The Sealed Book Opened, Commentary · Chapter 17
CHAP. XVII.
The Sense or Explication.
IN this Chapter we have, 1. The introduction to the vision of the great Whore and the Beast whereon she sits, to v. 3. 2. The vision it selfe, to v. 7. And, 3. The Exposition thereof to the end of the Chapter.
Ver. 1. ANd there came one of the seven Angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither, I will shew unto thee the judgement of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters.
In the introduction we have, 1. The Angels invitation to the subsequent vision, who was one of the seven that had the seven vials. 2. His promise which he makes, to wit, to shew him the judgements of the great whore. Where foreign is put for foreign, damnatio, not only temporal here, but, as c. 19.20. by an eternal hereafter, the cause whereof is imbossomed (like Uriahs letter) in the stile she gets, not only of a whore, as idolatrous Jerusalem is called, Isa. 1.21. who sometimes was a faithful City, but likewise she is called a great whore, because of her whoredomes committed with so many, and that (as is said, v. 5. she was the mother of harlots.
Ver. 2. With whom the Kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabiters of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
Here are set down these also who committed whoredome with her, to wit, Kings and other inhabiters of the earth, that is both great and small, rich and poor, bond and free, as we h…ve it exprest, c. 13.16. shewing thereby what a shamelesse, common, and indeed Catholick harlot she is: who are said to be made drunk with the wine of her fornication, thereby to shew (as has been said before, on c 14.8.) that idolatry is, 1. A sensual sort of Religion, and therefore alluring. 2. That it is inebriating, and therefore obduring. 3. That it is an enraging thing, or else which makes senslesse, as drunkennesse with wine doth one of the two.
Moreover, we see here the whores policy, that first she draws the Kings and Princes of the earth to commit forni…ation with her, and then the other inhabiters, because the example of Superiours are ordinarily followed by inferi…urs.
Ver. 3. So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wildernesse: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemie, having seven heads and ten hornes.
Follows now the Vision, and 1. The place where he saw the same, and how Iohn was ca…ried thither, which was in the Spiri…. The place then was the wildernesse. Noting thereby, 1. That to know this Mystery a retired and holy disposition of a contemplative minde is required. 2. The woman representing the true Church, c. 12.14. was left in a wildernesse. But here in place of her Iohn findes indeed a woman, but another sort of woman, a whore, so that here is the Roman local succession whereof they brag, as Isa. 1.21. a harlot succeeding to a faithul City. 3. This signifies (sayes Ribera) that Rome after her punishment shall be turned into a great wildernesse, as we shall see hereafter, c. 18.
Next, concerning this woman whom he saw, we have to consider, 1. Who she is. 2. What the beast is whereon she sits. 3. Her glorious decking. 4. The name that is written on her forehead; and last of all, her bloody cruelty.
First then, Ribera the Jesuite tells, (Rib. in v. 1.) that this woman is Rome, saying, this woman signifies Rome, who had allured many to her idolatry, and was to allure many by hope of gain, both of goods and pleasures.
Secondly, this beast is the Papacy or Papal clamed authority that bears up idolatrous Rome, and the Church thereof in its grandure and glory. Which is said, 1. To be scarlet coloured, which being taken literally may denotate that colour wherewith her Cardinals and Conclave are clad, but Mystically signifies, as v. 6. her bloody disposition. 2. The same is said to be full of the names of blaspemy, whereby blasphemous doctrines as also titles are meant, whereof we have already spoken, c. 13.5, 6. such is papal divinity. 3. This beast has seven heads and ten hornes, whereof we shall speak, v. 9. and 12. hereafter.
Ver. 4. And the woman was arayed in purple and skarlet colour, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand, full of abominations and filthinesse of her fornication.
