the_o great_a difficulty_n here_o be_v to_o get_v any_o reader_n at_o all_o and_o to_o prevent_v the_o be_v sentence_v without_o a_o trial_n that_o which_o do_v so_o affright_v the_o world_n from_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o usual_a fancifulness_n and_o looseness_n of_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o their_o great_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n with_o little_a or_o no_o care_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o their_o foundation_n i_o do_v therefore_o think_v it_o requisite_a to_o assure_v all_o those_o that_o look_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o whole_a aim_n of_o my_o endeavour_n here_o be_v to_o restrain_v all_o kind_n of_o liberty_n of_o imagination_n and_o to_o force_v a_o assent_n by_o close_a and_o clear_a proof_n instead_o of_o surprise_v it_o by_o a_o ingenious_a scheme_n and_o by_o the_o tempt_a agreement_n and_o lucky_a likeness_n of_o character_n my_o great_a fear_n indeed_o be_v that_o the_o dry_a strictness_n of_o the_o reason_n in_o it_o will_v turn_v away_o more_o from_o peruse_v it_o than_o the_o strength_n and_o cautiousness_n of_o it_o will_v please_v but_o that_o will_v still_o the_o more_o clear_a my_o attempt_n from_o the_o common_a prejudice_n it_o may_v be_v some_o motive_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o that_o the_o only_a end_n of_o this_o undertake_n be_v to_o find_v out_o a_o more_o satisfactory_a foundation_n for_o what_o the_o excellent_a mr._n mede_n have_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v in_o this_o way_n who_o know_a reputation_n for_o his_o impartial_a and_o cautious_a judgement_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o silence_v all_o inconsiderate_a prejudices_fw-la against_o his_o performance_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o have_v indeed_o be_v some_o very_a great_a name_n of_o late_a etc._n grotius_n dr._n hammond_n etc._n etc._n among_o ourselves_o who_o have_v excuse_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o any_o concern_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o that_o only_o by_o lay_v down_o another_o scheme_n of_o interpretation_n without_o any_o tolerable_a proof_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a prejudice_n against_o their_o authority_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o such_o shift_n for_o their_o foundation_n as_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o the_o most_o skilful_a of_o the_o romish_a interpreter_n themselves_o do_v cry_v treatise_n see_v the_o preface_n to_o my_o former_a treatise_n out_o against_o as_o thing_n that_o none_o but_o man_n out_o of_o their_o wit_n will_v own_o and_o such_o as_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o interpreter_n jew_n and_o christian_n ancient_a and_o modern_a and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n of_o phrase_n do_v declare_v that_o sense_n of_o they_o which_o these_o new_a man_n account_v monstrous_a in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o brethren_n to_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o all_o but_o those_o that_o be_v blind_a may_v easy_o see_v it_o or_o such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o usage_n of_o common_a speech_n and_o to_o the_o usage_n of_o scripture_n or_o such_o as_o must_v necessary_o be_v allow_v which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o those_o learned_a interpreter_n of_o our_o own_o who_o have_v bring_v the_o same_o charge_n against_o these_o ingenious_a innovator_n it_o will_v at_o the_o first_o much_o surprise_n any_o man_n to_o see_v these_o learned_a protestant_n so_o busy_a to_o ease_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o this_o trouble_n from_o their_o brethren_n when_o all_o the_o thanks_o that_o they_o can_v get_v for_o it_o from_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o those_o who_o cause_n they_o oblige_v by_o it_o be_v to_o be_v call_v madman_n and_o fool_n for_o their_o pain_n but_o in_o this_o they_o themselves_o do_v satisfy_v we_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o come_v to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o revelation_n with_o a_o design_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o it_o be_v more_o to_o answer_v objection_n against_o some_o singular_a notion_n than_o to_o unfold_v the_o mystery_n of_o that_o prophecy_n they_o come_v to_o force_v their_o way_n through_o the_o difficulty_n that_o the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o vision_n do_v lay_v in_o their_o way_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o see_v man_n wrest_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o their_o fancy_n for_o some_o particular_a opinion_n their_o expedient_a for_n catholic_n union_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o compliance_n of_o the_o roman_a their_o assurace_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o conveyance_n of_o a_o right_a succession_n and_o ordination_n by_o a_o church_n that_o be_v not_o formal_o idolatrous_a etc._n etc._n be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o protestant_a sense_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a on_o the_o other_o side_n from_o the_o closeness_n and_o cautiousness_n of_o mr._n mede_n explication_n and_o the_o impartiality_n of_o his_o judgement_n upon_o all_o other_o occasion_n that_o his_o whole_a aim_n