were as is most remarkable to wit by Kings Consuls Dictators Decemvirs which lasted but two years Tribunes Emperors Popes Now no Kingdome can shew such seven mountains and seven Kings but this Rome the now seat of Antichrist Five are fallen To wit the former five now reckoned One is To wit Emperours Domitian then raigned who banished Iohn One is not yet come To wit the Pope for though there was a Bishop of Rome then yet he did not Lord it or use any Papal jurisdiction thus Brightman but according to him the seventh must be Antichrist being however but part of the eighth as will appear the seventh is the Government by Constantine and Christian Emperours for now the face of the Empire began to be new and another in some sense for he left the mountains of Rome and went to the East to wit Byzantium calling it after his own name Constantinople or the City of Constantine Thus he remained a short time to wit at Rome the ninteenth yeer of his reign departing thence to Byzantium neither in some sense did the seventh Government continue long being swallowed up by Popes in the West and Turks in the East Vers 11. The Beast that was and is not even he is the eighth The seventh was but part of him Constantine and his successors removing from Rome the Popes seeing the Emperours even weary by reason of warres and incursion of Barbarians began to begge and after to usurpe Kingly authority at Rome which was the old seat of the Empire Thus the Beast that was In Johns time in Monarchical power of five Kings And is not Neither an Ecclesiastical nor secular Monarch in Johns time to wit in the Pope Even he is the eighth To wit regiment consisting of an Ecclesiastical and Civil Monarchy as Priest and Caesar And is of the seven Heads to wit or Kings borrowing power of them he is not one of the seven heads but of them as exercising himself all the power that had been in the seven Kings or Governments whether Priestly as the Romane Emperours had done for they were called after Augustus the greatest Priests or Kingly Thus the seventh King was not Antichrist but the Christian Emperours who made way many wayes for him And goeth into perdition He hath been going apace a good while ever since the Witnesses began chap. 11. to prophecy and will suddenly arrive at his Armegeddon Verse 12. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten Kings Horns are not the heads but something of the heads Now as these horns grew out of the heads in the text so those Kings whether more or lesse it matters not for by ten many are understood who receive power with the beast in one houre and afterwards hate the Whore are those who sprang out of the seventh Beast or Christian Caesars and Emperours in place of whom succeeded the Emperour and several kings of the West as Spaine and her King The beast then though he devoured the seventh head yet he exercises all his authority under the name of Christs Vicar and general Bishop suffering the Emperour to keep the name Who have received no kingdome yet To wit when John writ the Revelation but since But receive power That is shall receive power One houre with the Beast Though God be the doner of Kingdomes yet these ten Kings through the wicked means of the Beast obtained their Kingdomes for his rashnesse translated the Greek Empire unto the French but God by his secret just working ordered it as in the translation of the ten tribes 1 Kings 12.24 With the Beast or from the Beast For here the spirit seems to point at the Popes creating Kings Emperours as Leo did These Kings then raigned by the Popes favour As Kings Noting their dependency on the Pope whose vassals they are holding their kingdomes as farmes from him having the name of Kings though it may be well said in all the Popish dominious Antichrist only reigns whom these Kings obey rather then reign One houre That is as they received the faith by degrees for they were Barbarians who received these Kingdomes which belonged once to the Christian Emperours so they raigned accordingly with the Beast or the successours of the Beast by one houre a strict time is not noted England France Spaine Germany by degrees raigned with the Pope and by his leave being once all Papistical one houre Vers 13. These have one mind All had their kingdomes in some sense from the Beast offering up their kingdomes to be ruled spiritually by him acknowledging his supremacy for the defence of which our witty otherwise Sir Thomas Moor lost his head in England had one mind all Popelings to be of one mind is not commendable but only in thee truth Thus even at onetime all the Kingdoms of the West compared to horns because springing out of the seventh head of Christian Emperours either received their power from the Beast as tributaries really or acknowledged his superiority Having all one mind Nay and prayed all in one tongue viz. the Latine Though these Kings might have private differences among themselves yet when the Popes matters were a foot they wonderfully agreed in the prosecution of them Giving him their power Help and Aid to advance Idolatry and Superstition Here observe how these inhabiters of the earth wondred after the Beast as chapt 13. Admiring and Reverencing the Popes and Idolatry of Rome Vers 14. These shall make warre with the Lamb They by consequence make warre with Christ who defend the false Vicar of Christ and his Idol-worship This warre the Kings began with the Lamb as soon as they received their kingdomes above eight hundred years and shall be most cruelly prosecuted by the Kings of the earth gathered to Armageddon by the enticement of the three impure spirits after the spiritual Euphrates of Rome is diverted by Christian Kings and States observe then many of these ten Kings shall give out Being overcome by the Lamb Convinced by the truth and hate the whore the rest shall with the kings of the earth continue the warre against the Lamb till the last day Yet he shall oveecome them Not only finally then but before even before the ten Kings gave out partly by the word gaining and winning ground Partly by the couragious sufferings of the Martyrs For the Leader is Lord of Lords they that are Partners in the fight are 1. Elect. 2. Called 3. Faithful therefore through Christ Conquerours Christ being God and King of Kings is sure enough to conquer Kings and Kingdomes the house of Saul decreases and the Kingdome of our David increaseth daily Vers 15. And he said to me the Waters which thou sawest where the woman sitteth are People Nations Multitudes That is they represent People Nations thus the Chaldaean army Jerem. 47.2 is called the Waters of the North. Waters are raging and unconstant so are People and multitudes Rome in Johns time had many nations under her so hath the whore now and
chap. 17.16 Why may not Kings of the earth to their destruction strive to help her before by a secret judgment And great Babylon came into remembrance before God c. God thought on her before but now at the appointed day payeth the old debt fully Great Babylon and the Cities of the Nations are distinct you see So Constantinople is not meant by Babylon but the Cities of the Nations comprehend that and all other heathen Kingdomes That City which trampled under foot the holy City and Witnesses is remembred Vers 20. And every Island fled away and the mountains were not found These things shall literally come to passe at the last day when the great earthquake shall happen so that the wicked shall have no hiding place Vers 21. And there fell great haile as of a talent weight out of heaven upon the men God plagued Egypt and destroyed the Canaanites with great haile and hailstones Josh 10.11 and by it is noted Gods terrible judgments against the wicked and vassalls of Antichrist noted by men A Talent Being a hundred pound weight notes the greatnesse of the judgment Now I know not but these things may in some sort come literally to passe at the last day when Earth Sea or Islands Aire or Haile nay and fire all the Elements shall conspire against the cursed and wicked Yet they blasphemed God because of the plague of the haile c. I confesse I was long of the opinion that the judgment-day was not here treated of 1. Because men shall subscribe to that judgment as being convinced 2. Because they seemed to live impenitently on earth and blasphemously notwithstanding the judgments which should beget fear and repentance But upon second and better thoughts I finde that the cursed raging of hell-hounds against God is here expressed after the great day who though they shall at the sight of the judge cry mountaines fall one us yet despairing and convicted in conscience of the justice of the sentence shall never cease with their mouth 's however to pour out blasphemies against God as if he were unjust and unmerciful because of the haile or eternall torments of hell Thus ends this Vision with the world CHAP. XVII Vision 6. Act. 1. Vers 1. And there came one of the seven Angels which had the seven Vials and talked with me c. EIther that Angel which poured out his Vial upon the seat of the beast or the last who by his Vial raised the earthquake to the destruction of all and talked with me saying come hither behold the readinesse of these ministring spirits to do any good to the Saints and with what joy they are imployed about things for our consolation what familiarity between them and the Saints noted in that expression he talked with me saying come hither And I will shew thee the damnation c. not any longer nakedly describe the beast but set forth plainly the beast and whore before thy eyes yet in a vision The judgment Not only the temporall upon the city but eternall of which anon Of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters Not Jezabel chap. 2. but doubtlesse Rome an insatiable strumpet Now by whoredom not common fornication is noted for she is a City but spirituall fornication viz. apostacy from God perfideousnesse Idolatry The true Church is Christs Bride and Spouse he is married to her in faithfulnesse righteousnesse judgment Hos 2.19 and her Apostacy is spirituall fornication and whoredom oft in Scripture See Ezekiel 16.9 25 26. Vers 2. With whom the Kings of the earth to wit committed fornication She enticeth them pretending her being the only Catholique Church and Spouse of Christ to receive her superstition and Idol-worship bewitching them as Dalilah did Sampson so that they have made themselves and kingdoms tributaries and slaves to this whore of Rome Not only Kings but inhabitants of the earth Sworne vassals of Antichrist and enemies of the Gospel commit this fornication with a whore None of the Saints whose names are written in heaven are finally thus overtaken 'T is compared to wine 1 Because of its specious pretences of holinesse 2. Because it bewitches and besots mans corrupt nature and even makes him drunk of the waters in vers 15. Wine is sweet but proves deceitfull So Idolatry is to mans corrupt nature but brings wrath and judgment at last Now the Act begins Vers 3. And he led me away in the Spirit John then was not in one continued extasy but severall times in the Spirit neither saw he all in one place but formerly in heaven now in the wildernesse the fittest place to see a Church that was a wildernesse Formerly Iohn saw a chast matron in heaven clothed with the Sun now a whorish woman riding upon a beast in the wildernesse Behold he talked that of succession of most venerable Popes called a whorish woman in the wildernesse And I saw a woman sitting upon a Scarlet coloured beast c. It is much women usually are afraid of cruel beasts but this woman rides on one The woman signifies the Church as is noted chap. 12. v 1. the whorish woman notes the adulterous Church her scarlet notes her Kingly Majestick power giving laws to all for Kings and Emperours weare scarlet The Beast is the Empire of Rome with whose spoils she is adorned Thus as a whore she is an adulterous Church having usurped power as a Beast or Monarch she hath a temporal sword and command as is noted chap. 13. yet but one Antichrist Full of blasphemies Or blasphemous doctrines See chap. 13.6 against God his Tabernacle and them that dwell therein Having seven heads and ten horns So t is the same breast or Antichrist chap. 13. who had seven heads and ten hornes ver 1. deceiving the men of the earth as this doth ver 2. by which I oft noted Antichristian vassals are meant of the heads and hornes anon Vers 4. And she was arrayed in purple The Beast was in scarlet so they be alike yet attired both in scarlet and purple It followes And decked with gold precious stones and pearles Noting the riches and pride of the Roman Church which are to be seen in her Churches Altars Idols Robes Palaces or noting how her attire is like a Queen as she boasts her self to be chap. 18. v. 7. I sit a Queen Thus as some reall whore she adornes her self to entice her lovers to fornication This also her scarlet and wine one being delightsome the other pleasing and sweet note for under most specious pretences of being the Catholique most holy Church Christs Spouse and Peters seat she bewitcheth the Kings of the earth and Inhabitants thereof And had a golden cup in her hand Read the description of the whore in Prov. 7. By this cup all Romes glorious pretences are meant to entice people as that her Orders Sacraments Ministers succession are only right That she is the Queen of Churches the Pope the father of fathers and only cheif shepherd
