The ruin of RomeThe ruine of Rome

Being often requested (gentle Reader) and much importuned by sundry, both learned and godly, to publish that doctrine of the Apocalypse, which divers of them with lively voice heard publicly delivered: I did at last, upon my most mature deliberation, yield unto their reasonable request; I mean the reasons of their request. Indeed I do ingeniously confess, that I am the unmeetest of many, which this age (God be thanked) doth afford, to deal in a matter of so great importance, or any wise to be employed in so great and honourable a service as this is. But if I do industriously use my small talent, and be found faithful in a little; I hope it shall have both cheerful and comfortable acceptation with the Church of God. For this I presume will be granted of all, that he which hath but a little strength, and yet putteth it forth to the uttermost to do good withal, is more to be commended, then he which hath thrice his strength, and useth it not to the help and benefit of others. And true it is indeed, that sundry worthy labours of divers excellent men upon the Apocalypse, are already extant: so as he may seem to pour water into the Sea, or go about to mend the crows eyes, that will attempt to add any thing to that which is already published. But know this (O Christian Reader) that the Lords garden is so large and plentiful of all most sweet and pleasant flowers, that where any one hath gathered a Nosegay most fragrant and delectable, another may come after, and gather another not to be contemned. For the wisdom of God is such an undrainable fountain and head-spring, that where one hath ⟨image 3⟩drawn much before, another may come haply, and draw as much afterward: yea though thousands do succeed, yet can this fountain never be drawn dry. Be it far from me to arrogate any thing to my self, above others: for I am privy enough to mine own means, and do freely confess, that in this work, I have received much light from others: and therefore do not as a judge, give sentence upon other mens works: but as one that would furnish the same feast, bring in my dish among them. Or as one that in the same cause would come in as a third, or a fourth witness to testify and confirm the same thing.

BEing often requested (gentle Reader) and much importuned by sundry, both learned and godly, to publish that doctrine of the Apocalyps, which diuers of them with liuely voyce heard publikely deliuered: I did at last, vpon my most mature deliberation, yeeld vnto their reasonable request; I meane the reasons of their request. Indeed I doe ingeniously confesse, that I am the vnmeetest of many, which this age (God be thanked) doth afford, to deale in a matter of so great importance, or any wise to be imployed in so great and honourable a seruice as this is. But if I doe industriously vse my small talent, and be found faithfull in a little; I hope it shall haue both chearefull and comfortable acceptation with the Church of God. For this I presume will bee granted of all, that hee which hath but a little strength, and yet putteth it forth to the vttermost to doe good withall, is more to be commended, then he which hath thrise his strength, and vseth it not to the helpe and benefit of others. And true it is indeed, that sundry worthy labours of diuers excellent men vpon the Apocalyps, are already extant: so as he may seeme to powre water into the Sea, or goe about to mend the crowes eyes, that will attempt to adde any thing to that which is already published. But know this (O Christian Reader) that the Lords garden is so large and plentifull of all most sweete and pleasant flowers, that where any one hath gathered a Nosegay most fragrant and delectable, another may come after, and gather another not to be contemned. For the wisedome of God is such an vndrainable fountaine and head-spring, that where one hath