A01136:130
A sermon preached at the christening of a certain Jew at London by John Fox. Containing an exposition of the xi. chapter of S. Paul to the Romans. Translated out of Latin into English by James Bell.A sermon preached at the christening of a certaine Iew at London by Iohn Foxe. Conteining an exposition of the xi. chapter of S. Paul to the Romanes. Translated out of Latine into English by Iames Bell.
London: printed by Christopher Barker, 1578
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Wherefore these threescore two weeks spoken of by the Prophet are by computation accounted to amount to 436. years. After the end of which threescore two weeks, Messiah shall establish his covenant by his doctrine, death, & resurrection in the other week next ensuing. In the half whereof he shall by his own only sacrifice and oblation, wherein he shall offer him self to God the father in his cross and passion, dissolve and utterly abolish all your sacrifices and offerings.
Wherefore these threescore two weekes spoken of by the Prophet are by computatiō accompted to amount to 436. yeres. After ye end of which threescore two weekes, Messhias shall establish his couenant by his doctrine, death, & resurrection in the other weeke next ensuing. In the halfe whereof he shal by his owne only sacrifice and oblation, wherein he shal offer him selfe to God the father in his crosse and passion, dissolue and vtterly abolish all your sacrifices and offrings.
But here arise in the mean space many scruples to be resolved: first, to know at what time those weeks took their beginning, and so also when they ended. For herein the learned expositors seem to be variable in judgement. Some are of opinion that the beginning of the weeks entered first, when as the seventy years of their captivity were finished: That is to say, from the second year of the reign of Darius Histaspes. And of this mind are Clement of Alexandria,1 ⟨image 72⟩Theodorete, Eusebius, Jerome and Augustine,2 grounding as it seemeth upon the words of Zechariah in the first Chapter of his prophecy.
But here arise in the meane space manie scrupules to be resolued: first, to knowe at what time those weekes tooke their beginning, and so also when they ended. For herein the learned expositors seeme to be variable in iudgement. Some are of opinion that the beginning of the weekes entred first, whē as the seuentie yeres of their captiuitie were finished: That is to say, from the second yere of the reigne of Darius Histaspes. And of this minde are Clement of Alexandria,1 ⟨image 72⟩Theodorete, Eusebius, Ierome and Augustine,2 grounding as it seemeth vpon the wordes of Zacharie in the first Chapter of his prophesie.
Again many do deny this utterly, supposing that the weeks began first at the going forth of the commandment: That is to say, when proclamation was made by the commandment of Cyrus in the first year of his reign, that the Jews should be released, and sent home into their country again. In like manner they do vary also, about the end and finishing of the said weeks. For some that reckon the beginning of the weeks from the first of Cyrus reign, do ascribe the end of the same to the time of Christs birth in the reign of Augustus the Emperor of Rome. Some others do draw them longer to the Baptism and passion of Christ. Others also accounting from Darius, do begin at the second year of his reign: many at the sixth, some others at the twentieth year thereof. Some writers also misliking the former opinions, do make their reckoning otherwise. Besides this scruple many seem to be encumbered much about the intricate and confused supputation of the years ⟨image 73⟩and reigns of the kings which succeeded Cyrus and continued until the coming of Alexander, which thing chiefly above all the rest entangleth the account most by reason of the uncertain limitation of those times. There is also no less disagreement in the order and observation of the years, betwixt them which do number from the reign of Cyrus: amongst whom those which apply to the birth of Christ, do recount the number of years to be 540: some reckon 501: some otherwise either more or less. Finally, albeit the most approved writers do verify that fourteen Persian kings, or at the lest thirteen succeeded each other in the kingdom of Persia until the conquest of Alexander, yet the Jews make account of four only. But these buzzards unacquainted altogether with foreign governments, are to be rejected utterly as unmeet arbiters of this controversy.