had more when Antichrist was at the highest Vers 16. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the Beast c. Meaning ten Kings of the West of which already shall hate the whore when God shall put it into their hearts The occasion of these horns of the Beasts hating the Beast and Whore was the Lambs victory convincing them of the truth God be thanked all kingdomes Spain and Italy excepted more or lesse hate the whore and oppose Idolatry Shall make her desolate By leaving the great City and with their Kingdomes and Dominions turn to Christ And make her naked Detect her abominations by confession writing and keeping back her gold riches pearle c. that should adorn her And shall eat her flesh Her flesh here is her annuities riches rents possessions wherewith she was fatted which they shall imploy upon their own territories Churches and several better uses And shall burn her with fire Rome to wit the nest of Antichrist and whorish Seat So that the Pope shall flie to some of the Kings of the earth for shelter as the Spaniard perchance who may be called one of the Kings of the earth contradistinct to the Kings of the East and may joyn with the other named Kings of the earth to his destruction now Antichrist is not thus to be quite ruined though his Palace be but in the succession of Popes shall live some where or other till Christs coming to judgement 2 Thes 2.8 whose brightnesse shall destroy him and the remaining Kings of the earth Vers 17. For God hath put it into the Kings hearts They were ready enough else to have continued in idolatry with Antichrist so that God must have the glory Here England Germany in part Scotland Swethland and other places recovered from Antichrist and hating him may be thought on once of the ten Kings Obj. What is putting into their heart and how it is done Answ God moves the heart of them by his divine cooperating spirit effectually so that it cannot but act yet leaves it free because the divine determination hinders not the judgement of reason about choosing or refusing note God put it into their hearts first to do his will or pleasure in executing his mind for the Beast as chap. 13. to agree and give their Kingdome to the Beast of which largely vers 13. of this chapter fighting with their might for his spiritual Empire Vntill the Words of God were fulfilled That is his decree touching the rising of Antichrist in this book and in the Apostles often Now he hath altered their minds convinced their consciences and they do his Will in executing his judgements upon the Whore after she was at the height and the Word of God was fulfilled that Antichrist should sit in the Temple of God or in the Church for God and oracle and after the Worshippers had admired after the Beast The Lord put it into more of their hearts to their salvation Amen Ver. 8. And the woman which thou sawst is that great City which reigneth over the Kings of the earth To wit Rome for no other city in Johns time mark it had dominion over the Kings of the earth to whom they were tributary but Rome And thus the Church of Rome at her height held all and ruled all either by the sword or under pretence of Religion note God by his revealed Will grace coworking put it into these kings hearts to fulfil his will formerly God put it into their hearts to do his will in serving the Whore The action and motion materially is from God always the forme or obliquity of the action is from Satan and mans corrupt nature in which and by which God hath a secret working and end If a man ride well upon a lame horse the going or action is good as from the man the lamenesse is from the horse so the action in the Kings when they were for the Whore is from God the lameness and pravity of it serving the Whore is from their corruption by which however God wrought his pleasure The summe is the Angels or Preachers and Kings shall divert Euphrates of Rome the Preachers noted by Angels having made Rome weak in part and odious before then the three unclean spirits gather the Kings of the earth to helpe her but her former Vassals shall many of them hate her and burne Rome yet the Pope with the Kings that are left shall be gathered to battle against Christ and these converted ones but the bloody feild of Armageddon or the day of judgment shall overtake them CHAP. XVIII The sixth Vision continued Act 2. Vers 1. After these things I saw another Angel come down from heaven TO wit after the sight of the woman upon the Beast another Angel for this book is as a Trage-comedy where several persons come in as Actors here Angels signifie no Preachers as formerly the Angels bid but are real Angels one perchance Christ publishing future events to John they come from heaven and so do the judgments upon Babylon Having great power All the Angels are great in power how great in power is God then whose servants these are it notes the greatnesse of the matter in hand to wit great Romes overthrow who is not invincible And the earth was lightned with his glory This notes that he was a glorious messenger from heaven 2. That the judgement of Rome shall be publike and open Vers 2. He cryed with a loud voyce saying It notes 1. That the inhabitants of the earth and worshippers of the Beast shall not plead ignorance for so the Gospel hath long cryed down Rome and threatned her destruction 2. It notes the stupidity of Rome lying in pleasure though her judgments were at door Babylon is fallen is fallen c. As in Esay 21.9 concerning the literal Babylon it notes the certainty of its destruction therefore 't is doubled The Angel chap. 14.8 who proclaimed its ruine did it as a Preacher by the Gospel battering that spiritual City which about Luthers time began to decay and decrease in honour and greatnesse Here the destruction of the City of Rome is foretold by a heavenly Herauld because she rejected the former warning the Gospel-truth and killed the witnesses this Babylon is Rome having seven heads or governments sitting on seven mountains making drunk the Kings of the earth with her fornication being the seate of Antichrist and which in Johns time ruled over Nations And is become the habitation of Devils See Esay 13.16 to 22. or of Satyrs it was formerly Satans dwelling place being a Kingdome of Idolatry and Antichrists seat but now this notes its utter desolation as that place of Esay shews This Angels Proclamation belongs to the time a little before Romes destruction and is not yet come And the hold of every foule spirit Noting the apparitions of Devils to be there after its destruction not only Fairies and Satyrs And cage of every unclean and hateful bird As Kites Owles Vultures Ravens This
expound it though some have anciently supposed this Book to be forged by the Heretick Cerinthus because seemingly favouring the errour of the Millenaries though it be indeed full of divine testimonies of Christs divine nature and no way favours that Millenary errour as will appear in the progresse if the objections of Hereticks and others had presently been beleeved we should long since have had little or nothing entire in the whole Scripture Among all Commentators Pareus who borrowed much of Brightman and Bullinger by his own Confession but especially of Anonymus upon whom he seemes sometimes to be but a large Commentary most affects me yet sometimes I borrow light of a seemingly lesse glorious torch then his This book is a Prophesie as Mr Goodwin observes it out of Mr Mede of the destruction of the Romane Empire either as heathenish in the whole or else Christian yet persecuting in both the parts of it East and West The Book is tragi-comedy which begins with a kingdom given to be won by conquest Rev. 6. and ends with the Coronation of a King and the Marriage of his Bride and all between is but the removing of all such lets and impediments namely of the Roman Monarchy and all other kingdomes which that was broken into so far as they stand in the way and possesse the roome of that kingdome which is to beset up When Christ first began the whole world then worshipping Idols he sets upon conquering the whole Romane Empire as it was heathenish and the worship of Satan and Idols in it and in three hundred yeares he dispatcheth that and throws down all both Idoll worship and Princes that did uphold it And then when the whole Empire was turned Christian yet the devill as one ewll said did not turne Christian but under the name and profession of Christ he stirreth up the Arrian Christian world to prosecute the Orthodox Christians as much as heathenish Rome had done but Christ takes further vengeance for this persecution under both these Heathenish and Arrian Rome it was the cry of the bloud of the Saints slaine under both that brought on them the vengeance that followed see Chap. 6. vers 10.11 The Empire having been afore divided into two parts the Easterne all which now the Turk possesseth and the Westerne this in Europe he fals first on the Westerne Europian part breaking that by the incursion of those barbarous nations * Which the foure first Trumpets did sound forth as M. Goodwyn affirms Rev. 8. the Goths and Vandals then for the Easterne part of the Empire although his revenge was slower yet he reserved them for the forest vengeance that could befall the Christian world the Conquest and Tyranny of the * The 6. Trumpet sounded forth this ch 9.13 Saracens first afterwards the Turks Thus here is an end of the Romane Monarchy under the Emperours in the whole and in the parts of it The Westerne part in Europe was by occasion of the Goths invasion broken into seven Kingdoms which though helping the Woman against the floud of Arrian persecution yet through Satans seducing of them they set up the Beast or Antichristian Rome And these altogether did joine to make us as great a war against the Saints in Ch. 13. as the Heathens and Arrians had done and so Christ in a manner was as far off his Kingdome as at first The next counterplot of Jesus Christ is to overcome these Kingdomes so you find Rev. 17.14 They shall make war 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 chosen and faithful Thus far he Which generall methodicall division I in the general like and allow of though in particular I have shewed upon Chapter eight that the first foure Trumpets did not signifie the incursion of those Nations Goths and Vandals neither indeed came they to help the Woman but to destroy her though they embraced her faith when most corrupted of which more in order and place See Chap. 12. I desire the Reader to remember that though the Revelation may seeme to be one continued Vision yet indeed it is not one nor revealed at one time but seven as so many sights exhibited to John in the Spirit John was not once only but oft times ravished in the Spirit neither saw he all in one place but some things in Patmos some things in heaven some things at the seashore some things in the Wildernesse Note the Revelation sayes Pareus out of Augustine speakes the same things after a diverse manner the former Visions are for the most part more obscure the latter bring clearer light to the darknesse of the former if one rightly observe them sayes Pareus for example in the second Vision the black horse denotes the Church made black with heresies after Constantines time the pale horse having death sitting on and drawing hell after him the Church sick even unto death towards Antichrists rising In the third Vision by the sounding of the third fourth and fifth Trumpets the same state of the Church is indeed represented yet more especially the declining corruption and lastly the Apostacy of the Sea of Rome plainer Some Visions represent the foure conditions or the foure acts of the Church to wit of its flourishing and groaning under Roman Tyrants till peace brought in by Constantine 2. Of the Church raigning and rioting under Christian Emperours till the rising of the Westerne Antichrist Boniface third Pope of Rome and of the Easterne in Mahomet six yeares after 3. Of the Church trodden upon and oppressed by Antichrist especially the Westerne till the measuring of the Temple which began to be effected by the Two witnesses John Husse and Ierome of Prague who were slain by the Beast in the Councel of Constance Anno 1414. and thence untill Luther by whose Ministry the measuring of the Temple hindered through the tyranny of Popes began to be continued Anno 1517. The fourth of the Church reformed from Popery and of the declining of Papacy to endure till the end Some Visions represent not the entire but only the two * The 2 3 4 and 7. Visions containe the 4. Acts or estates of the Church the 5. and 6. Visions are more particular containing the 7. last plagues and the judgment of the Whore latter conditions of the Church Thus the most excellent Pareus It is safest expounding the Revelation by the Revelation one thing explaining another yet much of this Book the Lord hath yet reserved in his own power yet this latter age hath had better help of experience then that of the Fathers many things being fulfilled which they dived not into The fourth Actor condition of the Church with its accomplishment is secret Because the seventh Trumpet hath not yet sounded Neither is the seventh Viall yet poured out into the aire a great part also of the third Act is reserved unto posterity which in time shall see
this verse the Holy Ghost is meant by seven spirits because grace is prayed for from them Also Pareus agrees with me that in chap. 4. ver 5. created angels may be understood but not here Vers 5. And from Iesus Christ Peace cometh by Christ Eph. 2.15 Christ here is treated of as the Mediatour and therefore is put last the order is sometimes in the Scripture omitted as 2 Cor. 13. ult Who is the faithfull witnesse Faithful because he confirmed the truth not only by preaching and miracles but by suffering Witnesse because by way of Prerogative he is so though there be three that bare record in heaven 1 Iohn chap. 5. because he first also and only shed his blood for his own testimony therefore on earth he is the witnesse The first begotten of the dead because Christ first and only raised up himself by his own power to immortal life others were raised by his power and became subject to death again And the Prince of the Kings of the earth that is as chapter 19. verse 16. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords Who loved us and washed us from our sins by his own blood Vers 6. And hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his father He concludeth his dedication with a Thanksgiving First because Christ loved his People and became man for * See my Glimps of Christs love p. 36 37. them Secondly because he died for them justifying them by his blood nay sanctifying them Thirdly making us Priests and Kings Priests to consecrate our selves as a living sacrifice to God through him Kings not only in a dopting us to be heyrs of his Kingdome above but through his power making us Conquerours of Sinne and Satan To him be glory either understand the glory of his Godhead or that glorious exaltation of his manhood at the right hand of his father For ever and ever shews Christs Eternity Amen That is be it so Vers 7. Behold he cometh with clouds This may comfort the Saints though the wicked tyrannize a while he cometh to judgement This also proves against the Papist that the humanity of Christ is not everywhere because he cometh with clouds and they are not every where Every eye shall see him that is every man his Crucifiers Scoffers also the righteous the former to their confusion the larter to their comfort And they that pierced him as in Zach. 12.10 to wit the Souldiers Iohn here and in his Gospel applies that of Zechary to Christ and teaches us two things 1. That Christ is God 2. That Iohn writ this Revelation Even so Amen it shews that there is no doubt but Christ will come to end the afflictions of the Church and to punish the wicked with whose coming the Saints are well pleased Vers 8. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end Alpha is the first letter of the Greek tongue Omega the last it shews Christ is first and chief the verse proves Christs deity See Isa 41.4 Vers 9. I John who am your brother t is no vain-glory to name himself here otherwise we might have thought 't was Christ spoke also Paul repeats his name twice in one Epistle I Paul with my own hands his name being prefixt before Brother there is a spiritual brotherhood among the members of Christ Iohn is their brother in three things named in the text 1. In tribution 2. In the spiritual Kingdome of Christ which we being Kings and Priests ought to maintain 3. In sufference Was in the Isle that is called Patmos Domitian the Emperour first cast him into a Caldron of boyling oyle but receiving no hurt banished him into this Isle where he received this Vision The Emperour being slain he returned to Ephesus and ministred to the seven Churches For the Word of God Iohn sheweth the true cause of his banishment and 't is worth observation that the Romanes as they conquered worshipped the gods of every nation Jesus only excepted it seems the devil was content that they should worship any god but the true For the Word of God to wit Christ For the Testimony To wit the doctrine of Jesus Christ Vers 10. Was in the spirit Iohn was in spiritual meditations when he saw the Revelation which he saw not with mortal eyes but being ravished in spirit his mind was carried beyond it self On the Lords day the first day of the week on which Christ arose from the dead which by the example and command of the Apostles 1 Cor. 16.1 Christians keep and observe as holy T is not probable Christ would burden the mind of Iohn with all the Vision or Revelation at once especially considering ch 4. ver 1 2. and ch 17.3 Iohn confesseth he was in the spirit at other time but doubtles John as all true Prophets understood every particular of the Revelation I heard a great voice behind me great either in regard of the great mystery of the vision or in regard 't was the voice of the great God Behind me Shews the freenesse of Gods love to Iohn in the voice he not expecting any such voice or Vision As of a Trumpet in respect of its shrilnesse and being heard afarre off it notes the terrour and power of his Word Ver. 11. Saying I am Alpha and Omega in the voice three things are contained 1. The Eternity of Christ 2. Johns commission to write warranted by divine Authority 3. To send the Vision wtitten to the seven Churches What Christ carefully commands John to write it becomes us carefully to read for though particularly this Vision concerne the seven Churches yet all Scripture is written for our instruction Ephesus Where Paul constituted a Church to whom he after writ an Epistle 't was in Asia the lesser Smyrna a sea-coast-towne now called Smeer where Iohn or some other Apostle constituted a Church And to Pergamus Here Paul Acts 20. raised up Entychus dead and happily planted a Church Thyatira of this city was Lydia a seller of purple who was converted to the faith by Pauls preaching at Philippi Act. 16.12 14. To those of Sardis the once famous city of Craesus Philadelphia a city of Mysia of the lesser Asia And unto Laodicea a city near Ephesus Paul preached here and commanded his Epistle written to the Colossians to be read here Col. 4. ver 16. The Pastor hereof was an hypocrite neither hot nor cold with whom Christ was much displeased Note though Paul had preached the Gospel at Rome long before this yet that Church not remembred perchance because Christ foresaw her usurping authority The Apostles are ever very silent of the Virgin Mary the spirit foreseeing the Church of Romes idolizing her But what say I Christ sends not to the Church of Rome truly with some difference of time considered great part of this book concerns the whorish or Antichristian Church of Rome who boasts her self to be Christs Vers 12. I turned to see the voyce That is him that spake Seven golden Candlesticks
second Commandement that is in the water under the earth By heaven earth seas unablenesse to open the Book is understood but thus much no creature could Vers 4. And I wept much because no man was found worthy to open c He concluded sure some worthy matter is in the Book therefore wept because it could not be opened and known this weeping was not in vaine for by prayers and teares he hath his desire granted him Let this instruct us how to attaine to the knowledge of the mysteries of God Vers 5. Then one of the Elders said unto me weep not c. Who is unknown the Papists would needs perswade it was Peter but it was one the Jewish Church not Christian as is observed perchance he that was next to Iohn Behold the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah Alluding to Iacobs blessing where Iudah is called a Lyons Whelp it notes Christs dignity strength and Kingly power Christs mother was of this Tribe The root of David Mary came of David Hath prevailed Being found worthy observe here Christs manhood of the root of David Christ Godhead since he was worthy and overcame admitting no creature with him into the Society of his function Vers 6. A Lamb Before a Lyon conquering sin hell death now a Lamb noting Christs innocency In the midst To wit between the Throne and the Elders as Mediator betwixt God and the Church also it notes Christs exaltation at the right hand of God Stood as it had been slaine His standing notes his Resurrection being staine his death a Lamb slaine noting his manhood a Lion and a Lamb standing noting his Godhead victory Resurrection Having seven hornes Seven is taken indefinitely for many or answering the seaven seales hornes note power eyes Divine insight so that Christ wants neither skill nor power to open the seven seales of the Book His eyes are said to be the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth meaning seven choice created Angels which proves Christs divine nature since the Angels are his servants who give him account of the sons of men whose hearts however he knows without them and which they know not whom he uses not for need but majesty and comfort to the godly Ver. 7. And he came took the book out of the right hand of him that sate upon the throne to wit out of the midst and went to the throne and took the book to open it Thus that is fulfilled chap. 1. ver 1. God gave the Revelation to Christ and he to Iohn Christ gives it to John as God receivs it of his father as God-man Sits on the throne as God goes to the throne for the book as God-man Vers 8. When he had taken the book which was not yet opened though the Latine version read it so which Alcusar would faine excuse Here is noted the cause of the heavenly inhabitants joy because Christ had received the book wherein the whole counsell of God touching the good of the Church and the destruction of the adversaries to the end of the world is contained And fell down before the Lambe giving him divine worship which proves his deity Having every one of them harps not as if God were pleased with musick but because it stirred up the affections of Saints to God-ward with such instruments the holy Prophets and Kings were wont to praise God and to delight themselves and others for the same instrument might praise God and please others And golden vials full of odours which are the Prayers of the Saints as perfumes ascend upward and give forth a sweet smell so Saints in Prayer seek for heavenly things and are pleasing to God through Christ Now as gold excels so Prayers from a pure heart Let the viol of our hearts be pure and the Prayers of thy People be as sweet odours in thy sight O Lord. Vers 9. And they sung a new Song A most excellent Song containing the new benefits of Christ They both Churches see the consent of both Covenants Know by the way the Prayers carried by the Elders in vials were their own Prayers only Saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the Seals thereof excluding worth from any other the worth is the preciousnesse of his blood which we should well consider For thou wert slaine Christ by his death hath merited for others and he only can give salvation Vers 10. Thou hast redeemed us to God by thy blood c. Here the Church applies the price of our redemption to her self with the effects For he hath made them Kings and Priests of which already And we shall reign on earth not only mortifying our earthly desires and trampling them under feet but also as Christ our head doth raigne here not by a secular power for his Kingdome is not of this world and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal for the head reigning the members reign but this we understand not of an earthly but spiritual dominion Vers 11. And round about the throne The Angels whose number is even infinite only known to God joyne with the Church triumphant of which they are members in the praising Christ who though they had not a redeemer as man yet had benefit by Christs death See Col. 1.20 compared with 16. praise him for mans redemption and perchance their own gathering together Eph. 1.10 is thought on Vers 12. Saying with a loud voice worthy is the Lamb. c. These Angels with Songs set forth seven divine Titles of the Lamb yet his ubiquity as Pareus notes is not mentioned To receive power because he is omnipotent And riches because in him are hid all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge And wisedome being the eternal wisedome of the father And strength because he hath overcome the world and Satan And glory because he raigneth gloriously And blessing he is worthy of blessing in whom we are all blest Vers 13. And every creature which is in heaven all the creatures nay divel and all do in some sort set forth the praises of God Now here is another argument of Christs deity since all the creatures worship him with religious worship Vers 14. And the foure beasts said Amen here the Beasts and Elders manifest their joy and consent to the praises of Christ sung by the Angels to speak to capacity by saying Amen that is so be it and the Elders by worshipping Christ who liveth for ever and ever What joy and companions in praise what holy members hath the Church triumphant in heaven that t is even heaven to us below to think of it CHAP. VI. J. Act of the second Vision Vers 1. And I saw when the Lambe opened one of the Seals c. NOw the book begins to be opened for Christ now reveals unto John the Councels of God which were yet hidden and shut he shewed to John in types which he made him understand but he shews us the types only concealing the mysteries that we might exercise
untimely figs fall to the earth or earthly and worldly affaires by Antichrist or the Popes mighty wind or threatnings as excommunication or the like Vers 14. The heaven departed as a scrowle when it is rolled together The light to wit departed alluding to the old custome of rolling up their books not binding as now so being shut they could not be read but enough to be expound this place either the true Church of Christ shall be hid in the time of Antichrist or the light of the Scripture shall be darkned and it forbidden to be read or in summe shall be shut up And every Mountain and Island were moved out of their places That is Kings for as mountains are higher then the rest of the earth so Kings are above other People Kings are interpreted mountains Rev. 17.9 10. The Empire of Rome is the mountain chap 8. ver 8 the Persian Kingdome is a mountain before Zerubbabel Zach. 4.7 the mountains or Empires were moved by Antichrist Ecclesiastically when Kings and Emperours were made to kisse his feet Civilly when deposed by him and some trampled under foot witnesse Alexander the third trampling on Frederick the first many of the like nature I omit and of his boasting himselfe above Councels Islands were moved As waters note People chap. 17 15. so Islands are nations and subjects of Princes now necessitated upon pain of salvation to be subject to the Romish Bishop Act. 4. Vision second Vers 15. And the Kings of the earth and the great men and the rirh men and the mighty men c. This Act consists of joy here being treated of the final punishment of the wicked in the general at the last day here the servants of Antichrist of all sorts who have been instruments of his advancement and tyranny over the Saints or who have drawn their swords for him against them by reason of Antichrist are brought to miserable destruction and desire to hide at the last day from the sight of the Lamb who formerly made the poore servants of God thus hide in dens and caves Now what shall become of the series of Antichrists if their instruments be thus punished if the serpent be cursed woe to the divel himself The wrath of the Lambe Christ is never said to have wrath until now Here is the judgement of the last day treated of when Christ the Lamb shall poure forth his wrath upon the wicked Go yee cursed Now this proves Christs divine nature for Antichrist sure and his adherents shall be afraid of none else but God Vers 17. For the great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand To wit the day of judgement here is the reason of the wickeds horrour because of the day of judgement because of their evil conscience against God Christ and the spouse of the Lamb to wit the Church Thus the wicked shall not stand in judgement CHAP. VII Act. 4. Vision second Vers 1. I saw foure Angels standing on the foure corners of the earth holding c. THese Angels were the wicked instruments of Satan and Antichrist who by fire and sword did endeavour to hinder the preaching of the Gospel whether Kings Emperours Cardinals Bishops Jesuites Fryars or the like Now as good teachers are the Angels as ch 1.20 so bad instruments as those Ministers of Antichrist are understood by those Angels here Foure Alluding to the foure corners of the earth Now by foure corners of the earth all the earth is understood so by foure Angels many instruments of Antichrist are to be understood in many parts of the earth by wind the Gospel is understood by which the spirit is conveyed to the hearts of men the wind bloweth whether it listeth to blow the wind is to sound forth the Gospel to hinder the blowing of the wind is to hinder the preaching of the Gospel the wind cherishes keeps the aire from corrupting by its means the trees bud together with the Sunne t is piercing and vehement the Gospel comforts sanctifies by conveying the spirit is the incorruptible seed by which we are regenerated Now certainly those Angels were wicked ones for Christ in the following words says to them Hurt not those that blowed were such teachers as preached Christ sincerely even for many hundred years ago as John Scotus my * In my native Countrey Ireland there is a noted place called Down where Scotus taught School called from thence Scotus dunensis or Duns by Contraction yet other places challeng right to Scotus his birth Country-man as is beleeved Bereagarius Bernard Hierome of Prague who strongly have blown by their Sermons and Writings against the idol of the Masse and transubstantiation and here I might bring in Luther and Melancthon with others who began to blow the Gospel of Christ By Earth Sea Trees I understand particular Churches either in midland wooddy hilly countreys or near sea-coasts as Islands not the faithful particularly because Christ forbids these Churches to be hurt till the faithful in them were sealed Now the Bishops Cardinals and the like who have their Colledges and Fraternities fixed or standings upon the earth forbid these teachers by their edicts excommunications persecutions forbidding the reading of Scripture here note two things 1. Christ hath Preachers of truth in the midst of Antichrists Kingdome 2. The way Antichrist had to set up his kingdome was by hindring the preaching of the Gospel Vers 2. And I saw another Angel ascending from the East This is Christ who came from the East from an high from heaven though born at Hierusalem He hath the broad seale of heaven with him by seale I understand that of Election as 2 Tim. 2.19 The foundation of God stands sure having this Seale he knows who are his Now in Christ we are all sealed or chosen before the foundation of the world allusion is had to Ezech. 9. Christ sealing here is justifying regenerating giving his the Seale that is the assurance of Election Now though all the members of these Churches were not Elected yet were they seperated from the hurt of Antichrist Aloud voice This notes the power of Christ above Anti-christ Till This notes Christs care of his people forbidding the hurting of the Churches till his Saints were called home lest they might be promiscuously wrapt in the danger of seducement but afterwards they might hurt them Vers 3. Till we have sealed the servants of God c. Meaning his Ministers with him not the Angels before mentioned which hinder the blowing of the wind In their foreheads alluding unto Ezech. 9.4 but the Seale here is internal imprinted in the elect by Gods eternal purpose together by sealing them in vocation justification sanctification invocation on the name of God hating Antichrist and Idolatry so that one may run and read whose servants they are as plaine as if it were written in their foreheads hence observe twelve things flowing from these three verses 1. Antichrist hates the truth of the Gospel for
