A20217:134
The ruin of RomeThe ruine of Rome
The ruin of Rome: or An exposition upon the whole Revelation Wherein is plainly showed and proved, that the popish religion, together with all the power and authority of Rome, shall ebb and decay still more and more throughout all the churches of Europe, and come to an utter overthrow even in this life before the end of the world. Written especially for the comfort of Protestants, and the daunting of papists, seminary priests, Jesuits, and all that cursed rabble. Published by Arthur Dent, preacher of the word of God at South-Shoobery in Essex.The ruine of Rome: or An exposition vpon the whole Reuelation Wherein is plainly shewed and proued, that the popish religion, together with all the power and authoritie of Rome, shall ebbe and decay still more and more throughout all the churches of Europe, and come to an vtter ouerthrow euen in this life before the end of the world. Written especially for the comfort of Protestants, and the daunting of papists, seminary priests, Iesuites, and all that cursed rabble. Published by Arthur Dent, preacher of the word of God at South-Shoobery in Essex.
London: printed by T. Creede for Simon Waterson and Cuthbert Burby, 1603London: printed by T. Creede for Simon Waterson and Cutbert Burby, 1603
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.
There was a rain-bow round about the throne, which may signify, that Gods throne in glory and beauty doth far excel all other thrones of mortal Princes; yea, even that of Solomon, which was of most pure Ivory: or rather it may signify, that although God in himself is most glorious and admirable, yet he keepeth promise & covenant with the sons of men. For the Rain-bow was a sign of his covenant, as appeareth, Gen. 9. and assuredly God will be mindful of his covenant to a thousand generations. This Rain-bow is said to be like an emerald, which is always of a fresh green colour, signifying that Gods covenant of grace and mercy towards his Church, is always fresh and green, & his goodness towards his people perpetual and unchangeable.
There was a raine-bowe round about the throne, which may signifie, that Gods throne in glorie and beautie doth farre excell all other thrones of mortall Princes; yea, euen that of Salomō, which was of most pure Iuorie: or rather it may signifie, that although God in himselfe is most glorious and admirable, yet he keepeth promise & couenant with the sonnes of men. For the Raine-bowe was a signe of his couenant, as appeareth, Gen. 9. and assuredly God will be mindful of his couenant to a thousand generations. This Rain-bowe is said to be like an emeraud, which is alwaies of a fresh greene colour, signifying that Gods couenant of grace and mercie towardes his Church, is alwaies fresh and greene, & his goodnes towards his people perpetuall and vnchangeable.
Moreover, God is described of his glorious retinue, & heavenly company about him. For it is said: Round about the Throne were 24. seats, vers. 4 and upon the seats 24. Elders: Which signify the whole church, both militant & triumphant, both of Jews & Gentiles, and are therefore called 24. because the church of the Jews grew out of the 12. Patriarchs: & the church of the Gentiles out of the 12. Apostles. And as the glory and pomp of mortal kings is set out by their troupes and trains of nobles, and other excellent personages: So the glory of God (which in it self can receive no increase) is to our capacity con mended