Againe many do denie this vtterly, supposing that the weekes beganne first at the going forth of the commaundement: That is to say, when proclamation was made by the commaundement of Cyrus in the first yere of his raigne, that the Iewes should be released, and sent home into their countrey againe. In like maner they do vary also, about the end and finishing of the said weekes. For some that reckone the beginning of ye weeks frō the first of Cyrus reigne, do ascribe ye end of the same to the time of Christes birth in the reigne of Augustus the Emperour of Rome. Some others do drawe them longer to the Baptisme and passion of Christ. Others also accompting frō Darius, do begin at the seconde yere of his raigne: many at the sixt, some others at the twentieth yere thereof. Some writers also mislyking the former opinions, doe make their reckoning otherwise. Besides this scrupule manie seeme to bee encumbred much about the intricate and confused supputation of the yeres
Some be of opinion, that Cyrus, after the conquest of Babylon reigned twenty years, some others seven years only. Some report that betwixt Cyrus & Darius the Assyrian, only Cambyses reigned, and that by the space of twenty years. There be others, that making ⟨image 73⟩no mention of Cambyses at all, do interlace betwixt Cyrus and Darius one named Assuerus, and unto him they allow twenty years of holding the kingdom likewise. So great is the variety of opinion also concerning the continuance of the Persian Empire, yea even amongst the learned: whiles some do attribute to that government under the Persian Kings 130. years full: others 200 lacking two: some other there be which otherwise make their calculation.
Some be of opinion, that Cyrus, after the conquest of Babylon reigned twentie yeres, some others seuen yeres only. Some report that betwixt Cyrus & Darius the Assyrian, only Cambyses reigned, and that by the space of twentie yeres. There be others, that making ⟨image 73⟩no mention of Cambyses at all, do enterlace betwixt Cyrus and Darius one named Assuerus, and vnto him they allowe twentie yeres of holding the kingdome likewise. So great is the varietie of opinion also concerning the continuance of the Persian Empire, yea euen amongst ye learned: whiles some do attribute to that gouernement vnder the Persiā Kings 130. yeres ful: others 200 lacking two: some other there bee which otherwise make their calculation.
But as concerning the succession of the Persian kings,1 many of our writers suppose that the Temple began to be builded at Jerusalem in the reign of Longimanus, who as they say was the fourth after Cyrus in succession: which fourth place Jerome ascribeth to Darius, and driveth this Longimanus to be the seventh in number after Cyrus. Briefly there is no one thing amongst the Historiographers, that moveth more doubtful matter of controversy, aswell among the Grecians as the Latinists. Wherein as it would seem troublesome to recite the names of all the authors that write of this matter: so would it be over tedious to recount all their several opinions and reasons alleged thereunto. Neither will ⟨image 74⟩I take upon me to determine any certainty in this confuse variety of wits, nor do I think it necessary: namely sithence this our later age hath raised up many learned men, who by exquisite comparing of the ancient Chronicles, have left to the posterity commendable testimony of their studious industry: who albeit express no small disagreement in some certain points, yet receiving much light from the ancient Chronicles, seem to approach somewhat near the mark.
But as concerning the succession of the Persian kings,1 many of our writers suppose that the Temple began to be builded at Ierusalem in the reigne of Longimanus, who as they say was ye fourth after Cyrus in success•on: which fourth place Ierome ascribeth to Darius, and driueth this Longimanus to be the seuēth in nomber after Cyrus. Briefly there is no one thing amōgst ye Historiographers, that moueth more doutful matter of controuersie, aswel among the Grecians as ye Latinists. Wherein as it would seeme troublesome to recite the names of al the authors that write of this matter: so would it be ouer tedious to recompt al their seueral opinions and reasons alledged thereunto. Neither wil ⟨image 74⟩I take vpon me to determine any certaintie in this cōfuse varietie of wits, nor do I thinke it necessary: namely sithēce this our later age hath raised vp many learned men, who by exquisite comparing of ye auncient Chronicles, haue left to the posteritie commendable testimonie of their studious industrie: who albeit expresse no small disagreement in some certaine points, yet receiuing much light from the auncient Chronicles, seeme to approche somewhat neere the marke.
1Philip Melanchthon, as in all liberal sciences singularly studied, so through wonderful travail in the careful conference of histories achieving a more ripe and sound judgement, setteth down a double order of reckoning: in the one whereof he numbereth the weeks to begin in the reign of Cyrus, and so until the birth of Christ: in the other he taketh the original of the weeks in the time of Longimanus, & so proceedeth unto the time of Christs death & resurrection, yielding herein to the judgement of the learned, to make their choice, whether of them they list to approve. But Jo. Calvin seemeth to allow neither of them,2 induced as it seemeth with this reason, that the beginning of the computation ought not to enter ⟨image 74⟩in the reign of Longimanus, nor y• end thereof to be determined at the birth of Christ, as he supposeth: which thing truly is very well noted by Jo. Calvin, according to the singular dexterity of his learning and capacity.