't is a discovering his nakednesse 2. The Gospel sanctifies and chérishes mans nature 3. Satan and his instruments are under the power of Christ hurt not sayes Christ 4. Christ is God for he has the Seale of election 5. He Takes much care of his people hurt them not 6. His Gospel is preached and he has sealed ones in the Kingdome of Anrichrist 7. There is a set time of our calling untill we have sealed 8. Christs servants are to be known by their profession of him and obeying him in their foreheads 9. There is an assurance of salvation to be had in this world understood by the word sealed for the use of a Seale is to confirme so that the Saints need not feare falling away 10. There is a certaine number of the Elect. 11. Christ and his Ministers do co-work till we have sealed 12. All the sealed ones are servants to God Vers 4. Of all the Tribes of the children of Israel That is of all Nations imitating the true faith of the true Israel because God has elected to salvation some out of every part of the world sayes Annonymus upon the place or as ch 5.9 Thou hast redeemed us out of every Nation kindred tongue people here is a certaine number put down for an uncertaine though there be a set number elected and known to God the Tribe of Dan is left out not because Antichrist was to come out of that Tribe as the Papists affirme and many of the Fathers grounding on Gen. 49.17 Dan is a Serpent in the way but because that Tribe forsook the fellowship of their brethren and became like Gentiles Judg. 18.1.30 Vers 9. After this I beheld and lo a great multitude which no man could number This shewes this to be a differing act from the former the sealed ones were in earth but this great multitude is seen in heaven before the Throne the sealed ones note the Church militant this multitude the Saints in heaven observe as in chap. 6 12 14. Antichrist makes a great earthquake in the Church and darkens the Sunne makes the heavens depart as a scrowle so on the other side here the Gospel is preached though hindred chap. 7. ver 1. and the Elect sealed And as the Antichristian adversaries tremble at the last day chap. 6. vers 2. last so the Martyrs and sealed ones chap. 7. ver 9. Enjoy eternal felicity the multitude are those under the Altar chap. 9 And the hundred fourty foure thousand sealed ones ver 4. They had white robes to note their glory and palmes in their hands to note their victory and reward for the palme was given in token of victory of old Vers 10. And they cryed with a loud voice saying salvation to our God The Angels Elders Beasts nay the whole Assembly of heaven sing joyfully to God and the Lamb but the Antichristian adversaries say to the mountains fall on us this thanksgiving of the heavenly inhabitants is indifferent plaine therefore for brevity sake I omit it Vers 13. One of the Elders answered saying unto me what are these which are arrayed in white robes the Papists say Peter I beleeve 't was the same that chap. 5.5 said weep not one that was next to John who asks who they were in white robes not as doubting but to take occasion to instruct John as the Baptist once sent his disciples to Christ to confirme them of the Messias Vers 14. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb hence their whitenesse hence they are before the Throne or enjoy felicity not because of works or martyrdome then And serve him day and night That is ever for there is no night where all Saints shine as the Sun but t is spoken to our capacity In his Temple To wit Heaven The Lamb and the Almighty are the Temple of it Christ shall dwell among them That is they shall for ever enjoy the favour and glory of God Thus much for the positive good they shall enjoy Now followes what they shall be freed from Vers 16. They shall hunger no more Hunger and thirst and heat are put for all the defects and troubles of this life as tears note the afflictions and sorrowes of it which Christ will deliver them from for he will feed them with satiety of joyes in his presence And will lead them to the fountains of living waters of comfort For in his presence is the fulnesse of joy as in his absence are miseries for evermore CHAP. VIII Act I. Vision third Vers 1. There was silence in heaven about the space of halfe an houre THough the 7. Chapter concludes with the day of Judgement and the freedom of Saints from all miseries yet this silence I understand not of that tranquility which we expect to follow that day because that is to last for ever this for half an houre what then by it I understand a short space in which the former Vision being Acted John had permission to desist from the contemplation of these high mysteries and to prepare himself to contemplate on new Visions Vers 2. And I saw the seven Angels The seven Angels whom he saw before Chap. 4.5 to whom Christ that sate on the Throne gave seven Trumpets to sound withall Who stood before God Their office was as Heralds to stand in the presence of God speedily to performe his commandements Now these Angels do represent the Ministers of the Gospel who as trumpeters by comission were to cry alound and proclaime the will of God Seven is a perfect number it notes Christs sending a compleat or perfect number of Preachers or labourers into his harvest yet 't is supposed the seventh means the Archangel mentioned 1 Thess 4.16 to sound at the last day Vers 3. And another Angel came and stood at the Alter Christ before these Ministers begin to preach or sound steps in to sanctify them by sending them his spirit to enable them to go through with their work comes forth with a golden censure I follow Annonymus upon the place who by the Altar understands Christ under whose protection the Saints are chap. 6.9 By the fire of the Altar his spirit which as fire descended and lighted upon the Apostles Acts 2. Thus 't was cast into the earth Now as the fire is from the Altar so it notes the spirit to be God and from Christ If I go I will send you the comforters sayes Christ Here note an allusion to be had to the Types of the Old-Testament where the Priest went to the Altar whereon continuall fire was preserved And he took a golden Censure and he put incense therein which being kindled by the fire of the Altar was resolved into an odoriferous smoke acceptable to God Now in heaven there is no Altar but Christ who as our high-Priest appears being God and man who sanctifyes the prayers and endeavours of the Saints with the Censure that is his most precious death and passion which he applies to the Saints which is
Pilate in part and deferres the rest untill the day of judgment Vers 16. And the number of the armie of horse men were two hundred thousand thousand Noeting the Turkish forces to consist of horsemen especially of which one Emperour of the Turks can bring forth more to a battle then all Christian Princes joyning together 400000. is common And I heard the number of them John having named the number of the Turkish horse noteing what an innumerable armie the Turks sometimes draw into the field least it might seem incredible affirmes he heard the number of them to put all men out of doubt I well remember that living in the University of Ireland a gentleman that newly came from Scandrown or Alexandreta told me he saw the Turkish army march by to recover Badget or Babylon and that the army was above a week marching by consisting of fifteen hundred thousand men with which he recovered Bagdet from the Persian By which however I may guesse thus much that the Turkish forces are incredible many Vers 17. And thus I saw the horses To wit in the Vision otherwise neither are horses in heaven nor such a number in one army in earth Xerxes came nearest They that sate on them had breast-plates c. This Nation of Turks carries not so much harnasses of steel for they come light into the field the readyer to assault fight or flye if occasion be as strength of nature for the breast-plates here mentioned note the inward courage of the Barbarians for their breast-plates were of fire jacinth and brimstone noteing their fiery cruell natures jacinth is in colour like fire and brimstone is easily kindled so are those Barbarians quickly incensed and provoked to warre where by fire they make great desolation And the heads of the horses were as the heads of lyons The Lyon is a generous strong cruell beast It notes the swiftnesse and valor of the Turkish horse in which they most confide and hope for victory The Locusts teeth were Lyons but these horses heads are such because the Locusts deal more secret the teeth being covered with the lips but these Barbarians are more open breathing nothing but war and destruction professedly And out of their mouthes proceeded fire and smoake and brimstone Out of the mouthes both of horse and rider noteing the feircenesse of their war-horses but chiefly this is to be applyed to the rider Brightman applyes this to the Turks guns out of which come fire smoake yet perchance the savage hydeous cryes of these Barbarians which they eye before they begin battle to terrify the adversary may bee understood by fire So their blasphemies against Christ may be meant by smoake which proceeded out of their mouthes as by brimstone may be meant the stinking sulphureous doctrine of that wretch Mahomet wherewith millions of souls are and have been destroyed Vers 18. By these were the third part of men killed Great has been the Turks successe many Kingdomes and Nations have they devoured and though the Christians have given them many defeats witnesse brave Scanderbeg Hunniades King of Hungaria and the Venetian 1571 yet finally by multitude they prevailed They have conquered the third part of our cities Provinces Kingdomes Churches and Armies The holy war of which see the sweet tongued Mr. Fuller destroyed many hundred thousands of the Turkish men yet they through sundry accidents slew many more hundred thousands of Christians and at last went away victorious Vers 19. For their power is in their mouth and in their tailes How they kill with their mouth is said vers 17. now they kill with their tailes the tailes are behind by which the retreats of the Turkes are noted either wounding and killing by deceit and fraud by lying in wait for poor Christians or by perfideousnesse though they oft keep their promises or by wounding with their arrowes upon a retreat fighting backward as the Parthians of old who were most feared when they turned their backs Either then by serpents tailes we may understand their deceit and fraud or their shooting headed arrowes and perchance poysoned upon their retreat The retreats of the Turks are cunning and dangerous compared to heads therefore and to serpents tailes Vers 20. And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues The sins of the Eastern Churches as Idolatry that mother of mischeif caused this loosing of the four Angels bound formerly by Euphrates Now if God so punished these shall he spare Romes Idolatry but shee 'l say she worships not the Image but the party expressed by it Answ And truly when Israel worshipped the calfe Exod. 32. and said this is thy God O Israel which brought thee out of the land of Egypt vers 4. can I think they were such calves as to think this Idol-calf brought them out of that land doubtlesse they were not such sots they saw the powerfull hand of that God on Egypt on the Sea and they see this is the work of their own hands but they thought to expresse that God by this calf or oxe yet how displeased is God with them nay the learned Jews have a saying that no punishment ever happened to them in which there was not an ounce of the golden Calfe grounding on Exod 32. ver 34. Neverthelesse I will remember to visit this sin upon them Yet repented not of the works of their hands The end of Gods judgments is not for destruction but instruction and amendment of life Vers 21. Neither repented they of their murther c. Here I observe that the Eastern Churches were addicted to strange sins as sorceries impurity of life living many unmarried I mean of the Clergy Sacriledge for the Clergy under specious pretences did devoure widowes houses yet repented not O Rome look to thy own self for thy neighbours house is fired and thou lyest impenitent though guilty of the same sins truly you may expect the foure Angels to kill the third part of you since you thus provoke God to withdraw CHAP. X. Act. 2. Vision 3. Vers 1. And I saw another mighty Angel come down from heaven HEre in this Act are comforts for the godly under so long continued afflictions as the fifth Seal contained the comforts of the Martyrs under the Altar in respect of the evils of the foregoing seales so this chapter belonging to the sixth Trumpet doth containe consolations against the evils of the foregoing Trumpets which I have already mentioned in the preceding chapters This mighty Angel is Christ whom John saw in a Vision descending from heaven not by a local motion but by the presence of his Spirit and special help to relieve the afflicted condition of his Church Thus Christ has promised to be with his Church to the end Clothed with a cloud This notes the majesty of Christ for God in old time oft appeared to the people in a cloud So then Christ clothed with the cloud of our flesh is not here meant because his birth is not here treated