be_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o clear_a and_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o mystery_n he_o bid_v no_o private_a opinion_n that_o he_o come_v to_o advance_v by_o it_o or_o to_o make_v it_o a_o drudge_n to_o and_o his_o way_n of_o life_n and_o the_o wariness_n and_o the_o ingenuity_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o all_o his_o other_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n do_v sufficient_o secure_v he_o that_o character_n of_o himself_o which_o his_o modesty_n will_v only_o own_v viz._n his_o freedom_n from_o studium_fw-la partium_fw-la but_o the_o present_a age_n be_v so_o general_o prepossess_v with_o the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o learned_a man_n that_o it_o be_v further_a necessary_a to_o remind_v those_o that_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o great_a service_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o they_o be_v great_a novelty_n 160._o see_v dr._n bernard_n be_v discourse_n p._n 139_o to_o 160._o in_o its_o doctrine_n and_o if_o continue_v in_o will_v but_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o from_o its_o own_o first_o faith_n only_o to_o uphold_v some_o prerogative_n of_o its_o own_o reformation_n to_o the_o undervalue_v and_o undermine_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o it_o be_v manifest_a 316._o manifest_a three_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n against_o idolatry_n p._n 69._o and_o 6_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n against_o rebellion_n p._n 316._o by_o the_o homily_n approve_v of_o in_o our_o article_n as_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o church_n that_o the_o charge_n of_o babylon_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o stand_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o it_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o 57_o the_o bishop_n jewel_n p._n 373._o bishop_n abbot_n antichristi_fw-la demonstratio_fw-la archbishop_n whitgift_n tract_n 8._o p._n 349._o bishop_n andrews_n tortura_fw-la torti_n bishop_n bilson_n p._n 527._o bishop_n morton_n mr._n r._n hooker_n be_v treatise_n of_o justification_n sect_n 10_o 57_o currant_n judgement_n of_o all_o the_o best_a learned_a member_n of_o it_o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n james_n the_o first_o it_o be_v real_o believe_v in_o his_o time_n to_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o important_a a_o part_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o both_o the_o church_n and_o the_o court_n do_v applaud_v the_o king_n in_o his_o public_a defence_n of_o it_o though_o he_o do_v thereby_o plain_o endanger_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o character_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n among_o all_o roman-catholick_n prince_n as_o appear_v by_o lessius_n epistle_n monitory_a to_o they_o after_o that_o time_n this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o homily_n come_v to_o be_v more_o out_o of_o fashion_n either_o to_o be_v civil_a to_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o succeed_a reign_n or_o to_o take_v away_o all_o the_o advantage_n that_o the_o serapatist_n may_v have_v from_o hence_o against_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n and_o ordination_n in_o every_o lawfully-constituted_n church_n which_o may_v also_o show_v they_o the_o necessity_n of_o unite_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o extravagant_a heat_n of_o those_o time_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v learned_a man_n run_v into_o unnecessary_a extreme_n but_o the_o common_a danger_n of_o late_a have_v now_o revive_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n again_o which_o these_o novelty_n do_v contradict_v all_o the_o best_a learned_a in_o the_o church_n have_v be_v engage_v in_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o formal_a idolatry_n in_o expose_v all_o expedient_n for_o union_n with_o it_o in_o demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o succession_n in_o disow_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o right_n of_o supremacy_n there_o etc._n etc._n if_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o
settlement_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n though_o they_o infinite_o differ_v about_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a invitation_n to_o engage_v the_o curiosity_n of_o any_o that_o be_v concern_v for_o useful_a and_o important_a truth_n than_o that_o consideration_n the_o great_a variety_n of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o interpreter_n about_o these_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v man_n hope_n of_o a_o clear_a interpretation_n more_o than_o the_o same_o difference_n among_o they_o about_o almost_o every_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o do_v almost_o as_o general_o agree_v about_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o vision_n as_o about_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v less_o mystical_a the_o language_n of_o prophecy_n already_o explain_v by_o accomplishment_n be_v in_o these_o thing_n as_o sure_a a_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n as_o the_o more_o common_a language_n of_o scripture_n be_v for_o the_o other_o book_n of_o it_o that_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o those_o that_o seem_v the_o most_o