1Philip Melancthon, as in all liberall sciences singularly studied, so through wonderfull trauaile in the careful conference of histories atchieuing a more ripe and sound iudgemēt, setteth downe a double order of reckoning: in the one whereof he nombreth the weekes to begin in the reigne of Cyrus, and so vntil the birth of Christ: in the other he taketh the original of the weekes in ye time of Longimanus, & so proceedeth vnto ye time of Christes death & resurrection, yeelding herein to the iudgement of ye learned, to make their choise, whether of them they list to approue. But Io. Caluine seemeth to allow neither of thē,2 induced as it seemeth wt this reason, that ye beginning of ye computation ought not to enter ⟨image 74⟩in ye reigne of Longimanus, nor y• end therof to be determined at the birth of Christ, as he supposeth: which thing truely is very wel noted by Io. Caluine, according to the singular dexteritie of his learning and capacitie.
For as it behoved these weeks to comprehend the fullness of time, from the free manumission of the captives, to the last purging and cleansing of sins, which should come to pass by the only oblation of Messiah our saviour: it is out of all question, that neither the reign of Cyrus is exempted from this abatement of weeks, namely sith the Prophet Isaiah in y• 45. cha. of his prophecy,1 doth note Cyrus by especial name to be the only deliverer of the people from their captivity: neither those weeks could be finished before the whole exploit of our redemption were of all parts accomplished. And therefore I. Calvin doth not without some probability dissent from them, who derive the entry of the said weeks from the second year of Darius his reign only. So would I likewise contentedly yield to his judgement herein, if he had made a full & distinct computation of all that m•ane process of time, which passed over betwixt y• going forth of the commandment from Cyrus, to the passion of Christ according to ⟨image 75⟩the true and just proportion of the weeks. But forasmuch as those years which were betwixt the going forth of the commandment and the passion of Christ, being duly accompte• do amount above 530 years, as appeareth by collation of Chronicles: therefore some doubt also may be made here, how Calvins reckoning may be appliable to this account. For resolution whereof,2 Matthew Beroalde in his Chronographicall demonstration will help us somewhat: who beginning his number at the reign of Cyrus also, proceeding onward until y• ascension of Christ, doeth reduce those years which were accountable betwixt whiles, to the seventy weeks mentioned in Daniel, to wit, to 490 years, or to ten Jubilees, very well agreeable with Calvins reckoning. The same also doeth Gerardus Mercator very late writer testify,3 if credit may be given to their report.
For as it behoued these weekes to comprehend the fulnes of time, from the free manumission of the captiues, to ye last purging and clensing of sinnes, which should come to passe by the only oblation of Meshias our sauiour: it is out of al question, that neither the reigne of Cyrus is exempted from this abatement of weekes, namely sith the Prophet Esay in y 45. cha. of his prophesie,
But what answer will those men make on the other side, to the other Historiographers? to Constantine Phrygio,1 who numbereth the years from the reign of Cyrus unto the passion of Christ 544? to Jo. Lucidus & Jo. Functius?2 whereof the one far otherwise measuring y• weeks after the death of Cyrus from the xx. ⟨image 75⟩year of Darius, the other from the vii. year of his reign, do recount the same to be 490. And to p•sse over infinite of the like disagreements, Theodorus Bibliander also seemeth to be of like opinion to them,3 that make account of more years betwixt the reign of Cyrus and the blessed passion of Christ, then are recorded by Beroalde & others. But whether this computation be right, yea or nay, I am not to determine at this present.
But what answere wil those men make on the other side, to ye other Historiographers? to Constantine Phrygio,1 who nombreth ye yeres from the reigne of Cyrus vnto the passion of Christ 544? to Io. Lucidus & Io. Functius?2 whereof the one farre otherwise measuring y• weekes after the death of Cyrus from the xx. ⟨image 75⟩yere of Darius, the other from the vii. yere of his reigne, do recompt ye same to be 490. And to p•sse ouer infinite of the like disagremēts, Theodorus Bibliander also seemeth to be of like opinion to them,3 that make accompt of more yeres betwixt the reigne of Cyrus and the blessed passion of Christ, then are recorded by Beroalde & others. But whether this computation be right, yea or nay, I am not to determine at this present.