of but his coming to assist by his spiritual presence nor his coming in clouds at the last day is not to be here conceived but chap. 19. vers 11. And the Rainbow on his head The Rainbow signifies mercy because God set it in the cloud as a signe he would not destroy the world by water any more notwithstanding the sin of man Christ comes to his poor afflicted Church as a Messenger of peace and mercy who is our peace and procured us mercy a comfortable signe for an afflicted people promising one day to his true servants eternal rest and peace His face was as the Sun Noting two things Christs glorified condition and his being the Sun of righteousnesse illuminating his Church dissipating the tempests of calamities promising as it were by the clear beams of his countenance to dispel adversity from his people His feet as pillars of fire Pillars note strength to uphold fire notes Christ refining his Church for fire consumes chaffe also hereby is noted Christs consuming his adversaries and enemies so Christ appears as upholder of his people refiner of his Church devourer of his adversaries Thus Christ the strong Angel is above the Locusts and like the Sun looks upon the rage of the four Angels loosed and the rest of the adversaries ready to support refine consume Vers 2 And he had in his hand a little book open This is the same book which was formerly sealed with seven seales which Christ opened and holds it so in his hand 't was lesse now then when the seven seales were one for now many events were revealed to John out of it and the seales taken off Quest Why doth Christ open the book and now keep it so Answ Because Christ is the revealer of secrets and of the will of his Father and he keeps the holy Scripture open so that the Locusts nor their King notwithstanding the smoak of the bottomlesse pit can darken the truth of Jesus totally nor the armies of thè Barbarians could root up the faith of Christ Mark then notwithstanding all opposers of the truth the book is kept open for Christ raised some alwayes to defend his truth furthermore he keeps it open for his two Witnesses in chap. 11. to purge by it the dregs of the Locusts and their King And he set his right foot upon the sea c. Some by Christs right foot understand powerful ministers and by the left foot more weak ones however Christ sets his feet on sea and land that is takes possession of the world as preserving in all places some remnants of a Church to himselfe notwithstanding the many persecutions of tyrants who endeavoured to root out the very name of Christ mangre also the cunning endeavouring of that old serpent by many hereticks and by the Bishop of Rome's falling from heaven to earth turning the doctrine of Christ into wormwood and opening the bottomlesse pit this is a great consolation to the Saints that none can put Christ out of possession Vers 3. And he cryed with aloud voice as when a Lyon roareth This lyon-like voice shews the efficacious spreading of the Gospel which should and doth frighten the opposers who the more they rage the louder the voice is the more earnestly the name of Christ was professed and this Christs loud voice did foretel so that the enemies and opposers though they did rage yet they had a kind of secret feare in them Seven thunders uttered their voices These represent seven that is a perfect company of thundering ministers or Boanergeses of the truth who should upon the books being open and the voice of Christ as the Lyons roaring to wit in the publishing the Gospel notwithstanding all opposers undauntedly preach Christ against tyrants hereticks and Antichrist to make them unexcusable Vers 4. I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me c. This voice did not absolutely forbid the writing of what the seven thunders uttered but in respect of the event God foreseeing that the opposers would not hear but despise their voice causing the same to be sealed secret and hid to them through their own default Note that some Copies read After these things write what the seven thunders uttered However here you see how true that of Paul is the Gospel is hid to them that are lost Vers 5. And the Angel which I saw stand lift up his right hand to heaven So they did in old time that did sweare God once swore by himselfe Christ here sweares by God Christ forbade not swearing upon a just occasion an oath so is the end of strife idle oaths Christ forbade as by ones hair head Ierusalem by which none ever swore before a Magistrate rash oathes then are forbid not other Observe Christs sword as Mediatour and God-man by his father who in that respect is greater then he Now in Vers 6 7. And sweareth by him that liveth for ever and ever c. follows what was sworn to wit that time should be no longer but the accomplishment of the mystery of God under the seventh Trumpet at the day of judgement was at hand but Christ is not to be understood as if he had swore time should be no more after that day but should be swallowed up in eternity for what needed an oath to confirme so apparent a truth Christs swearing was to comfort the godly under tyrants and especially Antichrist who had established his kingdome as it made the Saints feare much more misery for it seemed so firme that it should not be demolished now Christ promises a time of Reformation tacitly of which in chap. 11. also the ruine of Antichrists Kingdome and that no more time of such misery and sadnesse should happen to the Church So the oath here is for the confirmation of the promise and for the Saints consolation The mystery of God shall be finished c. either of the Jews calling a little before the seventh Trumpet of whose calling the Prophets speak and Paul Rom. 11. or rather the mystery of the resurrection as Paul cals it 1 Cor. 15. behold I shew you a mystery and destruction of the adversaries of which see Zach. 14 Mal. 3. penult and Mal. 4. thus the sixt trumpet shall continue fulfilling till the last day then the seventh by the Arch-angel shall sound 1. Thessal 4.16 Vers 8. And the voice which I heard from heaven c. to wit that bade not to write the things uttered by the thunders ver 4 commands him 1. To take the book out of the hand of Christ 2. To eat it True seven thundring ministers in the time of Antichrist and opposers preached undauntedly the truth of Christ but without fruit but now John must eat the book by which is signified that the Gospel is to be preached anew though not by John himselfe in the time of Antichrist with successe this book then written within and without chap 5.1 is the Gospel as well as the Revelation that without is the known word of God
ages as Luther have thus spiritually undone and devoured poperie and the beast severall Kingdomes of late in some measure being enlightened and Antichrist there destroyed by the witnesses and faithfull Ministers of Christ notwithstanding all the plots armes threatnings of the Adversaries So then as the witnesses have as it were weapons so they are not carnall but spirituall Vers 6. These have power to shut heaven that it rain not c. Alluding to the Ministery of Elias 1 King 17.1 this is not to be taken literally for then there should be no rain during Antichrists kingdom which according to the letter is false Spiritually the witnesses by the power of the keyes shut heaven so that the raine of grace doth not mollifie the hearts of opposers and contemners either the spirituall rain of the Cospel comes not to them or works not upon they trusting in merits pilgrimages masses thus the word hardens accidentally though it soften the heart of the Elect. Here also may be thought on the imprecations of the Saints against the utter enemies of the Church as Antichrist which with God is of great force They have power over waters to turne them into blood c. Alluding to Moses and Aaron turning the waters of Egypt into blood So when the spirituall Pharaoh of Rome kept the Church in spirituall bondage God raised up witnesses as Mofes and Aaron to gain home his people but upon Antichrists refusall the witnesses by their sighes teares prayers procured great famines pestilences which have been common upon the adversaries for the contempt of the word thus also the witnesses spiritually smite the earth with plagues Where observe the reason and cause of great punishment by famine plague war was contempt of the word and witnesses thus the word and witnesses accidentally bring miseries Vers 7. Moreover when they have finished their testimonie c. The preaching of the Gospel is called a prophecy and a testimony of Christ and the Truth Which when the witnesses shall have finished for before Antichrist shall not overcome them and then only them not their testimony for the Gospel cannot perish the beast arising out of the bottomlesse pit out of which the locusts came chap. 9. v. 3. and Antichrist or the Pope too shall make war with them and kill them the war here is by disputations in behalfe of Antichrists Sermons branding the witnesses as hereticks seducers by councels condemning the witnesses by excommunications and buls cursing and casting them out by force by fire and faggot and the like not by the word of truth for so the witnesses shall kill Antichrist and the Locusts or the goodnesse of the cause Thus Jerom of Prague was overcome and Wickcliffes bones were taken up and burnt so was John Husse destroyed after he had prophecyed even literally 42 moneths for from the first time he began to maintain Wickcliffes opinions being Anno. 1412. to his martyrdom were precisely say his friends 1260 dayes or two and forty moneths Now though some famous witnesses were put to death suddenly after their finishing their testimonie and so the beasts treading down the holy city to be a time larger then that of the witnesses whereas the text gives both the same space of 42. moneths or 1260. dayes remember that the two witnesses in their successours revived and prophecyed again vers 11. So God has not lest himself without a witnesse to this houre nor will not till the Peast ceaseth to tread under foot the holy city or give over tyrannising at least Vers 8. And their dend bodies shall lye in the street of the great city c. This must not be quite taken literally for the bodies of the witnesses were burnt and needed no buriall but as the Church of Rome is the great city consisting of many Kingdomes and is spiritually called Sodom because of her uncleannesse among the Clergie and other sins and as Rome is spiritually called Egypt in respect of the spirituall slavery she keeps the people as Egypt did Israel and in respect of the thousands of Idols of Rome like that most Idolatrous Egypt and as Rome spiritually crucified Christ not because Pilate a Roman and the souldiers did it though that is somewhat but because Christ is recrucified at Rome and in the Idol of the Masse where they of Rome say they crucifie him daily as being say they bodily present but especially because she spiritually crucifies Christ in his members and is as wretched and as ready to do it as Ierusalem that literally did it So spiritually their carcases lie unburied that is their names are cursed and exposed to shame their books burnt condemned and not suffered to be bought their friends abused and their very houses made jakes Thus the great city or Church of Rome is in respect of her Idolatry tyranny over the people darknesse in the matters of saving faith obstinacy in matters of obedience to the witnesses and word contempt of God and his messengers and judgements notwithstanding the pure water of life is become puddle to them and other judgments meant by the waters turned into blood called spiritually or allegorically Egypt Vers 9. And they of the People tongues shall see their dead bodies c. To wit all those that adhered to Antichrist should applaud their King Abaddon and see with joy the dead bodies of the Saints cast forth as dung into the street in the fore quoted sense Three days and an half If the Popish Councel of Constance where many of several nations met be the kinâ—ed and people that rejoyced over the witnesses as our Iohn Fox thinks then by three days and an half may be understood three years and an half for so long that Councell sate Now days sometimes signifie years as Ezek. 4.6 each day for a year However the witnesses shall be exposed to reproach but for a short time this is for the comfort of the Saints and in the first place for Iohn that he might not be troubled Ver. 10. And the inhabitants of the earth shall rejoyce over them c Meaning those servants of Antichrist called inhabitants of the earth as having nothing to do with Heaven 'T is bad to do ill worse to rejoyce in it Now behold 't is come to passe in a strange manner that men in killing them shal tink they do God service 'T is said during the Antichristian councell of Constance publick shows and feasts were kept at the burning of Martyrs And the Romish locusts when they condemne a Saint to the fire use to feast gratulate each other and send presents one to another Well Lazarus saw Dives in hell in torment in the Parable The reason follows Because these two Prophets tormented the inhabitants of the earth The word Prophet here is taken in a large sense sometimes in Scripture to prophecy is to interpret here 't is to preach c. Here remember what Ahab said to Elijah thou troublest Israel when he was the troubler of Israel Indeed the little book
will be bitter in the working it brings sorrow not to be repented of to the Saints though it torment the consciences of wicked men accidentally the Physick works most upon the fowlest stomach where the fault is not in the Physick but in the body so the word will have its proper effect The locusts are the wicked tormentors ch 9. ver 5. Vers 1. But after three days and an half c. That is after a litlle while the spirit entred into them to wit in the Vision to Iohn The truth is the same spirit being immortal shall enter one day into the bodies again when to be glorified but here 't is meant that God would raise up such men with the like spirit as the spirit of Elias is said to be in the Baptist to witnesse his truth against Antichrist Thus God raised up Luther and Melancthon to succeed the former witnesses in whom they are said to live c. But litterally Antichrist never got the bodies to burn yet the locusts have exposed them to what shame they can in writing this may comfort the godly and encourage them not to fear them that can kill the body hence 't is plain God is not left without a witnesse so that the terme of the witnesses prophecying is not come to an end Lastly you see the Locusts and Abaddon their King can kill the witnesses yet not hurt them nor their testimony God will raise them up in their successors here and glorifie them hereafter Vers 12. And they heard a great voice from heaven c. The witnesses did not the enemies Great Because of the power thereof for it shall bring the witnesses to glory Saying unto them come up hither To wit to Christ who is not bodily everywhere but in glory Now Iohn saw the witnesses ascend perchance bodily in the Vision teaching how after the death of the Saints their souls immediatly are in glory This confirms the doctrine of the witnesses though by the enemy condemned as heresie And their enemies beheld them So in the Vision Truly thus have the enemies beheld the witnesses whom they slew raised up to life in Luther Calvin and standing upon their feet as it were and consequently beleeve they ascended into glory after death though they rage against their successours Thus at this restauration of the witnesses to life in their successours the Antichristian adversaries are amazed seeing their doctrine so glorious And fear fell upon the beholders They beheld them dead with delight but at their ascending to honour they are amazed and afraid These as the enemies in the Gospel raged at Christ to wit and the disciples yet feared them against whom they raged they fear because they feel though perhaps too late that they warred against Christ and Truth Therefore also they shall fear their kingdom riches and they shall dread the judgment of GOD but not escape it Vers 13. And there was a great earthquake the same houre Antichrist raised an earthquake against Christ Chap. 6. Now Christ against Antichrist By this earthquake I understand not only the great stir among themselves about Religion which much shakes great Britaine at this houre but Luthers preaching and before that the Bohemians war but to say no more experience shews how both multitudes of witnesses the revolt by the witnesses means of many Kingdomes from papacy the many wars made aganst Spaine Romes most beloved son have made a most terrible earthquake in that great city I mean the Church of Rome The same houre That is presently after the killing of the witnesses I know not one whole Kingdom God be praised for it except Spaine and Italy and herein the Venetian begins to hare the Locusts that totally adheres to his unholinesse the Pope Thus the tenth part of the city fell In the Vision Nay by Luthers Ministery great part of the Romish Religion and tyranny or jurisdiction fell in Germany which was a great part of the Romish city and in England and other places upon it Seven thousand names were slaine c. By the fall of the city names are put for men Now as Brightman has it the revenues and profits of many parish Churches as I may adde Monasteries and Colledges being lost by the rising of the Gospel impoverished and as it were shew many Priests also by the preaching of the Gospel many Papists being more hardened perished And the remnant were affrighted c. The falling of the great city builds Christs little one this proved a good fear many seeing the works of God turned to the Gospel of which experience and histories speak Vers 14. The second Woe is past and behold c. To Iohn in the Vision The first woe t was under Antichrist from his rising to the councell of Constance when the city began to fall The second is yet under both Antichrist Pope and Turke The third lasts to the seveth trumpet to the end for the wicked Vers 15. And the seventh Angel sounded This is the Archangell mentioned 1 Thes 4.16 so the seventh trumpet is that which shall sound when the dead shall rise And their were voyces in heaven saying To wit of the 24. elders or heavenly inhabitants rejoycing for the just judgment to come so the Woe threatned belongs to Antichrist and the damned which Woe Christ uttered in those words Go you cursed and is now to be fulfilled The former woes did belong to the godly and wicked alike under both Antichrists Turk and Pope this only to the wicked Now the cause of the heavenly rejoycing was in part because the kingdomes of the world which the adversaries had violently taken into their possession and as much as in them lay thrust out Christ now returne to Christ who having destroyed his enemies shall raigne alone after which time Christ shall deliver up his Kingdom for now he rules by his word Spirit Sacraments Ministery as Mediatour but then as God and one with the Father for ever of which see 1 Cor. 15. hereafter Antichrist and the wicked shall not rivall with him but our Lord and Christ that is our Lord Christ Jesus alone with the Father and Spirit Vers 16. Then those foure and twenty Elders which sate before God c. Of which before largly chap. 4.4 Here all the heavenly host shut up the third Vision with a song of triumph humbly falling down on their faces in the Vision otherwise they are not bodily in heaven giving thanks to him that is and was and is to come the Almighty of which before chap. 1.8 the cause is Vers 17. Because thou hast taken to thee thy great power and hast raigned Taken that is doest exercise thy great power destroying all thine enemies and delivering thy afflicted Spouse blessing her with thy selfe eternally in heaven Vers 18. And the nations were angry c. The heavenly host give this a reason why they rejoyce in the great judgment because the Nations have sufficiently been angry and raged against thy Church and to
and invisibility in respect of her former lustre for the first three hundred yeares which was by degrees as the Eagle flyes not at once for the woman was a great while flying into the Wildernesse even from a little after Constantine to Phocas the usurper who set up Antichrist None whether Church Kingdome or person is corrupted at once but by little and little Vers 15. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a floud c This floud I understand not to be those Nations Goths Vandals Almans who as a deluge came about this time to destroy the very name and faith of Christ and to carry away the woman nor by earth do I understand them though their earthly religion swallowed up persecution by embracing Christianity for this helped not the woman but drove her farther into the Wildernesse for the faith was most corrupted by Arrius and other damnable hereticks when they embraced it so they were for the most part Arrians or Nestorians because John had treated of the Dragons persecuting the woman before therefore here by the floud I understand the most wretched heresies now reigning vomiting out of the Dragons mouth for the Doctrine of the Gospel coming out of Gods mouth is compared to streames of water Joh. 7.38 and so heresies may be well said to be a floud considering their violence and impurity for a floud washes the banks and draws all corruption into it Now in this Age was Arrius against the Son Macedonius against the Holy Ghost Nestorius against the truth of Christs Person Vers 16. Yet the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the floud c Alluding to the old history of the earths swallowing up Corah and his Company Num. 16. or to the earth swallowing up the floud which destroyed the World In sum God used some extraordinary meanes to destroy this floud by which the Dragon thought to destroy the rest of the womans seed that is those retired righteous of which I spake but now who withdrew themselves from the Idolatry of Rome These are described to be such as have the testimony or Gospel of Jesus whereby and the bloud of the Lamb they are said to overcome vers 11. for the Gospel brings faith that laies hold on Christ by which all the Saints overcome Thus we have seen what a furious Creature the devill is against us and how he makes use of his short time which he knows is so seeing the signes of the last times are fulfilled and fulfilling this should teach us to make good use of out short time which hastens as the weavers shuttle Vers 18. And I stood upon the sand of the sea To wit ready to behold the Beast arising out of the sea as Chap. 13. or to denote the dangerous and sandy condition of the Age of Antichrists arising able to destroy if it were possible the very elect Mat. 24.24 CHAP. XIII Act. 3. Vision 4. Vers 1. And I saw a beast rise up out of the sea c THis Vision depends on vers 17. of Chap. 12. as one with it the act describes the Dragons war there mentioned and Antichrists arising mentioned Chap. 11.7 by the beasts ascending out of the bottomlesse pit and agreeing with Dan. 7.8 11. of the little horne speaking blasphemies meaning Antiochus or Antichrist himself of whom Antiochus was a Type Now it is usual in Scripture to set forth Empires by beasts as Dan. 7. where the Assyrian Persian Grecian Roman Empires are so described rising out of the sea vers 3. that is out of Nations Tongues People over whom they reigne and from whence they arise answerable to Rev. 17.15 This beast arises out of the sea here and out of the land ver 11. yet the same one according to the last verse here is wisdome to count the number of the beast in the singular number and that because of Antichrists double forme as King and Priest having the sword of Paul and key of Peter as the whorish Church or queen Chap. 18.7 17.3 and false Prophet Chap. 16.13 clothed with the spoiles of the Roman Empire and pretended Vicarship of Christ or as a Tyrant and seducer Let then the Papists feigne an Antichrist to themselves to be begotten of a Jewish woman of the Tribe of Dan by some evill spirit to reigne three yeares and an halfe and to fulfill literally all things spoken Antichrist in this Book we have found the man sitting in the Temple of God even for God Out of the sea To wit the bottomlesse pit out of which the Locusts came chap 9 3. and chap. 11.7 out of which the beast ascended yet John saw the beast arising out of the sea in the Vision noting the Popes arising out of the sink of hell by the meanes of Phocas the intruder thus the Sea of Rome is the sea of the beast or perchance that floud of the Dragon is the sea out of which Antichrist arose Now though Councils and Bishops of Rome condemned Arrius yet through the Devils enticements they set up Antichrist as chiefe Priest and King of Bishops though for a long while the Bishops of Constantinople and Alexandria were his Corrivals Nay to that height by degrees he arose that he would not be present at any Easterne Council but by his Legates or Embassadours lest the Emperour being present he should be forced to give him place Having seven heads and ten hornes c This Beast is very like the Dragon but that the Dragon wore his Crowns on his heads this on his hornes by hornes strength is noted who these horne be Rev. 17.9 12. makes known to wit ten Kings and the seven heads are seven Mountaines of Rome for she was built upon so many to which chapter I defer the interpretation of this place Blasphemy The Beast will not weare his hornes himself but his ten hornes or Vassal-Kings shall on his own head is blasphemy not openly written yet plaine enough for all his Religion and Doctrines are such against God and Christ Vers 2. And the beast which I saw was like unto a Leopard c. The word in Greek signifies a she-Leopard which hath a speckled skin and very odoriferous swift and subtile Thus the Beast is something like a monster compounded of a Leopard a Beare and Lyon The Church of Antichrist is spotted as the Leopard being a mingle-mangle of diverse Heresies Superstitions Idols Traditions consisting of several Orders Sects Clergy men it is very odoriferous full of the sweet smels of honour riches it is very swift for after the world was perswaded that Rome was the seat of Peter that sea of Rome quickly swallowed up all it is crafty so Antichrist is a false Prophet full of cunning deceits gaining home much riches by this meanes Now hee is like a Beare in the feet her feet are flat large by which the stability and firmenesse of Antichrists Kingdom is noted this Creature hath sharpe nailes which it fastens into the ground and so goes more firmly Now
the Papists lye saying Antichrist should rage but about foure years These harpers are not only to be taken for those chap 14.3 who congratulate the 144000. standing with Christ on the mount but are to be taken for the Church militant as Brightman observes rejoycing and singing of Songs of praise as Moses did for victory over Pharaoh so these over the national name of the beast for the word in Greek is overcoming as it were now in earth though it be represented to Iohn in heaven having the harps of God in the Vision meaning excellent harps Vers 3. And they sang so it seemed to John yet there are not tongues lips nor voices as yet enough in heaven to make musick but this is spoken to our capacity yet the Saints most sweetly and joyfully but as spirits praise God in heaven The Song of Moses Exod. 15. or like it And the Song of the Lambe as oft before T is a Song composed of many places of Scripture together by which you see the way to praise God is out of his lasting Word Thus his Word endures for ever in heaven and praises out of his Word Thou King of Saints God in a peculiar manner is their king and they his subjects Vers 4. Who shall not feare thee not Antichrist Being only holy The Popes unholinesse is here reproved All nations shall Some of all nations upon Antichrists declining For thy judgements are manifest In weakning his kingdom by the preaching of the Word making him odious This the Harpers worthily pronounce Vers 5. And after that I looked to wit after the Song as an interlude And the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in heaven was opened Alluding to the litteral Temple the meaning is John saw heaven open out of which came these Angels There is no mystery in it but Antichrists judgements proceed from Christ the High-priest of the Tabernacle Vers 6. And the seven Angels came having seven plagues clothed in pure white linnen White linnen notes their heavenly Purity With a golden girdle So Christ had chap. 1.13 noting his Majesty and Diligence which his servants the Angels have ready to execute his pleasure Or this imports the decency of Angels who assuming bodies or appearing in bodily formes for our sakes come not naked but clothed as the Priests by Gods command in the law Vers 7. And one of the foure beasts Of these is spoken chap. 4. it matters not which of them gave the seven Vials perchance he that was nearest not Peter as the Papists think Thus much is apparent the Church desires Gods judgements to be hastened upon Antichrist as chap. 6.10 upon tyrants O Lord how long the beasts resemble the Gospel Church now they especially desire it being greatest sufferers Vials noting the vessel holding as much as a man can drink at a draught but doubtlesse these were great ones noting Gods great judgements ' Golden Noting the justnesse of the judgements though then John saw Vials in the Vision they noted the cup of wrath and fury spoken of in some sense chap. 14 10. Vers 8. And the Temple was filled with smoak c. Not a cloud as 1 Kings 8.10 11. but smoak noting how the Church of Rome was to be filled with darknesse and confusion and consequently wrath of God Which though formerly it were in the Romish Church not of new yet now it began more plainly to appear after the light of the truth that no man could enter into heaven above noted by the Temple because of darknesse of ignorance and sin nor could enter into the Church to receive light because nothing but blindnesse and darknesse till the seven plagues were past that is never for the seventh Angel is the Archangel at the last day thus none of the beasts worshippers have light nor can enter into the Temple of heaven in the state they are in for ever But Christ we hope will call many of them home as that great City or Church of Rome decays Thus farre the introduction to the fifth Vision The smoak comes from Gods glory and power and the blindnesse from God as a righteous judgement CHAP. XVI Vision 5. Vers 1. And I heard a voice out of the Temple saying to the seven Angels go c. FOrmerly two witnesses chap. 11. that is a few were raised up against Antichrist Now seven that is very many who by their preaching shall as the witnesses cause Vials of wrath to be poured upon Antichrist We have heard of the Beast against the witnesses Chap. 11. the Dragon against the woman Chap. 12. the Beast against the Saints by warre Chap. 13. and suffering none to buy and sell but his spirituall Merchants not followes a strang change Judgments for the Antichristian company Beast and Merchants goe There is Commission Pour out not drop aggravating the punishment Pour out his viall upon the earth Leave none at all in the vessell upon the earth in vers 2. these Angels note ministers Vers 2. And the first went and poured out his Viall upon the earth Note the readinesse of the Angels in obeying the Lord whose voice out of the Temple or heaven commanded them even now ver 1. On the earth that is the inhabitants of the earth or worshippers of the beast And there fell a grievous noysom sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast c. To wit on Antichrists markked ones T is an allusion to the first Egyptian plague of boils and blaines Exod. 9.9 for here is oft such punishments as haile locusts blood Now though God may punish the Roman Church with outward diseases as the French pox which follows the wanton Clergy yet since outward diseases are common to all chiefly with Brightman I understand these plagues to be in men as hatred envy malice against the true light upon the preaching of the Gospel to the inhabitants of the earth by the first Angel note the Gospel is the savour of life to the Saints though it be as a Vial and torment to the marked ones because it hinders their riches honour pride tyranny Now what greater sore then a tormented vexed mind Vers 3. And the second Angel poured out his Vial upon the Sea and it became as the blood of a dead man So in the Vision the sea is the Romane Church or gathering together of Churches Perchance the Councel of Trent whether all People gathered for help when the first Vial was poured out it lasted many years many rivers as Cardinals Bishops Archbishops c. run hither and made up the sea to consult against Christs true witnesses however the sea of Rome or Church is the sea the Bishops and Doctors are the rivers and fountains which make up the sea or the fountains are Scripture all corrupt at least to them this is a plain allusion to that Egyptian plague when the waters were blood so here the Church Bishops Doctors are polluted so the Scripture the fountain in some sense of water is
