
Touching the ſecond thing, which is the effect of theſe woonders: It is here ſayd that the inhabitants of the earth, that is, Papiſts and Worldlings, were groſſelie deceiued and deluded by them, euen by thoſe lying woonders, which were permitted him to doo in the ſight of the beaſt, that is, in the face and open view of the Empire: According as the Apoſtle foretolde, that the comming of Antichriſt ſhould be by the effectuall working of Sathan, 2. Theſ. 2.with all power and ſignes, and lying woonders, and in all deceiueableneſſe of vnrighteouſneſſe among them that periſh, &c. But concerning the Popiſhe counterfeit ſignes and woonders, it is needeleſſe to write, beeing ſo wel knowne to al men, as they are, and ſo common and notorious in al ſtories.
ver. 14 Saying to them that dwel on the earth, that they ſhould make the image of the beaſt, which had the wound of a ſword, and did liue.
Now Antichriſt hauing gotten the world vnderunder him, by his counterfeit miracles, dooth lay his commandement vponupon thē, to make the Image of the beaſt. Now what is here meant by the image of the beaſt, is ſomewhat hard to diſcuſſe: ſome thinke, that by the image of the beaſt, which had the wound of a ſword, and did liue, is meant the repairing, and the reſtoring of the decaied eſtate of the empire, by the Popes, to his ful ſtrength and vertue. We doe read that the ſtate of the empire vnderunder Nero, Otho, Galba, and Vitellius, was weak & feeble, in compariſon of that which it was before, vnderunder Auguſtus, Tiberius, & Claudius. We doo reade alſo that the Gothes and Vandales made horrible rents and diſſipations in the Romane empire. We doe further reade, that the empire was deuided and rent in peeces; ſo that there was the emperour of the Eaſt, & the emperour of ye Weſt; yea at laſt, the empire of the Weſt fel quite downe: ſo that for the ſpace of three hundred yeares and more, there was no Emperour of the Weſt, vntill the Biſhop of Rome Leo the third made Charles the Great, the king of France, Emperour: Then was the empire of the Weſt againe erected, and in time grew to as great an height vnderunder the dominion of the Popes, as euer before; yea and farre greater. Now I ſay, ſome do take this reſtoring of the decayed eſtate of the Empire, by the Popes, to his former ſtrength and power, to be the making of the image of the beaſt, which had the wound of a ſword, and did liue. But for mine owne part I cannot be of that opinion; and my reaſon is, that the reſtoring of the decaied eſtate of the empire to his former condition, was the ſetting vp of the beaſt himſelfe: for the empire is the beaſt, and not the Image of the beaſt: for we muſt needes graunt, that the beaſt, and the image of the beaſt, are two ſeueral things. But the Popes in recouering the empire to his priſtinate eſtate, ſet vp the beaſt againe: and therfore not the image of the beaſt. Therefore the image of the beaſt, cannot be vnderſtood of the reſtauration of the decaied eſtate of the empire. Beſides this, it is here ſaid, that the inhabitants of the earth had a great hād in making of this image. But the inhabitāts of the earth bare ſmal ſway in the recouering and erectiō of the empire. (For therein the Popes were al in al, after it came into their hands) Therfore this cannot be vnderſtood of ye Empire, but of ſome other thing: let vsus then diligently ſearch out what may be the true meaning of this place. It muſt needes be graunted, that by the beaſt, which had the wound of a ſworde, and did liue, is meant the recouered eſtate of the empire, as before verſ. 12. and by the image thereof, I vnderſtande the forme of gouerment: for an image doth ſignifie a likenes, a ſimilitude, a figure or forme of a thing. And as in all ciuil and eccleſiaſticall regiments, there is both a ſubſtance and a forme; a matter and a manner: ſo here, verſ. 12 hauing before ſet downe that Antichriſt had erected the ſubſtance and matter of the old Romane tyranny; now