Well then may some man say, what certainty can be agreed upon in this so great contrariety & disagreement of opinions? For the discharge of which subtle question, I do answer in few words. First the infallible testimony of gods truth doth not depend upon mans determination: howsoever men be carried hither & thither in conceit, & their opinions like clocks whirled about upon wheels, that never sound in one minute of time, yet doeth not the day alter his appointed course: no more will the certainty of Gods promise be any time unsteadfast or deceivable. And albeit ancient Chroniclers do sometimes wander in precise, and exact observation of minutes, and small moments of days, or years, or utter their several judgements therein, according to their ⟨image 76⟩several capacities: yet this contrariety withstandeth not so much, but there may be a general consent in the substance of the matter debated: nor is this to be marvelled at, considering the great antiquity of foreworn years, and the unmeasurable blindness, and ignorance in the same: so also how variable soever the opinions of many seem discrepant each from other, yet this contrariety, as it is not altogether void of truth, so doth it not much prejudice the cause, which is here in controversy. For whether the account of seventy weeks be derived from the reign of Cyrus, as some will have it, or from Darius, as others do think, to continue either until the nativity of Christ, or to his death and passion: or wh•ther the same were the Assyrian Darius, or Longimanus, in the sixth year of whose government, the building of the Temple was resumed, and finished: yet in this one point, all and every the Historiographers, aswell ancient, as late writers, with one general consent do conclude, and agree togethers, that these seventy weeks can not by any application be ascribed to any other person, then to Christ Jesus, the ⟨image 76⟩true Messiah, even the same Messiah, (I say) which was borne of the virgin, •n the time of Augustus the Emperor, and was afterwards crucified under Pontius Pi•ate, and which was restored again to life, the third day after his death.
Wel thē may some man say, what certainty can be agreed vpō in this so great cōtrarietie & disagreement of opinions? For ye discharge of which subtil question, I do answere in few words. First the infallible testimonie of gods truth doth not depend vpon mans determination: howsoeuer men be caried hither & thither in conceipt, & their opinions like clockes whirled about vpō wheeles, that neuer sound in one minute of time, yet doeth not the daye alter his appointed course: no more will the certaintie of Gods promise be any time vnstedfast or deceiueable. And albeit auncient Chroniclers do somtimes wander in precise, and exact obseruation of minutes, and small moments of dayes, or yeres, or vtter their seuerall iudgements therein, according to their
And thus much touching the diversity of judgement in the computation of the learned: who notwithstanding differ not so much in the state, and ground of the question. Only the controversy ariseth upon the application of the time: as whether the account of the weeks ought to be referred to the birth of Christ, or to his passion. But what is this to the purpose: This groundwork remaineth yet unshaken, and ratified by most approved testimony of general consent, which appertaineth chiefly to the sentence of the Prophet, and the material part of his prophecy: to wit, that no one sentence throughout the whole Scriptures, doeth more manifestly convince your error touching your Messiah, and more substantially establish our faith, then this one testimony of the Prophet Daniel, wherein the mystery of ⟨image 77⟩the seventy weeks most manifestly is here determined upon that nation, and people of yours. The which same weeks the Angel gathering again together, divideth into three several distinct orders. The first order comprehendeth seven weeks: the second, three score two weeks: the third, one week only, which was the last, and the seventieth in number. In which last week, he signifieth that it should come to pass, that the holy of holy ones should be anointed, slain, and make an end of sin, and sin offerings appointed in the law of Moses: which things being accomplished, and the full number of years completed and finished, the city afterwards should come to utter ruin and destruction. And because the Prophet should the better conceive the very disposition, and distinct proportion of times, in which those things should be brought to pass, the Angel doeth, as it were leading by the hand, instruct him by this divided partition of weeks: as if this were the purport of the prophecy.