Follows here next her glorious decking, or her whorish busking. 1. Then, she is described from her rayment of purple and scarlet, the one denotating her pride, or fastum regium, as Ribera speaks, purple being the robes of Princes, and the other, being …he colour of blood, denotating her cruelty. 2. She is said to be decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls, shewing thereby that she shall be glorious in all outward and worldly lustre, riches and pomp, as her Papal crown, her Prelates pontifical habits, her Clergies rich vestments, Copes, covers of Altars and such like does shew, far diverse from the decking of that woman, c. 12.1. (See Platina in vita Greg. 4. & Pauli. 2.) 3. She has a golden cup in her hand, faire without like the painted Tombes, but foul within, being full of abominations and filthinesse of her fornication, this golden cup signifying her fair pretence of infallibility and purity of truth, but covertly under the same, affording no other but abominable errours, superstition and idolatry, which is called here the filthinesse of her fornication, as it was before, c 14.8. called the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Therfore defiling (as that does which is filthy) and drawing down likewise the wrath of God on them that drink of that cup. And to shew how abominable and filthy her idolatry is in Gods sight, and should be so in mans, the same is called so, not in the concreat, as we say, but in the abstract, abominations and filthinesse.
Ver. 5. And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Fourthly, we have here the name that is written on her forehead, Mystery, Babylon the great, &c. by this name, her profession of these errors, superstition and Idolatries (as one professes his name,) being to be understood, and as Christs name, c. 12.13. and Mat. 19.29. signifies in like manner his doctrine, and profession of the same, which name she is said to have written in her forehead, which is the seat of shamefastnesse, and most conspicuous part of the body, signifying thereby that she has a whores fore-head, and is not ashamed of her erroneous Doctrine and idolatrous practices which she obtrudes for the only true Religion, but partly avows the same to be infallible verity, and her selfe therein to be that Chruch of Christ which can no wayes erre. Yet as by a ma…s name one is known to be such; or such a one, even so by her name, or doctrine and profession she is known to be, Mystery, Ba…ylon the great, &c. That is to say, 1. As Ribera expounds it, the Mystical Babylon here spoken of in the Revelation, or that Antichristian Church which, with the head thereof God shall destroy, therefore sayes he, cum dicit mysterium arcanum significat latere in nomine, id est, non propriè accipi sed figurate quemadmodum de Jerusalem dixit, c. 11.8. 2 This shews the manner of her working to be mystical and covertly, not in open opposition to Christ or the Christian profession, but cunningly and simularly, as Judas under the profession of a Disciple betrayed his Master, for which cause Antichrist gets the like name, 2 Thes. 2.3. and v. 7. his working is called the Mystery of iniqui…y, and the Beast spoken of, c. 13.11. is said to be horned like the Lamb, though he speaks like the Dragon.
Next, where she claims to be the mother Church; Indeed she is so, but a mother of harlots like her self, that is, of particular and national Chruches idolatrous like her self, which, c. 16.19. are called the Cities of the Nations, that should fall with Babylon the great City.
And as she is a mother of harlots, so is she called the mother of abominations of the earth, that is, the prime hatcher and fosterer of all the abomin…ble plots, and practises that are on the earth.
Ver. 6. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the Saints, and with the blood of the Martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
Follows here at last her bloody cruelty, and that John saw her even unto admiration, drunken with the blood of the Saints, and of the Martyrs of Jesus; and upon which words, I cannot but with admiration in like manner, set down the words of a Romane Jesuite, Ribera, saying, hoc in nullam urbem aque convenit ac in Romam, in qua innumerabiles martyres occisi sunt, quamvis non ebria dicitur tantum propter sanguinem in ea fusum, sed etiam p…opter sanguinem qui ejus jussit & potestate in aliis urbibus effusus est, nam hunc etiam ipsa fudit, Nec de sanguine usque ad Iohannis tempora effuso tantum loquitur, verum & de eo qui postea erat effundendus, to wit, in the time of Antichrist, as he shews in v. 8. so that she is not only a filthy and common whore, as we see, v. 2. and 4. but also a cruel and bloody whore, poysoning the souls of some by her cup, and killing the bodies of others by the sword, even as Satan is both an unclean spitit, as also a cruel murderer and has been so from the beginning.
The summe then of the mystery of this woman is this, 1. This woman as a woman, is a Church. 2. As a harlot, is a false and idolatrous Church. 3. As inebriating the Kings and inhabitants of the earth with the wine of her fornications, is a pretended Catholick Church. 4. As a mother of harlots is a mother Church. And, 5. As Mystical Babylon, which Ribera and other Romanists expound to be Rome, is the Roman Church, all which being put toge her makes up here by common consent the description of the Antichristian Church, which is therefore the Roman-mother-pretended Catholick Church, so much cryed up, and doted on by seduced souls.