he ſheweth, that he ſhould alſo ſet vp the image and forme of the ſame. For before ver. 12. it is ſaid, that Antichriſt this ſecōd beaſt, cauſed the world to worſhip the firſt beaſt, that is, to receiue and imbrace the lawes, worſhip, and religion of the olde heatheniſh Romane tyrants, as before hath bin ſhewed: and now here is added, that hee did not content himſelfe with cauſing the inhabitants of the earth to worſhip the old beaſt, in the ſubſtance of his religion; but alſo he laieth commaundements vponupon them, to make his Image, that is, to erect an externall forme of Eccleſiaſticall gouernment, after the verie patterne and forme of the gouernement of the old Empire; yea ſo like it, that it is called the verie image of the ſame. For as the forme of gouernement vnderunder the old Emperours, was cruell and tyrannicall, and altogether bent againſt the Church: ſo the forme of Eccleſiaſticall gouernement vnderunder the Popes, was cruell and tyrannicall, and altogether bent againſt the Church; and therefore heere it is called the Image of it▪ for it is as like it as it can looke. Then it followeth, that Antichriſt hath ſet vp that externall forme of worſhip, which the Idolatrous Romans of old vſed; and that he hath renewed the perſecuting Empire, not onelyonly in ſubſtance of matter, but alſo in forme of gouernement: and therefore I conclude, that the Popiſh Church-policie, and externall regiment, is the verie Image of the beaſt.
Heere the inhabitants of the earth are ſaid to make the Image of the beaſt, becauſe they gaue their conſent to the making of it: for indeede the Popes themſelues were the chiefe agents and doers in it.
ver. 15 And it was permitted vntounto him, to giuegive a ſpirit vntounto the Image of the beaſt; ſo that the Image of the beaſt ſhould ſpeake, and ſhould cauſe that as many as would not worſhip the Image of the beaſt, ſhould bee killed.
Heere is ſhewed, that this image of the beaſt was not a dead image, but a liuing image: for Antichriſt put a ſpirit into it; that is, life and power, and great authoritie; inſomuch that this Image could ſpeake; and not onelyonly ſpeake, but ſpeake with great authoritie and terrour: ſo as whoſoeuer would not worſhip this Image, that is, ſubmit himſelfe to the Popiſh Hierarchie, ſhould bee put to death. But may ſome man ſay, How did this image ſpeake? I anſwer, by the Popes Clergie. For the Romiſh rabble of Cardinals, Abbots, Monks, Prieſts, Friers, and all that curſed corporation, were the verie breath, life, and ſpirit of this image: I meane, that the lifebloud of their externall regiment, did lie in the execution thereof by the Clergie, as it were in certaine arteries and veines. For what was their outwarde forme of gouernement, without this cruell execution of their ſtinging Clergie men, but as a dead Image without life? But when Antichriſt had once conſecrated and erected his Romiſh prieſthood, then did hee put life into his Image, which before he had cauſed to bee made and erected. Then wee doe plainely ſee, that the popiſh Hierarchie is not a bare reſemblance of the old Roman policie, to ſtand as a picture on a wall, but hath a ſpirit put into it by the falſe Prophet, and ſpeaketh with ſuch power and terrour in all kingdomes, that it cauſeth all to bee put to death that will not ſubmit themſelues vntounto it, and fall downe and worſhip the beaſt. Who knoweth not this, that as manie in all countries, as would not embrace poperie, and the old Roman tyrannie; the Popiſh Clergie, their inquiſitors, and other Officers, did condemne them in their Courts, as heretikes, ſchiſmatikes, and deliuered them ouer, being condemned, to the ſecular power to bee put to death.
And he made all both ſmall and great, verſ. 16 rich and poore, bond and free, to receiue a marke in their right hand, or in their foreheads.
And that no man might buy or ſell, verſ. 17 ſaue he that had the marke, or the name of the beaſt, or the number of his name.