And thus much touching the diuersitie of iudgement in the computation of the learned: who notwithstandinge differ not so much in the state, and grounde of the question. Onely the controuersie aryseth vpon the application of the tyme: as whether the accompt of the weekes ought to bee referred to the birth of Christ, or to his passion. But what is this to the purpose: This groundwoorke remayneth yet vnshaken, and ratyfyed by most approued testimonie of generall consent, which apperteyneth chiefely to the sentence of the Prophet, and the materiall parte of his prophesie: to wit, that no one sentence throughout the whole Scriptures, doeth more manifestly conuince your errour touching your Messhias, and more substauncially establish our fayth, then this one testimonie of the Prophet Daniel, wherein the mysterie of
1For so much (O Daniel greatly beloved of God) as thou art so careful, and zealous for the estate and safety of thy people; it pleased ⟨image 77⟩Almighty God to hear thee, even in the beginning of thy prayers, and withal to impart his heavenly will unto thee, by me his messenger, sent to this effect, to make thee understand the things that appertain to thy nation, and the whole estate of that kingdom. For the Lord hath so decreed by his secrete determination, that this people being now in captivity, shall return again into their native country, and the city and Sanctuary shall be restored, and advanced to his ancient dignity and estimation. And if after the restitution and establishment thereof, thou wilt further enquire of the continuance and durance of the same: and withal what great enterprises, and manifold successes shall happen therein, understand thou: That seventy weeks are concluded, and determined upon this people, which being recounted by the Sabbaths of years, or reduced into ten Jubilees, will make the number of seven times seventy, to wit, 490. years: for so many years fully shall that common wealth prosper, until wickedness be finished, all curse of sin be removed, all sin offerings abolished, and everlasting righteousness be brought in, and all things be accomplished, whatsoever ⟨image 78⟩were foretold by the prophets & visions: finally until the holy of holy ones be anointed.
1For so much (O Daniel greatly beloued of God) as thou art so carefull, and zealous for the estate and safetie of thy people; it pleased ⟨image 77⟩Almighty God to heare thee, euen in the beginning of thy prayers, and withall to empart his heauenly will vnto thee, by mee his messenger, sent to this effect, to make thee vnderstand the things that apperteine to thy nation, and the whole estate of that kingdom. For the Lorde hath so decreed by his secrete determination, that this people beyng nowe in captiuitie, shall returne agayne into their natiue country, and the citie and Sanctuarie shalbe restored, and aduaunced to his ancient dignitie and estimation. And if after the restitution and establishment thereof, thou wylt further enquire of the continuaunce and durance of the same: and withall what great enterprises, and manifold successes shal happen therein, vnderstande thou: That seuentie weekes are concluded, and determined vpon this people, which beyng recompted by the Sabbathes of yeeres, or reduced into tenne Iubiles, wil make the nōber of seuen times seuentie, to witte, 490. yeeres: for so many yeeres fully shall that common wealth prosper, vntill wickednes be finished, all curse of sinne be remoued, al sinne offrings abolished, and euerlasting righteousnes be brought in, and all things be accomplished, whatsoeuer
For as the administration of that common wealth was erected at the first for the Messiah his sake, it could not be, that kingdom utterly to be abolished, before the same Messiah was manifested in the flesh.
For as the administration of that common wealth was erected at the first for the Messhias his sake, it could not be, that kingdome vtterly to be abolished, before the same Messhias was manifested in the fleshe.
1I have somewhat declared unto you concerning the seventy weeks. For the better perseverance of the orderly proceedings and interchanged successes whereof, a threefold distinction of times ought severally to be considered. Namely: Seven weeks, then three score two weeks, and one week. In the first seven weeks,2 all that intercourse of time is comprehended, that must grow betwixt the laying the foundation of the second temple & building thereof, until the full finishing of the same: for so many years are accounted from the first year of Cyrus reign, unto the vii. or viii. year of Darius, before the building of the Temple was throughly performed: which will amount to 49. years.3 Again the three score two weeks do note unto us, the remnant of the time, wherein Messiah the Lord should be borne in the city of David, after that the city & Temple were repaired & ⟨image 78⟩built again: which building was completed in the 32. year of the reign of Darius the Assyrian, or Artaxerxes. Now that other one week which remained,4 doth signify unto us the anointing, preaching, revealing & suffering of the same Messiah: & of those other things, which were to ensue after his death. In the middle part of which week,5 shall Messiah be slain: to wit, three years & an half, after his baptism and anointing. By which death he shall accomplish the mystery of mans redemption, whereof the prophets did so oft prophesy and prognosticate, long time before.