impartial_a in_o these_o thing_n more_n mr._n mede_n b_o p._n Ê‹sher_n dr._n more_n be_v very_o confident_a that_o there_o be_v plain_a ground_n upon_o that_o foundation_n to_o build_v a_o demonstrative_a evidence_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o these_o vision_n upon_o with_o this_o encouragement_n it_o will_v be_v first_o inquire_v what_o sure_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n as_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o satisfaction_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v from_o the_o clear_a interpretation_n of_o it_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v secure_v to_o we_o the_o first_o a_o universal_a tradition_n concern_v it_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n soon_o after_o the_o write_n of_o it_o and_o the_o other_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n concern_v it_o after_o some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n concern_v it_o and_o by_o both_o these_o way_n of_o assurance_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n secure_v two_o of_o the_o first_o writer_n after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeus_n justin_n martyr_n be_v contemporary_a with_o those_o who_o know_v the_o apostle_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v 160._o anno_fw-la 160._o and_o that_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o he_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n the_o jew_n pag._n 308._o quote_v the_o apostle_n st._n john_n about_o the_o thousand_o year_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o certain_a man_n among_o they_o who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n of_o christ_n speak_v of_o that_o matter_n in_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v give_v he_o which_o all_o know_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o according_o do_v eusebius_n l._n 4._o c._n 18._o eccl._n hist_o quote_v justin_n martyr_n as_o attribute_v the_o apocalypse_n to_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n but_o irenaeus_n do_v the_o most_o satisfactory_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n about_o this_o in_o his_o time_n and_o irenaeus_n be_v contemporary_a with_o justin_n martyr_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o affirm_v he_o say_v he_o have_v it_o from_o polycarp_n who_o diligent_a auditor_n 3._o lib._n 3._o contra_fw-la haeres_fw-la cap._n 3._o he_o be_v and_o polycarp_n be_v a_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n himself_o and_o die_v a_o martyr_n and_o so_o secure_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n but_o irenaeus_n his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o apocalypse_n be_v most_o full_a in_o his_o five_o book_n contra_fw-la haeres_fw-la sect_n ult_n where_o speak_v of_o the_o number_n of_o antichrist_n he_o say_v that_o that_o number_n be_v in_o all_o the_o ancient_a and_o approve_a copy_n and_o that_o he_o have_v it_o also_o confirm_v to_o he_o by_o those_o who_o have_v see_v st._n john_n face_n to_o face_n there_o can_v hardly_o be_v give_v a_o more_o unquestionable_a or_o more_o particular_a testimony_n concern_v the_o true_a author_n of_o a_o book_n at_o any_o distance_n from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v write_v in_o than_o this_o be_v here_o be_v a_o particular_a search_n after_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o it_o soon_o after_o the_o write_n of_o it_o with_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o those_o who_o know_v the_o author_n himself_o and_o further_o to_o show_v the_o utter_a unlikelihood_n of_o any_o falsification_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o a_o little_a after_o speak_v of_o the_o name_n of_o antichrist_n know_v this_o say_v he_o that_o if_o his_o name_n ult_n lib._n 5._o sect_n ult_n be_v to_o have_v be_v open_o know_v at_o this_o present_a time_n it_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v express_v by_o he_o who_o see_v the_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o long_o ago_o since_o he_o see_v it_o but_o almost_o in_o this_o present_a age_n at_o the_o latter-end_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o domitian_n the_o little_a distance_n betwixt_o the_o time_n of_o irenaeus_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_v this_o book_n together_o with_o the_o care_n that_o he_o take_v to_o look_v into_o all_o the_o various_a copy_n of_o it_o and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o ear-witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n about_o it_o and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o own_o testimony_n in_o all_o this_o by_o die_v a_o martyr_n himself_o do_v silence_n all_o scruple_n about_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n but_o yet_o about_o 100_o year_n after_o the_o time_n of_o irenaeus_n dionysius_n of_o 2._o lib._n 2._o alexandria_n in_o his_o dispute_n against_o the_o millenaries_n of_o his_o time_n do_v affirm_v that_o many_o of_o his_o predecessor_n do_v reject_v this_o book_n but_o then_o he_o say_v it_o be_v because_o they_o see_v it_o obscure_v and_o full_a of_o too_o gross_a ignorance_n about_o the_o millenarian_a state_n not_o from_o any_o new_a knowledge_n they_o have_v get_v of_o the_o forgery_n of_o it_o and_o their_o ground_n be_v so_o small_a for_o it_o that_o though_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o the_o