Ver. 7. And the Angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman and of the Beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten hornes.
Follows here the exposition of the former Vision, whereunto is prefixt, 1. An interrogation to Iohn, not of increpation for his admiration, but of introduction to the following Exposition, saying, I will shew thee the Mystery of the woman and beast that carrieth her, &c. Where it is to be noted, that the word in the vulgar Latine is Sacramentum, as it is, Eph. 5.32. if therefore out of that place, the Romanists would thereby prove marriage to be a Sacrament, why not also out of this, that the whore here is a Sacrament likewise, to joyn her to their other seven?
Ver. 8. The beast that thou sawest, was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the bottomlesse pit, and go into perdition, and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder (whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world) when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
First then, here he begins at the description of the beast, whereof he makes four estates 1. That he was, 2. That he is not, 3. And yet is, and 4. Shall be. First, then we must remember that by the beast in general is understood the Roman jurisdiction and government, which is said, 1. That it was, to wit before Iohns dayes in the persons of the five heads, which v. 10. are said to have fallen, which were, Kings, Consuls, Decemvirs, Dictators and Tribunes of the people. 2. That in Iohns dayes it was not, so as before; But, 3. Yet it is, to wit, under the imperial government, which is the six…h head whereof Iohn speaks the same words, v. 10. saying, and one is; And 4. It shall be, to wit, under the Papal government or jurisdiction of the Popes, of which government of Rome as the last sort, and under the last head, there are three things set down. 1. The original thereof. 2. The general subjection therto. And 3. The last and total ruine of the same. First then, the original of this which sh…ll be, is set down in these words, that he shall ascend out of the bottomlesse pit, reference being had herein to that starre spoken of, c. 9.1. which fell from heaven, to whom was given the key of the bottomlesse pit, and who from his ascending from thence, v 11. is called the Angel thereof, as the Angels of heaven are so called, because they come from thence to be Ministring spirits to the godly. His original then shews what sort of person he shall be who sh…ll rule, and what sort of his government shal be wherby he rules, and Ribera grants, that this shall be the Antichrist. 2. The general subjection to this sort of government, whereby the Roman Church pleads to be Catholick, is set down in these words, that they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, refere…ce being had here to c. 13.3. and 8. Where in the first place it is said, that all the world wondered after the beast, and v. 8. that all that dwell on the earth worshipped him. Whose names were not written in the book of life, &c. 3. The last total ruine of head and state is set down in these words, and he shall go into perdition. The sonne whereof (with Iudas) he is called, 2 Thessal. 2.3. and that, most justly being a destroyer that he should go to destruction
Ver. 9. And here is the mind which hath wisdom, The seven heads are seven mountaines, on which the woman sitteth.
In the further discovery of this beast to know him aright, the Angel by a parenthesis declares that there is required heavenly wisdome, and then accordingly expounds to Iohn, what his seven heads signified, to wit, seven mountains which so cleerly denotates Rome, that the Jesuite Ribera plainly sayes thus, on c. 14.8. Huic conveniunt aptissime omnia quae de Babylone dicuntur hoc libro, atque illud imprimis quod alii convenire non potest, septem capita, septem montes sunt, super quos mulier sedet, constat enim Romam super septem montes fundatam esse, de quibus Virgilius, Septemque uno sibi muro circundabit arces, & Ovidius.
Sed quae de septem totum circumspicit orbem
Montibus imperii Roma, deûmque locus.
Hi sunt, palatinus, quirinalis, Aventinus, Coelius, Viminalis, Asquilinus, Janicularis.
Ver. 10. And there are seven Kings, five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come: and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
He sayes here likewise, that the seven heads are likewise seven Kings, meaning thereby not so many individual persons, but sorts of sovereign government, in each whereof were many persons successively following one after another, which Ribera very well observes, saying, postremo intelligat non esse inusitatum in Scriptura ut in uno rege, multi similes & quasi ejusdem corporis significentur, ut Dan. 8.3. Ubi Daniel ait, ecce aries stabat, &c. quod, v. 20. Angelus exponens, ait, Aries quem vidisti habentem cornua, sunt reges Mediae & Persiae, and thereafter, Matth 22.11. Legimus (sayes he) intravit rex ut videret discumbentes & vidit ibi hominem non vestitum veste nuptiali; in quem locum Hieronymus ait, unus iste omnes qui sociati sunt malitia intelliguntur. Which thing is the more observable against such, who reading of Antichrist in the Scripture in the singular number, from thence would collect that therefore one individual man is thereby only to be understood.