out of this cup which John saw in the Vision she makes the Kings of the earth drink Full of abominations c. Gold without but filthinesse and poyson within fair in pretences wicked and adulterous in practice This is not heathenish Rome for she enticed none but served the gods of all nations but Popish Rome with whom even all Kingdomes have once committed fornication Vers 5. And upon her fore-head a name written In the Vision It notes how openly this whorish woman shews her self to be another Babylon but in a mystery A mystery that great Babylon So Rome in a mystery is Egypt Hierusalem Sodom chap. 11. and now Babylon keeping the inhabitants of the earth in spirituall bondage Indeed all Romes religion is mysterious full of mysteries openly the Pope cals himself Christs Vicar and the Church of Rome Christs Spouse mystically hee 's Antichrist and she the whorish woman The mother of fornication Rome brags of her being the mother of Churches but indeed she is the mother of Idolatry or spirituall fornication For all abominations that ever were in the Christian world came from Rome You heard before of a chast Matron the mother of the Martyrs and man-child now of the mother of fornication and whoredoms Thus as openly as if it were written in her forehead yet in a mystery doth Rome shew her self to be the spouse of Antichrist and the mother of fornication another Babylon Vers 6. I saw the woman drunken with the blood of Saints Either full of blood which she had shed as the book of Martyrs can testifie See chap. 11. of the witnesses so that she even raged and was drunken as one with wine or because as one drunk she shall not be sensible of many of her judgments And of the Saints and Martyrs of Jesus Their blood she shed by warring against them chap. 13. for whom Christ out of love shed his no wonder then a judgment follows for this and her fornication chap. 16.6 The blood of the Saints and Prophets is said to be shed also the word Prophet is there to be taken for a teacher as Prophecy is for teaching chap. 11. the Witnesses shall Prophecy else Antichrist came not neer the time of Prophets Severall Massacres prove this point and what is said chap. 11. and 13. of her burning the Witnesses and warring with the Saints Now Iohn in the Vision sees the woman drunken with blood because by her means instigation and doctrine Kings have raged against the people of God Heathenish Rome did thus against the Saints openly but Antichrist in the mystery only whose rage agrees with the time spoken of so doth not heathenish Rome And when I saw her I wondred c. To see a whorish woman upon a beast so strangly attired c. for otherwise he had seen the beast before c. 13. Vers 7. And the Angel said to me wherefore didst thou marvell c. The Angel observing Iohns desire by his countenance to know the meaning of his sight doth of his own accord open to him the mystery saying I will tell thee Vers 8. The beast which thou sawest was and is not To the Beast the Angel ascribes four states according to times Was Or has been viz. formerly in Monarchicall power in Kings Consuls Dictators and the like for thus the Beast had been when Rome was governed by these for the Pope by force took this power to himself by degrees and now reignes as an Emperour or King thus something of the Beast had been to wit the secular power which he made more his own afterwards And is not In the time of the Revelation when the poor Bishops of Rome dream't not of any Monarchicall power but suffered martyrdome under it 300 years And is to ascend out of the bottomlesse pit To wit when Boniface the third invaded the Ecclesiasticall Monarchy Anno 606. See chap. 9. v. 1. of the bottomlesse pit and chap. 11. expounded vers 3. of Antichrists time of arising Stephen the second also laid hold on the secular power 649 years from this Prophecy Thrusting the Greek Emperours out of Italy depriving the French King Helderick of his Kingdom admitting Pipin to whom he gave the Kingdom of France to kisse his feet Thus the Beast arose out of the bottomlesse pit by degrees Out of the bottomlesse pit c. The Beast may be said to come from hell because his working is after the working of Satan Hell is said to have no bottome because none ever returne thence but are as it were continually sinking into misery And shall go into perdition Here the last state of the Beast is treated of The Antichristian Church decreases dayly and suddainly will arrive at the Armegeddon of destruction And they that dwell upon the earth shall wonder As is expounded chap. 13.4 8. none of the Saints who were elected before the foundation of the earth in Christ to glory whom it is impossible to deceive Matth. 24.24 the non-elected are in miserable condition Beholding the Beast which was Before Iohns time in Kings Consuls who are fallen a sleep vers 10 And is not Because Roman Bishops in Iohns time had not usurped not dream't of any great power And yet is In respect of the imperiall power of Caesars then which the Popes should usurpe when Iohn was alive Vers 9. Here is the minde having wisdome In the things that remaine to be expounded touching the heads and hornes greater mysteries lye did then ordinary which are above mans reach or wisdeom Therefore the Angel somewhat explaines it to Iohn stirring up our attention and desire lest we be slothfull in knowing and shunning the Beast The seven heads are seven mountains That is signify seven mountains as the Rock was Christ that is signified Christ On which the woman sitteth To wit the whorish woman or great City vers 18. or Rome seated on seven hils as every man knows one mountain is called Capitolinus 2 Palatinus 3 Caelius 4 Aventinus 5 Aesquilinus 6 Viminalis 7 Quirinalis of which see Mr. Godwin in his Roman Antiquit. Quest Why did not Christ by the Angel plainly name Rome Because men should the more study to find out the mystery also if the Antichristians had been plainly named perchance they would have in rage burnt the Prophecy and many more inconveniences would have followed The Jesuits begin to say this is Rome yet heathenish Rome as under heathenish Kings and Emperours but 't is plain Iohn speaks of things to come of Rome as it was to be Antichrists seat not the Emperours then Vpon which the woman sitteth She sits upon waters vers 1. as commanding people tongues nations called waters ver 15. upon the Beast or Roman Empire as commanding and ruling the Empire for sitting notes Dominion upon the mountains as Antichrists dwelling place and seat now thus the Pope sits even in Antichrists seat therefore hee 's Antichrist Vers 10. And there are seven Kings That is governments at Rome where the seven mountains
Lords Vers 18. That yee may eate the flesh of Kings c. Who by the unclean spirits chap. 16.14 were to be gathered to Armageddon Both the Kings of the earth suppose Persians Tartarians Indians and those of the ten Kings who forsooke not the Whore who shall be a feast for birds indeed for hell for the Lord shall overtake these his enemies combining against him and utterly destroy them for ever I meane the judgment day shall overtake them for they shall warre against him and last in some sort till then And the flesh of horses and of them that sit on them c. So it is after a battel but here at the last day though all shall be destroyed yet only the Beast and the Kings shall be cast into hell not the horses together with their Armies which being plain in vers 19. I passe Vers 20. And the Beast was taken alive c. The Beast and false Prophet here are one as the Beasts chap. 13. v. 1. 11. are one for the false Prophet is but Antichrist as a Deceiver together with the Cardinals and Clergy of Rome as chap. 13. v. 11. who hath two hornes as a Lamb and doth wonders in the sight of the Beast as this doth here and the Beast is Antichrist as a secular Prince as I have noted chap. 13. and are but one Beast called by John chap. 13. vers last They shall be cast alive into hell either because being taken alive at the last day they shall only be made incorruptible changed and cast into hell-fire and never dye a temporal death or because they shall alwayes live in hell in torment and never die a living death or dying life however by a double punishment he shall be plagued as a secular wicked Prince and as a false deceiving Prophet the Lord having long since begun to destroy Antichrist by the preaching of the word as by the spirit of his mouth 2 Thes 2.8 now finally casts him into the lake of fire and his friends thus the brightnesse of Christs coming shall destroy Antichrist 1. By preaching 2. By this spiritual not proper slaughter or destruction in hell Vers 21. And the remnant were slaine with the sword of him that sitteth upon the horse c. Alluding to Ezek. 39.15 Go ye cursed Now as literally Gog and Magog were slaine and birds eat their flesh so shall allegorically this be fulfilled in the destruction of Antichrist after such a manner as the last judgment requires for the Devil shall have enough and hell shall be even filled with reprobates by reason of this Armageddon CHAP. XX. Preface to Vision 7. or last Act. 1. Vers 1. And I saw an Angel come down from heaven having the Key of the bottomlesse pit and a great chaine in his hand THis Vision is in some sense the recapitulation of all the former and concludes the marriage of the Lamb and history of the Church from Christs incarnation to the last day or the consummation of all things the Angel is Christ who came down from heaven being incarnate for us being the womans seed and to bruise the Serpents head having the Key that is power of hell and death chap. 1.18 or the bottomlesse bit and that by right not as Antichrist who usurps it And I saw Noting the order of the Vision not the order of the events for after the day of judgment now mentioned chap 19. there shall follow no binding and loosing Satan so that here is not a continuation of history and times observed A great chaine in his hand Noting Christs omnipotency and power above and over Satan a chaine of providence shewing how Christ by his Birth Passion Burial Resurrection Ascention sending the spirit cheifly preaching by the Disciples bound up and hindred Satans tempting the world to Idolatry of which see my Glimps of Christs love page 48. and margin Vers 2. And he laid hold on the Dragon c. In the Vision this is the battle betwixt Michael and the Dragon chap. 12. v. 9. there he is bound from accusing the brethren and cast out of heaven and Church and packt into the earth wildernesse heathens and dry places here lest he seduce the Nations keeping them from beleeving being but almost the same with the former So Satan was not so bound the thousand yeers absolutely for he tyrannized by the Romane Emperours over the Saints in the red horse chap. 6. and overspread the face of the Church with Heresie in the black horse chap. same v. 5. but in respect of seducing the Nations Now since the thousand yeers began many Nations have beleeved which Satan could not hinder Thus Christ beheld Satan fall like lightning Luke 10.18 thus the Prince of this world was judged John 16.11 when Christ in earth And he bound him a thousand yeers Though from Christs Nativity Satans Kingdome began to be ruined yet his death and resurrection did him most hurt but the Jewes much hindred the calling of the Gentiles with any great efficacy till the ruine of the Temple from which time chiefly the thousand yeers of Satans binding are reckoned being Anno 73 according to my Pareus who conceives them to be ended anno 1073. when Gregory the seventh a Monke and a Magician poysoning Alexander the second invaded his chaire at Rome and so the divel began to be let loose by him who gave himselfe to all manner of loosenesse yet from the Angels descent or Christs incarnation Satan began to be bound for then temples idols oracles were forsaken fell down and were silent as histories testifie See Master Smiths arrow against Atheists Thus however Satans loosing hath been 577 years or thereabout Vers 3. And cast him into the bottomlesse pit and set a sea upon him that he should deceive the People no more Into hell and confirmed him there as with his seal now though truly Satan had been cast into hell from his fall according to Peter and Jude yet he had more liberty to range abroad then after Christs incarnation for a thousand years after which he was To be let loose a little season No doubt from the expiration of a thousand years after the Angels descent to the end of the world Satan shall be loosed called A little season either in respect of God with whom a thousand years are but as one day or in respect of years past since the Creation or of eternity or in respect of the Scripture wont who cals the Generation since Christ the last houre Now Satan is to be let loose to manifest his rage against the Church to increase his future torment 2. For the triall of the Saints 3. Justly I mean in respect of Gods punishment upon the nations to seduce them that will not beleeve the truth unto salvation Act. 2. Vers 4. And I saw thrones and they that sate upon them and judgement was given unto them c. The former act answered to ch 6. about Christs riding on the white horse and to ch 12.
