A17182:59
A commentary upon the second epistle of S Paul to the Thessalonia[n]s In the…A commentary vpon the seconde epistle of S Paul to the Thessalonia[n]s In the…
A commentary upon the second epistle of S Paul to the Thessalonia[n]s In the which besides the sum of our faith, there is sincerely handled [and] set forth at large, not only first co[m]myng up [and] rising with the full property [and] dominion, but also the fall and utter confusion of the kingdom of Antichrist: that is to say of Machomet [and] the bishop of Rome.A commentary vpon the seconde epistle of S Paul to the Thessalonia[n]s In the which besydes the summe of oure faythe, ther is syncerelye handled [and] set forth at large, not onely fyrst co[m]myng vp [and] rysyng with the full properyte [and] dominion, but also the fall and vtter confusion of the kyngdome of Antichriste: that is to say of Machomet [and] the byshop of Rome.
Printed in Southwark : In S. Thomas hospital by James Nicolson, 1538Printed in Southwarke : In S. Thomas hospytall by Iames Nicolson, 1538
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.
Now will we add unto these things,1 that which the godly prophet Daniel hath spoken of the same thing in the vii. chapter: Behold there were eyes (saith he) like the eyes of a man in his horn, & a mouth speaking presumptuous things. And a little after that: He shall speak words on the party of the most highest, and shall destroy the saints of the most highest, and think that he may change ⟨image 41⟩times and laws. All these things are very plain, by that that goeth afore. For eyes do signify prudence. He meant therefore, that this kind of men should be most subtle, because that it should rule & bring all things to pass by fraud, guile, subtlety, and craft And surely who so ever doth mark well how that these Bishops of Rome, out of so low a degree have con me up on high, and obtained the dignity of so great an Empire, he will say that they have been most crafty and subtle men. Neither could any mans mouth speak more presumptuous things, than it is plain here before, that Machomet & the Bishop of Rome have done. Ye and though they have arrogantly attributed so great things unto themselves, yet will they needs speak and be on the side of the most highest: insomuch that if any man yet now a days should call them the adversaries or enemies of God, he should scarcely escape their hands alive. Besides this, the one of them will be taken for the Prophet of the most hiest, and the other for the vicar of God upon the earth: as men which had received this power delivered them of God himself, ⟨p. 41⟩and do now usurp it by the laws of God. But there have not lacked which have smelled out this deceit and wickedness, and have resisted it with all their power. But the most holy father, and the victorious Emperor of the Turks have destroyed them. For how much Christen blood both of them have shed, it is declared in the history before mentioned and how much they shed yet still, unlucky experience doth teach us well enough. Now although in very deed that no man hath the power for to make & unmake the good laws of God at his pleasure, yet hath Antichrist usurped the power upon him. Whereupon saith Daniel: he shall think that he may change the times and laws: but he sayeth not, he shall have power to change them.
Now wyll we adde vnto these thynges,