Of the five of which Kings that were fallen in Iohns days and before, and of him that was in his dayes, signifying the Roman Emperours, we have spoken, and the other is not yet come (sayes he) and when he comes, he must continue a short space, which is to be understood of Theodoricus the Ostrogoth and those who after the over-running of Italy, and possessing of Rome suceeded him, whose Monarchick government over the same continued but seventy years, called here a short space.
Ver. 11. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eight, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
And the beast (sayes he) that was (as has been explained already) and is not, if we look to that present time wherein Iohn wrote, but was to come thereafter, when the let whereof Paul speaks, 2 Thes. 2.7. should be taken out of the way, is here called the eighth head, as also of the seven, noting hereby the twofold sovereignty that the Popes should have over Rome, to wit, one civil with all the former heads, and one proper and peculiar, to wit, of spiritual jurisdiction, as Mantuan says, ense potens gemino, swaying so both the swords, and wherein he shall be the last head, and shall go into perdition.
Ver. 12. And the ten hornes which thou sawest are ten Kings, which have received no Kingdome as yet: but receive power as Kings one hour with the beast.
Here the Angel comes next to the exposition of the ten hornes of the beast, and tells Iohn, that these are ten Kings that shal arise (to wit) of the ruines of the Roman Empire to a royal dignity, not meaning as h…s been said, only so many individual persons, but a succession of such, neither a precise number of ten, but putting a definite number here for an indefinite, and meaning thereby, many Kings only, as we see this usual in Scripture, Gen. 31.7. and Numb. 14.22. as likewise Bellarmine does acknowledge, lib. 3. de Rom. pont. cap. 8.
Those Kings in Johns dayes, had received no Kingdome as yet (sayes the Angel) the Romane Empire without any deadly wound then standing entire, but receive power, that is, shall receive power (speaking so by an anallage of time) as Kings at one houre with the beast, that is, at one time, as 1 John 2.18. the last houre is taken for the last time, neither is it to be understood that at one precise period of time that they are to receive power together without any difference of priority or posteriority, b…t as Johns last houre includes some ages, so this some difference of time, though not great, whence it is as sure, that Antichrist is come, and not to come (as the Papists fancy) as it is visible to the whole world that they are Kings now in the several kingdomes of Europe exercising Kingly power, who before were onelyonly tributary Provinces, and subject only to the Roman Emperours, which Kings are here called the beasts hornes, because by them as by his secular arme he did push and persecute as hereticks the true Saints of God and Martyrs of Jesus, which v. 14. is called their fighting against the Lamb, as he said to Paul, Why persecutest thou me?
Ver. 13. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
In which work of aiding the beast and persecuting unto death the Martyrs of Christ, is set down their wicked unity, like that of Pilots and Herods to crucifie Jesus, that they were of one minde herein, howsoever disagreeing among themselves otherwise, and unanimously in this they gave their power and strength to the b…ast, as the poor Waldenses found in the time of Innocent the third, of whom were slain by his instigation under the conduct of the Count of Montferrat 100000. (facie. temp. in vita. Inno. 3.) as also the Protestants in Germany found in the reigne of Charles the fifth Emperour, and in the later troubles, which likewise the Massacre of Paris testifies, and those who suffered in France, Anno 1545. mentioned by Sleidan in which persecution in one Town Cabrier by one Minerius were slaine eight hundred, not sparing women nor children: The Inquisition also in the Low-countreys and Spaine, the reign of Queen Mary in England, the intended eighty eight, and the late rebellion in Ireland, all proclaim the truth hereof.
Kings also gave their strength to the beast, 1. When they gave a great part of their proper rents and revenues, to build and richly endow so many Abacies erect prelacies, and give so rich donations. 2. When they suffered such huge summes to be carried to Rome yeerly out of their Dominions, as annats, Peter-pence and such like, so that Duarenus a Romanist testifies, that in one year there went out of France seven and twenty hundred thousand crow… in the time of Pius the third; (lib. defens. libert. eccle. gallicanae.) 2. When they are yielded to the Popes jurisdiction, such submission, and professed subjection, as the book of sacred Ceremonies and their practise does shew. And, 4. When they gave such large priviledges, power and exemptions to the Roman Clergy within their Dominions.
Ver. 14. These shall make warre with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with him, are called, and chosen, and faithfull.
Here is shewn to what end they unanimously concur and give their power and strength to the beast, to wit, to make war with the Lamb, which signifies, 1. The nature of their quarrel, to wit, religion and the truth of Christ, which they oppose and persecute in his true members, and therefore howsoever they would be esteemed Christian, yet they are but meer Antichristian Princes. 2. This signifies, during the time of their prevailing against his Saints and Martyrs, by persecuting of them, whom they were persecuting, to wit, the Lamb Christ Jesus himself as he said to Saul, why persecutest thou me? 3. How meek and patiently th…y kythed during their persecution, to wit, like a Lamb, as he kythed also in his personal sufferings, Isa. 53.7.
The successe of which war is next set down, to be victory on Christs side at last, to wit, by conversion of them to the truth, as he was over so many at once, Acts 2.37. and 40. and over Saul when he was in his very rage of persecution, the reason of which victory is set down, that as he is a meek Lamb, so is he a mighty Lord, yea a Lord of lords, and King of kings, who has also the hearts of all Kings in his hands and turnes them what way he willeth like rivers of waters.
Next, it is to be noted that this victory is not meant to be over all these Kings, because to Romes very last overthrow, we see that some are so inebriate with her cup, that they will adheare to her, and as c. 18.9. greatly bewaile her, the victory over whom by their eversion is set down, c. 19.18. as the victor… over these by their conversion is set down here.
Follows thereafter that which is a great comfort to the godly in their conflict with Antichrist and his followers, for as the cause and conflict is common, they suffering for Christ, and he suffering in them, so likewise they are here set down as partakers in common wi…h Christ of the victory, and therefore they neither fight alone, s…ffer alone, nor with uncertain victo…y.
The stiles which they get are, called, and chosen, and faithful, their being faithful, (as all are exhorted, Rev. 2.10.) being an evidence of their election, and an effect of their effectual calling, and none being such, but who with Christ will side against Antichrist, all which in the end shall surely be victorious.
Ver 15. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
Follows here the Exposition of the waters whereon the whore, v. 2. mysticall Babylon sits, which serves for the understanding greatly of c. 16.12. where it is said that upon the pouring out of the sixth vial, the waters of Euphrates were dried up, as was there explained, and which serves greatly in like manner to prove the Roman Church to be Antichristian, as claiming multitudes to be on her side, and therefore making it a note of the Church.
Ver. 16. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
Follows here the effect of the Lambs victory spoken of, v. 14. where all the ten are said to do (by an usual synecdoche) what most part shall do, which is, 1. (As Amnon hated Thamar) so they shall hate the whore. 2. They shall make her desolate and naked, signifying thereby their abstracting from her former rents and revenues which she had out of their dominions. 3. They shall eat her flesh, that is, according to the Scripture phrase, Psal. 27.2. make a prey of her and destroy her. And, 4. They shall burne her with fire, and then it shall be accomplished what is Prophecied of her, c. 18.8. and was of Eastern Babylon before her, Jer. 51.33. and 58. which last in Gods own time is yet to be accomplished, and will be assuredly, as Ribera, Viega, and other Jesuites do plainly confesse.
Ver. 17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
Follows here who is the prime author of her destruction, as is also set down, c. 18.8. to wit, God, who is said here to put it in their hearts to fulfil his Will, this being relative to that which is spoken in the preceding verse, of hating the whore, &c. and on which words, sayes Ribera, ad desolutionem & incendium Romae pertinent, causam enim ostendunt tantae desolationis ab iis effectae, qui amici potius futuri videbantur.
Only there rests here one great doubt or difficulty in the words that follow, how in such an evil action, as to agree and give their Kingdom to the beast, God can be said to put that in their heart, or they therein to do Gods Will, as we have the like speeches, 2 Sam. 16.10. Psalme 105.25. Ezek. 14.9. and Acts 4.27. by which and the like speeches the evil works of men are ascribed to God. But this is not properly or absolutely to be understood, as if God were the Authour of such (which were blasphemy) but in so far as by them the Lord is the executer of his just judgement, punishing sin by sinne, as we see, 2 Thes. 2.10, 11. and making that which is malum culpae upon mans part to be malum paenae upon his part, man being unjust in the one, but God ever just and righteous in the other.