Law where the Sun of light is prophecyed never to set fully till the second comming of Christ ch 60.20 but not onely of this spiritual Kingdom nay vers 19. speaks as the place now in hand as if there should be no use of Sun nor Moon hereafter Vers 24. And the nations that were saved shall walk in the light of it Thus much for the building and glory now of the Citizens somewhat They shall enjoy the glorious presence of God who is the light of the city Iohn having spoken of the city could not conveniently but mention citizens who are indeed the very city or part of it the Patriarchs Prophets and Jewish nation or the elect of them are the rest But this must be taken according to the order of the vision and city first and then inhabitants And Kings of the earth do bring their glory thither Not the Kings of the earth who stand for the Beast of which often But Kings converted in the time of the Gospel of which see Esay 60. at large To which passage here is an allusion though it were in the time of the spiritual Kingdome of Christ partly fulfilled now these Kings brought their power and honour to Christs spiritual Kingdome when they were converted and upheld the same and they bring their honour to the city above when their abode is forever above being consummated in glory praising honouring lauding God and Christ for their salvation for ever and ever So these Kings are not such as bring now again their earthly honour to the Church militant for they are saved as well as the nations not to be saved implying their being in joy and safety Kings of the earth Some of the ten converted ones who when in heaven are not Kings but fellow-citizens Ver. 26. is much the same Vers 25. And the gates of it shall not be shut by day c Noting the security and peace and freedome from all dangers for we shut gates day and night in time of Warre or Siege but there shall be no danger now if in the day time the gates shall not be shut then never for there is no night being the glory of God shall expel darknesse by everlasting light This is an allusion to Esay 60. thy gates shall be open continually speaking of the Church militant under the Gospel to admit members to wit into the Church Gentiles and Kings and never shut as excluding none and here t is applyed to signifie the security and happinesse of the Church triumphant Vers 27. There shall in no wise enter in any thing that is defiled See vers 8. Expos on it Paul long since 1 Cor. 6.9 foretold as much Now Christ will judge according to the Gospel These places prove nothing against the Saints who have been overtaken in some sin and have washed themselves by faith in the blood of the Lamb but t is understood of them who make a trade of sinne CHAP. XXII The same Vision partly continued Vers 1. And he shewed me a pure river of water of life clear as Chrystall c. THese two last chapters concerning the Saints felicity answer to chap. 7 15. where the redeemed clothed in white robes praise God before the throne day and night that is for ever The pure river alludes to Ezek 47. or rather to Paradise watered by the river that came out of Eden Gen. 2.10 but that river drew corruption this is pure and water of life having no mixture of filth that came out of Eden this out of the Throne What more pleasant then a water behold not a fountain but a great river not rounding the wals of the city but running through the streets Let us entertain no earthly thought for God by this shews us glorious things in Ezek. 47. waters issuing out of the house of God or Temple is the doctrine of the Gospel flowing from Christ But in this place as also chap. 7. last the living fountains of water are to note the fulnesse of knowledge of God which the faithful shall have by the immediate Vision of God and the Lamb as also unspeakable purity and joy Now the comforts of the Gospel in this life and its doctrine is compared to water Iohn 7.37 Others say the river is the Holy Ghost proceeding from the Throne or God constantly refreshing the city of God Vers 2. And in the midst of the street of it and of either side Here follow the abundance of all things necessary for the Citizens Was there a tree of life Conferring and preserving life alluding to the tree in Paradise but that was not to be touched and this is common for all the Citizens There was but one the which that in Paradise typed See Rev. 2.7 where I expounded it to be Christ who is the bread of life Now the tree though but one with its boughs and roots reached both sides the river though the river was very broad noting how sufficient Christ is for all the Citizens Ezek. 47.7 to which here as an allusion speaks of many trees yet 't was but the same Christ conveyed many ways to the Saints therefore called many trees as the foundations were said to be twelve but here is but one Christ whom all enjoy alike Of the river c. The tree is in the midst of the street because barred from none by the River because always fruitful never decaying Bearing twelve manner of fruits I dare not say here is meant the Apostles doctrine who though they preached one Christ yet drew comforts from him several ways Nor will I mention the twelve articles of the faith all comforting But the tree notes Christ who monthly that is continually is bringing forth the fruits of joy and comfort to refresh the city of God the earnest whereof the Saints have in this world several ways So Christ in heaven alluding to the twelve moneths of an year brings forth twelve nay thousands of fruits of joy and comfort The leaves were for the healing the Nations Alluding to Ezek. 47. So that nothing of Christ but is most sweet and good not as if there were need of any Physick in heaven but to keep the Allegory of the tree ordinary trees loose their leaves Nothing of CHRIST but is profitable The Nations Chap. 21.26 who brought their glory to Christ as the Kings did by being converted and upholding his Kingdom and by being at last glorified by Christ and perfectly cured Vers 3. And there shall be no more curse c. What ever might hinder happinesse shall be removed as chap. 7.15 all tears shall be wiped away By curse we may understand not only that of the law which is nulled but the Anathema's of Antichrist also sin sorrow torment death which are destroyed Here may be intimated the curse of delivering over to Satan in this life because of sin in the Church but there above is purity and therefore no curse as Beza has it There shall be no curse because the throne of God shall
the overcommers chap. 2.28 as is expounded he being the morning starre Vers 17. And the Spirit and the Bride say come That is the Spirit in every Saint sayes come Every Saint having the Spirit longs after Christ so David Psal 42.2 As the heart pants after the water brookes that hot and therefore dry or thirsty creature so doth my soule after thee O God And the Bride or Church longs after Christ to be fully gloryfied by him and to live ever with her husband the Church Militant Cant. 8. vers last cals for Christ saying be like the Roe that nimble creature and come in haste The coming of Christ is fearfull to the wicked but the regenerate long for him Let him that heareth say come As the Bride doth Truly the reading and hearing this book will make every spiritual man say come Lord Jesus such sweetnesse is here Let him that is a thirst come That is the qualification required in the commers come to me for redemption salvation glory if athirst for a thirsty man is fit to drink of the fountain of water of life Now he that is athirst is he that has the Spirit crying to Christ to come to perfect him and the Church in glory And whosoever will Being qualified and a thirst none else can come these the father draweth Let him take the water of life freely Being a thirst and drawen by the Father The invitation is generall Isa 55.1 Hoe all but note the qualification that thirst come ye to the waters but note God worketh in us to will and do Phil. 2.13 whosoever commeth then God draweth Vers 18. For I testifie This depends upon vers 7. blessed are they that keep the words of this Prophecy now he threatens those who any way corrupt or abuse it Sure Antichristian falsifyers of the truth are here meant For I also testify or testifie together sayes the Greek Because the Angel had spoken now Christ confirmes the Angels testimony witnessing also with the Angel Vnto every man that heareth Not the Pope excepted If any man shall adde By false interpretations as 2 Peter 3.16 adulterating the Text. Let the Papists take heed how they mingle traditions and lyes with the Text. Vnto him God shall adde the plagues To wit not only the seven last plagues but to be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone for ever with the dragon and false Prophet chap. 19 20. O Arrius and Engedinus where are ye O Popelings and Hereticks take heed Vers 19 If any man shall take away from the words of this Prophecy God shall take away his part out of the Book of life c. To the adders he will adde plagues to the takers away he sayes hee 'll take away his part out of the book of life That is what part he seemes to have or will utterly condemne him one day Indeed they may be said to take away from the Book that deprave it allow not of it sleight it or the like The overcommers were promised choyce rewards in the seven Churches these deprayers shall have no share with them nor with the glorious Bride in heaven Some have denyed Saint James his Epistle some this book through mistake not malice being otherwise true Christians and are not to be comprehended here Luther doubted of James many ancient Christians through weaknesse of the authority of this most Divine book on whom I dare not doubt but God had mercy But note not only the integrity but perfection of Scripture is hence proved since nothing is to be added away then with traditions the written word is perfect and only to be followed to salvation Deut. 4.2 Moses gives the same command let no man adde by which it is plain the holy Scriptures of the Old-Testament were full enough and perfect to salvation Now our Saviour not John takes this passage from Moses and other things in this book are taken from the Prophets everywhere To note the perfect agreement of the New-Testament and Old and also to shew how this Book sayes my Pareus is a summe of holy Scripture Well we must not depend upon Revelations but the written Word By this Christ proved himself and his death to his disciples Luke 24.27 see my Glimps of Christs Love pag. 57. Vers 20. He that testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly c. They be the words of Christ not of Iohn who testified and revealed this Prophecy to Iohn being the true and faithfull Witnesse chap. 3.14 who promises to come quickly to confute those who make a mock of his coming to judgment 2 Pet 3.2 3 4. and to stirre us to patience and watchfulnesse And truly if when Iohn writ this book Christ promised to haste then now he is even at the door many Jews are daily converted the Gospel much spread Antichrist manifested and spiritually killed by the Witnesses forsaken by the Kings of the earth or many of them nay and Christ has powerfully reigned by the Reformation of many Kingdomes in matters of Religion We expect to hear of Romes literall desolation but the utter ruine of Turke and Pope we expect not till the seventh Viall be poured out into the aire or the seventh Angel sound at the last day other things are most fulfilled and we hope God for the Elect sake will hasten his coming Surely I come 'T is an asseveration confirming his promised coming to comfort the godly and to stir them up to watchfulnesse and patience in well doing and ill suffering Vers 21. Even so come Lord Jesus Sayes Iohn after all the most joyfull glorious things in the Prophecy the Beast and Dragon in the Vision cast into the lake of hell longing for the consummation of glory Indeed Christ is the good Ahimaaz 2 Sam. 18.27 that brings true and good tydings here in this life but cheifly hereafter of perfect redemption which all the creation groanes for and perfect glory for the Elect. Or Iohn may be understood to desire Christ to hasten Antichrists destruction to hasten comforts to Syon and lastly to come to judgment to condemne the Dragon and Beast and deliver the Saints redeeming their bodies out of their graves consummating them in glory Thus the Spirit in all the Saints teaches to long after Christ and say come Lord Jesus come quickly even so Amen Hanc epitomen praecipuorum Commentariorum supra Revelationem JOHANNIS unà cum annotatiunculis quibusdam feliciter peregi 30 Martii 1650. Ann aetat meae 31. Trinitati gloria sempiterna Amen FINIS
years more for the City to be trod down and so many years remain for the two witnesses to preach against Antichrist Vers 3. And I will give power to my two Witnesses and they shall prophesie Some have thought Christ and the spirit or annoynting were these witnesses but Christ makes them distinct from himself saying I will give to my two Witnesses Also Christ nor the Spirit can't be killed as these were Christ was to die but once lastly the Revelation is an history though mystical and in this particular almost literally fulfilled as shal appear Here also is a plain allusion to Zerubbabel Zach. 4. ver last who brought literally Israel out of captivity with Ioshua Nehem. 12.1 Zach. 3. and 4. And are called annointed ones Now certainly the first Kings States and chiefly Ministers of the Gospel who endeavoured to bring Gods People out of Antichrists spiritual thraldome are here to be understood being a plain allusion to the history of Zerubbabel and Joshua as will appear John Husse and Hierome of Prague were the first witnesses olive trees and candlesticks of Reformation in Bohemia and thereabout who in their successours prophesied or preached a thousand two hundred and sixty days Of which anon Not indeed as if the witnesses should ever quite give over preaching before the last day in their successors but because chiefly they should manifest their testimony when Antichrist was exalted and trod down the Church in a most violent cruel manner Certainly notice may be taken that since Hierome of Prague John Husse and others began to witnesse the truth of the Gospel against Antichrist the truth hath increased farre and near Thus whiles Antichrist trod down the Church most they witnessed most earnestly and shall do till the burning of Rome as will appear in this chapter to a diligent Reader After which as Antichrist will with weakned strength survive so shall the witnesses powerfully to the end But most notice is to be taken of the first fourty two moneths and the thousand two hundred and sixty days being all one as shall appear Now if any yet object that annointed ones will not agree with Kings or Ministers of the Gospel I answer that neither Ioshua nor Zerubbabel were as we read of annointed yet Conductors of Israel from Babylon Nehem. 12.1 and called annointed Zach. 4. last Now certainly every minister of Christ nay every true Christian is annointed with the spirit 2 Cor. 1.21 but enough Only note that the first witnesses had the spirit and power was given them in a peculiar manner to oppose Antichrist and therefore are called the olive trees By the two witnesses therefore we are not to understand the two testaments who though they do testifie of Christ yet can't be said to be killed properly and restored to life by two therefore a sufficient company of witnesses we are to understand alluding to Moses and Aaron who also by their successors should preach and maintain the truth of Christ after the Court of Priests was departed from the Church to Paganism and idolatry and Antichrist had troden underfoot the holy city They shall prophecy Thus Iohn in the two Witnesses doth prophecy again A thousand two hundred and sixty dayes Here is the same time allowed to the witnesses to Prophesie and to Antichrist and his Gentiles to tread down so that the beginning of the treading down the Church and the Prophecying of the witnesses was at the same time for though Christ raised up two faithfull witnesses that is some more then ordinary towards the time of the Gentiles treading down and taking full possession of the Church yet he never from the first beginning to tread down left himself without some witnesses Berengarius Scotus Wickliffe nay the very Romish Bishops and Emperours have complained of the tyranny of Popes after Boniface the thirds usurping Thus the witnesses time of Prophecying is not yet expired nor shall be till the Gentiles give over treading down Cloathed in sack-cloth Either because they prophecyed to gain men to repentance sackcloth and ashes or because they mourned and were in bitternesse for the miseries of the Church intimated by sack-cloth or because they were poor and contemptible in the worlds eyes not clothed with silk as the Romanists Vers 4. These are those two Olive trees and the two Candlesticks To wit mentioned Zach. 4. meaning Jehoshua and Zerubbabel who brought the people from captivity Where observe these two witnesses have some allusion to these two as to Moses and Aaron sufficient witnesses against Pharaoh and so by two witnesses a sufficient company are meant to whom Christ gave to wit power to prophecy that is courage and ability to teach his truth and oppose Antichrist when the holy city was much trod under by Antichrist and his Gentiles Christ raised up his two witnesses John Husse and Ierom of Prague to prophecy against these Gentiles and after their martyrdom God stirred up Luther Melancthon Zuinglius Calvin and others to witnesse his truth But observe the dignity of these witnesses they are Olive trees and Candlesticks the Candlestick bears up light by which darknesse is expelled so the witnesses bear the true light and bear witnesse of the true light Then an Olive is alwayes green bringing forth wholesome fruit so the Ministry of the witnesses is efficacious and lively and the oyle of the spirit or the holy anointing comes upon Gods people by it perchance hence may be observed that Emperours Kings and Princes called son of oyle out of zeal to God might be witnesses reformers of Religion and nursing fathers to the Church Zerubbabel Zach. 4 a Prince is called an Olive in this sense and an anoynted one then as Zerubbabel a civil Magistrate rebuilded the Temple and city so God raised ud faithful Princes and Magistrates as witnesses of his Truth in every age of late Standing before the god of the earth Here the dignity of the witnesses is set forth who though vile in the worlds eyes yea in sack-cloth that is poor neglected contemned yet are acknowledged by the god of the earth who therefore will regard them prophecying on earth Vers 5. If any man will hurt them fire proceedeth out of their mouth c. This fire is spiritually to be understood the word is a hammer and a fire in Jeremy 23.29 Nay and his Ministry is compared to fire Jer. 5.14 Behold I will make my words in thy mouth as fire and the people as chaffe The fire is light and consumes so the word of the witnesses shall detect the dark abominations of those that hurt them opposing their prophecy they shall confound the Idols and Purgatory of Antichrist and refute his lyes Thus the two witnesses shall spiritually devour the Adversaries though otherwise they shall slay the witnesses Here is an allusion to the fire procured by Moses and Elias Numb 16. 2 Kings chapter 1. thus the Gospel has prevailed over those that laboured to hinder it Thus be killed The witnesses of late