antimillinarian_a party_n yet_o he_o say_v he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v though_o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o style_n of_o it_o from_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n he_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v write_v by_o some_o other_o john_n contemporary_a with_o he_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o expression_n in_o the_o revelation_n so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o use_v by_o no_o other_o apostle_n that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o he_o himself_o or_o a_o very_a near_o friend_n of_o he_o that_o must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v the_o lamb_n the_o word_n the_o bear_a record_n or_o witness_v of_o the_o word_n they_o that_o pierce_v he_o shall_v see_v he_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o that_o overcome_v as_o i_o receive_v of_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o be_v athirst_a of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o and_o let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o which_o be_v all_o expression_n peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n st._n jerem_n indeed_o say_v that_o the_o greek_a church_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o but_o as_o baronius_n well_o observe_v about_o it_o an._n 96._o st._n jerom_n must_v necessary_o mean_v that_o only_a of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a part_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n for_o as_o he_o there_o show_v almost_o every_o one_o of_o the_o greek_a father_n do_v quote_v it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n and_o eusebius_n who_o relate_v the_o dissent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n about_o it_o and_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a antiquary_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n do_v name_n justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n melito_n of_o sardis_n theophilus_n antiochenus_fw-la origen_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n the_o chief_a writer_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n before_o he_o as_o asserter_n of_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o after-age_n we_o have_v the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n after_o it_o have_v be_v scruple_v by_o some_o which_o be_v the_o other_o way_n of_o assure_v the_o right_a tradition_n of_o a_o canonical_a book_n the_o three_o council_n
be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v upon_o what_o general_a supposition_n it_o do_v rely_v to_o make_v it_o useful_a for_o a_o foundation_n for_o further_a advance_n according_a to_o the_o best_a method_n of_o find_v out_o unknown_a truth_n where_o the_o resolution_n of_o one_o problem_n discover_v many_o general_a theorem_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o very_o useful_a for_o far_a improvement_n as_o it_o be_v also_o the_o most_o easy_a sure_a and_o natural_a order_n of_o science_n from_o particular_a instance_n to_o draw_v forth_o the_o general_n rule_v suppose_v in_o they_o for_o all_o like_a case_n and_o this_o great_a advantage_n have_v we_o from_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o particular_a instance_n that_o it_o determine_v both_o what_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o evidence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n sure_a of_o any_o other_o conclusion_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o also_o what_o will_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o secure_v any_o that_o there_o be_v that_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o it_o for_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o make_v this_o single_a truth_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o unquestionable_a must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o other_o proposition_n that_o have_v the_o same_o ground_n in_o it_o and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n in_o all_o further_a search_n into_o these_o obscurity_n to_o have_v such_o a_o criterion_n or_o standard_n of_o the_o true_a value_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o shall_v offer_v itself_o first_o then_o for_o the_o kind_a of_o evidence_n that_o from_o hence_o appear_v sufficient_a for_o one_o assurance_n of_o any_o thing_n hereafter_o it_o need_v be_v no_o great_a than_o that_o which_o make_v man_n sure_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n of_o unexceptionable_a authority_n for_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o a_o evidence_n ground_v upon_o the_o necessary_a connexion_n betwixt_o the_o thing_n and_o its_o essential_a property_n as_o mathematical_a demonstration_n be_v or_o such_o as_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v it_o absolute_o impossible_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n veracity_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o further_a mysterious_a meaning_n in_o expression_n that_o seem_v very_o plain_a to_o we_o for_o some_o great_a good_a end_n unknown_a to_o we_o but_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o ordinary_a way_n of_o reveal_v his_o mind_n and_o so_o seem_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o veracity_n that_o we_o can_v but_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o mean_v always_o as_o plain_o as_o he_o