In all which things we have likewise to consider, 1. The natural motion in every sinful action which is from God, in whom we are and move. 2. The vitiosity of the action, like claudication, which is from mans corruption and Satans instigation. 3. The diversity of the ends, Gods end being ever good, though mans be sinful, as in Josephs selling, Gen. 45.7. and Christs crucifying, Act. 4.27. And, 4. Gods secret judgment which in and by those actions, he doth ever execute, and is always just.
The Jesuite Ribera also sayes, that the words out of the Greek are, ut sensus fit hujusmodi, Deus dedit in corda eorum, ut Romam vastarent (sayes he) dedit etiam ut regnum suum bestiae dent, id est, permisit hoc, eos velle, & hoc iis placere.
And concerning the next words, untill the Words of God should be fulfilled, thus sayes he, id est, ut diabolus & ejus maximum membrum antichristus, adjuti opera atque potentia horum regum possint omnia facere, quae à Deo praedicta sunt tam in Daniele à c. 7. Usque ad finem duodecimi, quam in hac Apocalipsi, de persecutione justorum & de omnibus gentibus & regn…s diabolo per Antichristum subjiciendis, by which words then is signified, that though by the secret hand and counsel of God those Kings should give their power to the beast, yet it should be for a time onelyonly, till it be performed what God hath foretold of that height that Antichrist should come to, which being done, then being converted, they shall hate the whore.
Ver. 18. And the woman which thou sawest, is that great City which reigneth over the Kings of the earth.
Follows last of all the Angels exposition, what this woman or mother of harlots is, to wit, that great City which reignes over the Kings of the earth, whereof (sayes Bellarmine, l. 2. de pont. Rom. c. 2.) Babylon urbis illa magna, sedens super septem montes, & habens imperium super reges terrae Roma est, neque enim alia civitas est quae Johannis tempore imperium habuerat, and that it is Rome under the Papacy that is here described, beside Petrarch and others cited on, c. 14.8. Let us heare their own Clemangi, saying, quid de tua prophetia, Johannis scilicet in Apocalipsi censes? An non illam ad te pertinere putas? non pudorem ita cum sensu perdidisti ut haec neges. Illam ergo intuere, & lege damnationem magnae meretrio's, super aquas multas sedentis, illicque tua facta praeclara contemplare, & tuos futuros casus, (de corrupto ecclesiae statu. cap. 26.) From which former speeches I frame this Argument.
Babylon that great City, scituate on seven hills, that did reign in Iohns dayes over the Kings of the earth, and which under the last or eighth head, thereof is that great idolatrous whore, the same is the seat of Antichrist. But Rome under the Papacy is such, therefore is the seat of Antichrist. And againe, he that sits in that seate of Antichrist is Antichrist (for none else does so) pretending to be Gods Vicar, and the chief head or Monarch of the Church, 2 Thes. 2.4.
But the Pope sits in the seat of Antichrist as such,
Therefore the Pope is Antichrist.
The Lessons or Applications on the seventeenth Chapter.
Ver. 1. By this new vision, and the Angels talking with him shewing him the meaning thereof, we see that the Lord still increases the knowledge of his own who are desirous thereof in his heavenly mysteries, so that it grows like Ezekiels waters, or as from the dawning to the cleer day, till it be perfected in glory.
2. By the title of whoredome it gets, we see how hateful idolatry is, and how highly it provokes Gods wrath, who is a jealous God, as the whoredome of a woman who playes the common harlot provokes the jealousie of her husband.
3. Where the Angel sayes, I will shew thee the judgment of the great whore, we see that idolatry and idolaters in Gods time shall never escape judgement.
Ver. 2. By naming Kings of the earth first, and then the other inhabiters thereof, who had committed fornication with the whore, we see that the examples of the greatest in evil is most pernitious, as on the contrary their good example proves unto good most powerful.
2. Seeing idolatry is likened here to wine, as sensual and alluring, no marvel then that people be more prone thereto then to truth and Gods pure worship.
3. Seeing here also we see how it inebriates, no marvel then though we see those that are drunk therewith so obstinate and incorrigible.