1I haue somewhat declared vnto you concerning the seuentie weekes. For the better perceiuerāce of the orderly proceedings and enterchaunged successes whereof, a threefold distinction of tymes ought seuerally to bee considered. Namely: Seuen weekes, then three score two weekes, and one weeke. In the first seuen weekes,2
The residue of the week doth appertain to the preaching of the Apostles, to the calling of the Gentiles, to the establishing of the covenant with many, to the abolishing of the old circumcision, & external sacrifices of the ceremonial Law, to the confirmation of free remission of sins, & to the performance of the promise of rising again, & life everlasting. All which were of all parts completed, & ended in y• last week: that is to say, in those 7. latter years, wherein the Messiah shall be anointed, slain, rise from death to life, ascend up into heaven, endue his Church with the inestimable benefits of the holy Ghost, and allure the Gentiles ⟨image 79⟩to the free mercy pronounced by his Gospel: which week being added to the former, will make the just number of 70. weeks, to wit, 490. years.
The residue of the weeke doth appertayne to the preaching of the Apostles, to ye calling of the Gētiles, to the establishing of the couenant wt many, to the abolishing of the old circūcision, & external sacrifices of ye ceremonial Law, to ye confirmatiō of free remissiō of sins, & to the performāce of ye promise of rising againe, & life euerlasting. All which were of al parts cōpleted, & ended in y• last weeke: that is to say, in those 7. latter yeres, wherein the Meschias shalbe annoynted, slayne, ryse from death to lyfe, ascende vp into heauen, endue his Churche with the inestimable benefites of the holie Ghost, and allure the Gentiles ⟨image 79⟩to the free mercy pronounced by his Gospel: which weeke being added to the former, will make the iust nomber of 70. weekes, to wit, 490. yeres.
For so many years did the merciful God of Israel, of his unspeakable bounty preserve that nation in peaceable tranquillity, not for any their deservings, but for his dear sons sake only, which was to issue out of that seed & generation. It remaineth now, that we make a proportionable comparison of the number of those years, with the records of the continual proceedings and successes thereof. First, this is a matter confessed: That the delivery of the Jews from their captivity, was by the Proclamation of Cyrus, the first year of his reign, at what time the foundation of the Temple was laid,1 which being hindered with sundry interruptions, was yet at the last brought to full perfection, in the sixth or seventh year of Darius reign. The Temple being thus perfected in all furniture,2 commission was given at length to Nehemiah, in the xx. year of the reign of the same Darius, with absolute authority to repair their city again. The same year in the 25. day of the month Elul, the wall was erected ⟨image 79⟩and finished: the whole doing whereof lasted 52. days only, as Esdras reporteth in his sixth chapter.3 But houses were not builded as yet, as appeareth in the seventh chapter: for accomplishment whereof were allowed xii. years more, as appeareth plainly in the fifth chapter of the same, where you may hear what Nehemiah him self speaketh after this manner:4 From the twentieth year (saith he) even to the xxxii. year of king Artaxerxes, that is xii. year, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor, &c. So that it is evident, that whiles the city was building, so many years passed over.5 For so we read, the Nehemiah gave his promise to return to the king and queen, as soon as the work was finished.
For so many yeres did the mercifull God of Israel, of his vnspeakeable bountie preserue that nation in peaceable tranquillitie, not for any their deseruings, but for his deare sonnes sake onely, which was to yssue out of that seede & generation. It remaineth now, that we make a proportionable comparison of the nomber of those yeres, with the records of the continuall proceedinges and successes therof. First, this is a matter confessed: That the deliuerie of the Iewes from their captiuitie, was by the Proclamation of Cyrus, the first yere of his reigne, at what time the fundation of the Temple was layd,
Thus much touching the ix. chapter of Daniel: neither is this all that Daniel reporteth of the Messiah, for besides this, many other his prophecies do foreshow, and as it were directly lead us by the hand, to the kingdom of Messiah, yea to the very distinct time thereof:1 as is that of the Stone, which being hewen out of a great hill without mans hand, smote the image that represented the four Monarchies of the world, and brake ⟨image 80⟩his head, his breast, his legs, & his feet in pieces, that no place was found for them, but the stone it self became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Thus much touching the ix. chapter of Daniel: neither is this al that Daniel reporteth of the Messhias, for besides this, many other his prophecies doe foreshewe, and as it were directly leade vs by the hande, to the kingdom of Messhias, yea to the very distinct time thereof:1 as is that of the Stone, which being hewen out of a great hill without mās hande, smote the image that represented the foure Monarchies of the worlde, and brake ⟨image 80⟩his head, his breast, his legges, & his feete in pieces, that no place was founde for them, but the stone it selfe became a great mountaine, and filled the whole earth.