speak_v unless_o he_o give_v clear_a intimation_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o have_v a_o hide_a meaning_n either_o by_o its_o contradiction_n to_o some_o truth_n far_o more_o clear_o know_v or_o by_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n with_o that_o wherewith_o it_o be_v join_v or_o the_o like_a from_o hence_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v expect_v that_o whatever_o extravagant_a metaphysical_a reason_n a_o man_n may_v have_v to_o doubt_v of_o it_o one_o ought_v not_o to_o scruple_n the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o same_o ground_n to_o make_v we_o sure_o of_o it_o that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o proposition_n rely_v upon_o for_o that_o will_v be_v of_o equal_a force_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o plain_a expression_n of_o scripture_n and_o beside_o it_o will_v have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o unanimous_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o differ_a kind_n of_o party_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n against_o it_o who_o we_o find_v to_o be_v all_o agree_v about_o some_o of_o the_o part_n of_o this_o proposition_n only_o from_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o expression_n about_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o wild_a possibility_n only_o of_o their_o be_v otherwise_o mean_v wherefore_o it_o will_v be_v think_v very_o reasonable_a that_o one_o shall_v look_v upon_o the_o several_a ground_n of_o this_o present_a instance_n as_o so_o many_o general_n rule_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o every_o thing_n else_o in_o these_o vision_n that_o be_v establish_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o end_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o chief_a ground_n for_o conclude_v babylon_n to_o be_v rome_n in_o the_o angel_n explication_n of_o it_o and_o its_o reign_n to_o be_v a_o antichristian_a tyranny_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o at_o the_o 6_o verse_n be_v the_o common_a usage_n of_o the_o expression_n in_o such_o a_o determinate_a know_a signification_n especial_o when_o compare_v with_o the_o angel_n promise_n to_o explain_v the_o mystery_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o have_v it_o understand_v it_o may_v therefore_o from_o hence_o be_v establish_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o 17_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n rule_v 1_o in_o expression_n of_o a_o know_a signification_n aught_o to_o be_v take_v inspire_v take_v cornel_n à _fw-la lapide_fw-la prolegomen_n in_o apocalyps_n de_fw-fr canonibus_fw-la interpretandi_fw-la of_o the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n augustinus_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la christianâ_fw-la cap._n 1._o the_o apocalypse_n and_o all_o other_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n as_o it_o do_v ordinary_o signify_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v that_o be_v unless_o that_o sense_n be_v find_v to_o be_v absurd_a or_o contrary_a to_o sound_v faith_n or_o good_a manner_n ribera_n in_o cap._n 6._o apoc._n numer_n 51._o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n or_o their_o proper_a literal_a signification_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v to_o when_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a reason_n against_o it_o and_o in_o cap._n 7._o numer_n 1._o because_o as_o it_o have_v be_v say_v we_o must_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o proper_a literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o some_o plain_a reason_n force_v we_o to_o it_o thomas_n de_fw-fr albiis_fw-la tab._n suffrag_v cap._n 17._o pag._n 230_o 231._o the_o basis_n of_o all_o other_o interpretation_n be_v the_o literal_a sense_n and_o only_o that_o which_o can_v be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n that_o be_v which_o only_o can_v force_v the_o understanding_n to_o a_o assent_n and_o before_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o convince_v one_o faith_n can_v only_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o other_o sense_n since_o they_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o wit_n of_o the_o interpreter_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o interpreter_n but_o not_o of_o the_o scripture_n divine_o inspire_v as_o it_o be_v general_o use_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o like_a construction_n unless_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o something_o more_o clear_o know_v and_o next_o the_o certainty_n that_o it_o be_v here_o a_o idolatrous_a state_n of_o rome_n that_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o term_n of_o harlot_n and_o whore_n here_o give_v to_o babylon_n and_o upon_o the_o know_a use_n of_o those_o term_n among_o the_o prophet_n to_o signify_v the_o idolatry_n and_o apostasy_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o city_n from_o hence_o then_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v require_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o a_o mystical_a sense_n that_o sense_n be_v rule_v 2_o to_o be_v take_v which_o be_v the_o most_o general_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o prophet_n if_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o something_o more_o clear_o know_v after_o