Ver. 3. Iohn sees this woman in a wildernesse, we see then that this world is but a wildernesse, barren in any good, and full of wilde beasts, though therein (as this woman here) any had never so much pomp and pleasure.
2. This beast whereon the woman sits, shews that sin transformes persons or states into brutish beasts, yea, into brutish monsters.
Ver. 4. This like glorious external pomp of the Church of Rome in her Pope, Prelates, and pompatical Worship shewes her to be the whore here described, painted and pointed out.
2. Her cup is said to be full of abominations, teaching us how to esteem truely of her doctrines, and idolatrous worship as most abominable and odious.
3. Her cup likewise is said to be full of the filthinesse of her fornication, then let P…pists consider here what they drink, when they d…nk in popery.
4. She does all this under shew of a golden cup wherewith she covere…h her filthiness, which reaches to beware of fair and glorious titles or pretences, and to look well what is within or under, as is said, ne lateat anguis in herba.
Ver. 5. Where her name is, Mystery, this teaches us, that Antichrists opposition and working is hid and mysterious, and has been so from its beginings, therefore more to have been adverted in the seeds, while the tares were sowing.
2. She is called also Babylon, when alike sins, we see, makes persons and places to have like names.
3. By this title likewise of mother of harlots, we see what a mother Church the Church of Rome is.
Ver. 6. Iohn sees this woman drunk with the blood of the Saints, which shews the blood-thirstinesse of the Roman Church, and her insatiablenesse therein even unto drunkennesse.
2. Johns wondring thereat, shews that her cruelty is so great, that it is even to the admiration of all others who are not of her society, and like disposition.
Ver. 7. The Angels former invitation of John and offer of instruction, v. 1. and his readinesse here again to resolve John of that whereat he wondred, is a good example of all who have knowledge of heavenly Mysteries to be at all fit occasions communicative thereof to others.
Ver. 8. Where it is said that the beast should ascend out of the bottomlesse pit, we see the original of that Antichristian Roman hierarchie, to wit, that it is not from heaven, but from the bottomlesse pit, whose keys the Angel thereof has, and not Peters, or those of the Kingdom of heaven.
2. It is said that this beast goes to perdition, where we may see then whither they go who follow the Roman Church, and what is the…r doom.
3. What else is to be noted of that general wondring of the earthly sort, and following after the beast, as also of the exception of such whose names are written in the book of life, let the reader see in the notes on c. 13.3. and 8.
Ver. 9. We see here, seeing divine wisdom is requisite to understand sublime and heavenly Mysteries, therefore that those who would know such to their eternal salvation, should earnestly beg the same from God the only giver thereof.
2. The forme of speech used here, calling the seve… heads, seven mountains; by a figure called, metanomia signi pro signato, which is usual in Scripture, as Gen. 17.10.41.28. Exod. 12.11. serves to convince t…ose who for maintaining their errour of transubstantiation, will have Christs words spoken of the bread in the Sacrament of the Lords Table to be taken properly, which are spoken (as of the cup also) figuratively.
Ver. 10. The change of the formes of government, and their fall mentioned here, in Nations or republicks, teaches us the mutability of all earthly things, therefore to be despised.
2. Where it is said of the seventh head, that when he comes he must continue but a short space, this shews us, that all future things are known to God, as if they were present, and are determined by him.
Ver. 11. Where the beast is the eighth head in respect of a several government different from the former, to wit, spiritual, and is also called one of the seven in respect of his civil and temporal jurisdiction agreeing with the former, this serves cleerly to shew what the Popes claime and usurpation of both swords proves him to be, as Mantuan sayes of him.
Ense potens gemino, cujus vestigia adorant
Caesar & aurato vestiti murice reges.
Ver. 12. The time likewise of the conjunct rising from temporal sovereignty of the Pope, and the Kings of Europe by the fall of the old Roman Empire, serves also to shew and prove, that the Papal, is that Antichristian Monarchie, and that the Pope himself is that foretold of Antichrist, it being as sure that Antichrist is come, and that it is he, as it is sure that these Princes are Kings.
2. We see the basenesse of Popish Princes, by being the Popes secular arme to execute his bloody designes, by their edicts and armes, to wit, that they are but the horns of such a monstrous and bloody beast.