Antichriſt is not content to murder and maſſacre all in all countries, which will not worſhip the Image of the beaſt; that is, ſtoupe to his gouernement and authoritie: but hee will goe yet a ſteppe further, and will hauehave all ſorts of people brought in bondage vntounto him, as his marked ſeruants. For as men vſe to ſet a brand vponupon their ſheepe and other cattell, and to eare-marke them, that it may openly and manifeſtly appeare to whom they appertaine: ſo doth Antichriſt this Romiſh beaſt, cauſe all men in all kingdoms to carie in open viewe his marke or brand, whereby all may ſee that they do appertaine vntounto him.
It is heere ſaid, that all the vaſſals of Antichriſt, of what degree, eſtate, or condition ſoeuer, muſt receiue his marke in their right hand, or in their forehead: that is, they muſt openly profeſſe and practiſe the worſhip and religion of the beaſt. For the forehead is put for the profeſſion; and the right hand, for the action: ſo that in one of them at the leaſt, eueryevery man muſt openly declare, that hee acknowledgeth the Pope of Rome to be Lord of his faith.
Moreouer it is added, That no man might buy or ſell, ſaue hee that had the marke, or the name of the beaſt, or the number of his name: the meaning is, that no man might traffique in the world, or hauehave anie doings amongſt men; nay, hee might not be ſuffered to liue, except hee had the marke of the beaſt in his forehead, or in his right hand; that is, vnleſſe he did profeſſe and practiſe the worſhip, the religion, the lawes, and decrees of the Pope. For the marke of the beaſt is put for his worſhip, religion, lawes, decrees, regiments, and policie.
Moreouer the Popes vaſſals hauehave not onelyonly his marke vponupon them, whereby they may be knowne, but alſo the name of the beaſt; for they muſt bee named after him, euen as children beare the name of their Fathers, and muſt bee called of the Pope, or Papa, Papiſts. And not onelyonly ſo, but alſo they hauehave another priuie marke vponupon them, and that is the number of his name, which is Latinos, or profeſſours of the Latine religion, Latine kingdome, and Italian Church, as ſhall by and by appeare.
Now then to grow to a concluſion, and to make a briefe recapitulation of all thinges heere ſpoken concerning the ſecond beaſt, which is Antichriſt: Let vsus conſider what increaſings and proceedings hee hath made, as it were by degrees.
Firſt, although he hauehave two hornes like the Lamb, that is, ciuill and eccleſiaſticall power; yet he ſpeaketh like the Dragon, that is, he bendeth all his power and authoritie, words and works for the diuell.
Secondly, he doth as much as the firſt beaſt could do in the ſeruice of the Dragon.
Thirdly, he cauſeth the firſt beaſt to be worſhipped, that is, eſtabliſheth the ſubſtance of his religion.
Fourthly, he maketh the image of the beaſt, that is, addeth a forme to the ſubſtance.
Fiftly, hee putteth life into his Image by his Clergie.
Sixtly, he will hauehave this Image worſhipped, and yeelded vntounto, on paine of death.
Laſtly, he will hauehave all men of all conditions to weare his liuerie, and to receiue his marke, as it were his hired and couenant ſeruants.
Heere is wiſdome: Let him that hath wit, count the the number of the beaſt: for it is the number of a man, and his number is ſixe hundred theeſcore and ſixe.