which_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v urge_v that_o since_o the_o angel_n explication_n of_o the_o mystery_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o very_a frequent_a use_n of_o the_o same_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a mystical_a expression_n in_o this_o prophecy_n that_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o same_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a expression_n do_v signify_v all_o over_o the_o prophecy_n the_o same_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v say_v to_o signify_v in_o the_o 17_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n unless_o there_o be_v something_o more_o clear_o know_v against_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a assurance_n that_o the_o angel_n explication_n be_v give_v to_o afford_v light_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophecy_n it_o do_v seem_v as_o clear_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o same_o expression_n all_o over_o the_o prophecy_n explain_v unexplain_v rule_v 3_o and_o common_o know_v d_o o_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n unless_o there_o be_v plain_a ground_n against_o it_o these_o rule_n seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o
people_n into_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a person_n the_o king_n and_o the_o highpriest_n especial_o where_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n as_o this_o do_v go_v along_o with_o all_o well-ordered_a society_n so_o it_o be_v exemplify_v in_o two_o of_o the_o instance_n here_o refer_v to_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o 2._o the_o church_n may_v here_o be_v represent_v by_o two_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o know_v peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o distinction_n to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n all_o over_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o it_o be_v everywhere_o represent_v as_o one_o church_n make_v up_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o common_a society_n with_o those_o two_o great_a constituent_a part_n in_o it_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o it_o be_v original_o call_v the_o catholic_n church_n thus_o do_v we_o find_v †_o st._n paul_n almost_o continual_o insist_v upon_o this_o twofold_n distinction_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o chief_a ground_n of_o 9_o rom._n 3._o 30._o &_o 4._o 16._o &_o 9_o 24._o &_o 10._o 12._o &_o 11._o 17._o &_o 15._o 8_o 9_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 24._o &_o 7._o 18_o 19_o gal._n 27._o 8._o &_o 4._o 22_o 24._o &_o 6._o 15_o 16._o ephes_n 3._o 6_o 9_o all_o his_o earnest_a motive_n to_o unity_n and_o mutual_a communion_n for_o the_o make_v the_o christian_a church_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v that_o all_o the_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v but_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o ephes_n 2._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o chap._n 3._o 6._o and_o chap._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o this_o be_v everywhere_o represent_v by_o he_o as_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o god_n in_o the_o bring_v the_o gentile_n to_o be_v one_o church_n with_o the_o jew_n ephes_n 1._o 9_o 3._o 3_o 9_o colos_n 1._o 26_o 27._o this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n do_v also_o general_o run_v upon_o that_o distinction_n as_o chap._n 5._o 5._o the_o number_n of_o the_o jewish_a elder_n gather_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n and_o chap._n 7._o 4_o 9_o the_o 144000_o out_o of_o the_o jewish_a tribe_n but_o figurative_o take_v and_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o all_o nation_n so_o also_o chap._n 14._o 1_o 6._o the_o 144000_o and_o all_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n and_o chap._n 19_o 4_o 6._o the_o 24_o elder_n represent_v the_o jewish_a part_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o great_a multitude_n the_o gentile_n though_o both_o figurative_o and_o the_o church_n be_v everywhere_o set_v forth_o as_o the_o jewish_a temple_n or_o synagogue_n set_v open_a to_o all_o people_n this_o also_o we_o find_v everywhere_o foretell_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o peculiar_a distinction_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o messiah_n from_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o church_n of_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o this_o do_v our_o saviour_n also_o make_v the_o distinguish_a badge_n of_o his_o church_n for_o this_o reason_n do_v he_o make_v choice_n of_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o initial_a rite_n of_o all_o nation_n into_o his_o church_n which_o by_o the_o jew_n have_v always_o before_o be_v make_v the_o distinguish_a rite_n 52._o matth._n 8._o 11._o &_o 21._o 43._o &_o 22._o 9_o &_o 24._o 14._o john_n 11._o 52._o betwixt_o themselves_o and_o the_o gentile_a proselyte_n he_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n order_v the_o memorial_n of_o his_o own_o death_n to_o be_v the_o communion-feast_n or_o the_o common_a union_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o his_o church_n or_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n of_o all_o kind_n instead_o of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n which_o be_v the_o distinguish_a