Ver. 13. Where it is said that they have one minde, we see that as there is a godly unity amongst the faithful, Act. 4.32. so there is a wicked conspiracy amongst the wicked, Ps. 2.1, 2.
2. These Kings they gave their power to the beast, where we see the abuse of authority contrary to Rom. 13.3, 4. for whereas their power is from God, and therefore should be for him, and for the good, they abuse it against him and for the evil.
Ver. 14. We see against whom Kings war and are enemies, when they war and persecute poor Protestants, it is not men, but the Lamb Christ Jesus.
2. Where it is said, that the Lamb should overcome them, we see the Almighty power of Jesus Christ over his mightiest enemies.
3 This shews us likewise the Lords wonderful mercy, overcoming his greatest enemies by a merciful conversion, as he did Manasseh and Paul, and not as they deserved by a just eversion.
4. Those th t were overcome by conversion, were the same with others that gave their power likewise to the beast, and were not converted, mentioned, c. 18.1. and 19 19. so that we see before grace come and effectual calling all are alike by nature and sinful disposition or guiltinesse.
5. In the conversion of these beyond others; we see the power of the truth towards the Elect.
6. We see here an admirable victory, and unlikely in outward shew, a weak Lamb to overcome mighty Kings, but the reason is subjoyned, that he is also by Divine power, a strong Lord, and King of kings, which sh…ws unto us that in Gods greatest works which he works by weakest means▪ we should not look to the weaknesse of the means▪ but to his Divine and Almighty power which secretly and unseen concurreth therewith.
7. Seeing he is King of kings, then let all Kings acknowledge themselves his vassals, cast down their crowns at his feet (as we see, Rev, 4.10.) sway their Scepters for him, enlarge his Kingdome within thei…s, and use their royal power to advance his royal dignity, thus shall he honour them who honours him, and establish their thrones to them and their posterity.
8. We see that the Elect and faithful with him partake of his victory, which teaches us, that if we suffer with him here, and fight for him as we should, contending for the truth, we shall also be victorious with him, and triumph in glory.
Ver. 15. Where the Angel expounds the waters whereon the whore sits to be peoples, and multitudes, &c. we see of what Church, multitude is a note.
2. How more prone the multitude is to walk in the broad way of errour and impiety then in the narrow way of truth and godlinesse that leads unto salvation.
Ver. 16. Where it is said, that the hornes before loved the whore, and even the beasts hornes which supported her, shall here in the end hate the whores we see what a strange change the work of conversion and effectual calling makes, where it comes, Lions shall turn Lambs, persecuters preachers, and lovers turn haters of what rhey loved before.
2. Where it is said, that they shall also make her desolate and naked, and eat her flesh, and burn her with fire, this shews us, that the destruction of that Roman Antichrist, and his hierarchie once begun, shall hold on constantly by degrees till his final destruction.
Ver. 17. It is said, that God put this in their heart to do his will, which teaches us that all true conversion begins at the heart.
2. That there are no good purposes or thoughts that enters into the heart of man, till the Lord put them in, 2 Cor. 3.5. Phil. 2.13.
3. Where God puts grace in the heart, it will kyth in the action by doing of Gods will.
4. That the whore of Rome be hated and made desolate, &c. we see that it is acceptable service to God, and the doing of his Will, to which all Christian Princes should consecrate their hearts and hands, and contribute their power and strength, which to omit, is the omitting to do his Will, and to oppose the same, is to oppose his will, which in the end will turn, as we see, c. 19.18. to their own destruction.
5. It is said likewise, that it was his Wil that they should agree and give the Kingdom to the beast, which teaches us, that God so over-rules the actions of the most wicked, as when they are doing their Will, that contrary to their intentions, in and by them the Lord is likewise doing his good Will.
6. It is said, till the words of God be fulfilled, which teaches, that then Gods Words shall be fulfilled in spite of Satan and all his instruments, yea, that they are fulfilling Gods Words themselves, when they are going on in their most wicked courses, although with no such intention. Let the godly then have patience, and the wicked be assured of Gods threatned judgements.
Ver. 18. Lastly, this woman so to be utterly destroyed, is expounded to be Rome, that great City which did reign over the Kings of the earth, where we see then the doom of the Papal sea, and that no grandure (whereof she brags, c. 18.7.) shall exeem or save her, or any from the revenging hand of Gods just punishment.