Now laſt of all the holy Ghoſt telleth vsus that it is a verie high point of wiſedome and vnderſtanding, to count the number of the beaſt, and requireth a ſharpe and pregnant wit; and withall telleth vsus, that it is the number of a man; that is, ſuch as a man endued with Gods Spirite may finde out. Then wee are encouraged to ſearch into it, ſith it is within the compaſſe of mans reach. It is no impoſſible thing. If therefore wee could find out his name, wee would deſire no more; then the field were wonne: for his name would diſcouer him, and deſcrie him to all the world, and quite ſtoppe the mouthes of the Papiſts, ſo as they ſhould neuer hauehave anie thing more to ſay. For if Saint Iohn had ſaid expreſly and in plaine tearmes, that the Popes of Rome are this ſecond beaſt, and the verie Antichriſt himſelfe, then the Papiſts had beene put to perpetuall ſilence, all matters quaſht, and all controuerſies ended betwixt them and vsus for euer. But heere the holy Ghoſt doth not tell vsus his name plainely, but myſtically, as manie other things in this booke, that the worldlings which ſhould fulfill them might be blinded, whileſt the eyes of Gods elect are opened to ſee into the truth of all theſe matters. Well, to come to the point: Saint Iohn doth onelyonly heere ſet downe the numeratiue letters of the beaſts name. Hee wrote in Greeke, and he onelyonly ſetteth downe three Greeke letters or characters, which in Greeke numeration make ſixe hundred ſixtie ſixe.foreign Now further wee are to note, that the numeratiue letters of the Greeke word foreign doe make iuſt this number. And yet further we are to obſerue as a verie ſpeciall thing, that Irenaeus, Iren. lib. 5. contra haereſ.an ancient Father of the Church, who liued verie neere vntounto the Apoſtles times, mentioneth this worde Lateinos, as the name of the beaſt. And moreouer affirmeth, that it was a common receiued opinion in his time, and before, that the Beaſt ſhould be ſo called. Now then let vsus conſider how this fitteth. Firſt, we know that the numeratiue letters of Lateinos doe iuſtly fit Saint Iohns Greeke numeratiue letters. Secondly, we know that Antichriſt is the head of the Latine Church, or Latine Empire: and therefore this verie Lateinos. For here we doe not enquire after the name of anie particular man, but about the name of a kingdome; for the beaſt is a kingdome, and a ſucceſſion of men. Now Italy in old time was called Latinum, & the Italians Latini: which noteth of what countrey the beaſt ſhould come. Moreouer, the beaſts name, or name of the Romane Empire is Lateinos, becauſe the Empire both vnderunder the heathen tyrants, and the Popes eſpecially, had all their religion, ſeruice, prayers, lawes, decrees, writings, and tranſlations in Latine: all was in Latine, Latine. The Pope preferred his Latine tranſlation of the Bible, before the Hebrue and Greeke originals.
Thus then it is. Saint Iohn telleth vsus flatly, that the number of the beaſt is ſixe hundred ſixtie ſixe: Irenaeus ſaith, that Lateinos is his name, which containeth iuſt that number. Therefore heere wee hauehave his name, heere hee is found. For if his name bee Lateinos, wee neede ſearch no further, wee know who it is, we know who is meant: for is not the Pope Lateinos? are not the ſucceſſion of them Latini? are they not the heads of the Latine Church, and Latine Empire? HaueHave they not all their worſhip and ſeruice in Latine? Are they not Latines? for what is the name of the Romane Empire but Lateinos? And what is the name of the Popiſh Hierarchie but Lateinos? True it is indeed which the papiſts ſay, that manie names may bee inuented, whoſe letters make this number: but the Spirit of God ſpeaketh not of fained names, for thereof can come nothing but vncertaintie: but he willeth vsus to count the number of his name, which then the beaſt had, that is, Lateinos. I doe thus then conclude. The beaſt is a kingdome, and the Papacie is the kingdome of the Latines: Therefore the Papacie is the beaſt. The papacie is Lateinos, and containeth the number of the beaſt. For what other monarchie can bee ſhewed ſince this Reuelation was giuen, whoſe numeratiue letters containe this foreſaid number? Aſſuredly none. And therefore out of all doubt Saint Iohn pointeth at the Roman Empire, and monarchie of the Popes. For Lateinos doth both containe the number of the beaſt, according to Saint Iohns computation, and alſo his name, which is the Latine Empire, or Romane Empire. And thus hauehave wee heard the deſcription of theſe two huge and monſtrous beaſts, the ſea beaſt, and the land beaſt; which both from the Apoſtles times hitherto hauehave indeede played the beaſts againſt Chriſt and his Church, and ſtill doe play the beaſts, and will neuer ceaſe playing the beaſts, till their hornes, and hoofes, heads, and bodies be cleane cut off, which will be ſhortly, as we ſhall heare anon.