ceremony_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o thus_o also_o do_v he_o himself_o signify_v his_o church_n to_o be_v one_o fold_v make_v up_o of_o two_o sort_n of_o sheep_n john_n 10._o 16._o but_o this_o do_v most_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o jesus_n have_v commit_v the_o sole_a management_n of_o his_o church_n to_o they_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o book_n of_o their_o act_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o new_a appearance_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n with_o these_o two_o different_a kind_n of_o member_n in_o it_o indeed_o this_o twofold_a distinction_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o know_a division_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n into_o those_o two_o general_a part_n of_o it_o jew_n and_o gentile_n both_o always_o before_o and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_v this_o prophecy_n and_o this_o distinction_n be_v always_o preserve_v in_o memory_n by_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o its_o distinction_n of_o the_o two_o court_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o so_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v here_o refer_v to_o because_o the_o most_o obvious_a and_o common_o know_v division_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n into_o two_n but_o what_o strength_n soever_o this_o account_n of_o their_o be_v call_v two_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v yet_o the_o demonstration_n of_o their_o real_a nature_n in_o general_a before_o give_v do_v not_o at_o all_o depend_v upon_o it_o this_o be_v intend_v only_o for_o a_o probable_a illustration_n of_o that_o character_n and_o since_o by_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o nature_n they_o must_v represent_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n there_o must_v be_v some_o reference_n in_o this_o character_n of_o it_o to_o some_o twofold_a division_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o must_v distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o jewish_a and_o none_o be_v better_o know_v for_o such_o than_o that_o which_o have_v be_v here_o pitch_v upon_o not_o that_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n nor_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o waldenses_n and_o albigenses_n which_o some_o will_v have_v that_o number_n to_o refer_v to_o account_n a_o thus_o do_v ribera_n interpret_v the_o three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a in_o chap._n 11._o v._n 9_o that_o they_o signify_v that_o the_o tyranny_n of_o anti-christ_n shall_v not_o be_v continue_v above_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a according_a to_o that_o of_o ezek._n 4._o i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o day_n for_o a_o year_n though_o afterward_o upon_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n he_o do_v in_o express_a term_n contradict_v this_o very_a interpretation_n when_o ever_o say_v he_o do_v lyranus_fw-la see_v a_o day_n take_v for_o a_o year_n and_o though_o in_o ezekiel_n god_n say_v i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o day_n for_o a_o year_n yet_o what_o ground_n be_v this_o to_o take_v a_o day_n for_o a_o year_n in_o scripture_n alcazar_n also_o upon_o the_o 2_o do_v verse_n chap._n 11._o apocalypse_n do_v determine_v that_o the_o 42_o month_n and_o the_o 1260_o day_n must_v necessary_o be_v take_v in_o a_o mystical_a and_o not_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n notatione_n quarta_fw-la in_o vers_fw-la 2._o and_o they_o both_o agree_v with_o bellarmin_n l._n 3._o de_fw-fr pont._n c._n 8._o that_o the_o 42_o month_n and_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o chaldaic_a account_n chap._n vi_o xiii_o rev._n xiii_o the_o 25_o proposition_n the_o second_o beast_n rev._n 13._o a_o universal_a church-head_n distinct_a from_o the_o first_o the_o 26_o proposition_n the_o beast_n a_o secular_a head_n confederate_v with_o a_o universal_a church-head_n but_o distinct_a from_o he_o the_o second_o beast_n a_o succession_n of_o many_o single_a person_n the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v the_o present_a secular_a and_o ecclesiastical_a roman_a head_n or_o the_o imperial_a and_o papal_a power_n objection_n answer_v there_o have_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n of_o assurance_n give_v that_o the_o beast_n be_v real_o in_o be_v at_o this_o present_a time_n it_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n necessary_a to_o inquire_v after_o those_o character_n of_o he_o that_o do_v distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o sovereign_a power_n upon_o earth_n the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o this_o affair_n arise_v from_o the_o great_a resemblance_n that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o first_o and_o the_o second_o 11._o v._o 1_o &_o 11._o beast_n in_o the_o 13_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n for_o they_o be_v describe_v as_o two_o distinct_a sovereign_a power_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o roman_a dominion_n the_o second_o beast_n be_v say_v to_o exercise_v all_o the_o power_n 12._o v._o 12._o of_o the_o first_o beast_n before_o he_o and_o therefore_o do_v we_o find_v these_o two_o beast_n confound_v together_o by_o many_o of_o the_o best_a esteem_a interpreter_n it_o may_v then_o be_v