A20217:330
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.
My second reason is drawn from the course and consideration of times: for the great prevailing of errors and heresies mentioned before, which made way for Antichrist, was from the first 300. years, until the 600. year, and so forward. But now, immediately upon this great increase of error & darkness, cometh the description of a special star fallen from heaven at this time, which was about 600. years after Christ, and therefore it must needs be understood of the Pope. And this is my second reason.
My second reason is drawne from the course and consideration of times: for the great preuailing of errors and heresies mentioned before, which made way for Antichrist, was from the first 300. yeares, vntill the 600. yeare, and so forwarde. But now, immediately vpon this great encrease of error & darkness, commeth the description of a speciall starre fallen from heauen at this time, which was about 600. yeares after Christ, and therfore it must needs be vnderstood of the Pope. And this is my second reason.
My third and last reason is drawn from the description of the Pope and his Clergy in the first eleven verses of this chapter. For he is so lively described & painted out in particulars, that all men that know him, or ever heard of him, must needs say it is he. For this description here set down by the holy Ghost, can fitly agree to none other.
My third and last reason is drawne from the description of the Pope and his Cleargie in the first eleuen verses of this chapter. For he is so liuely described & painted out in particulars, that all men that know him, or euer heard of him, must needes say it is he. For this description here set downe by the holy Ghost, can fitly agree to none other.
The Papists themselves do confess, that this star here mentioned, must needs be understood of some Arch-heretic. And full wisely forsooth they apply it to Luther and Calvin. But we affirm, that it is to be understood of the Pope: For was there ever any such Arch-heretic as he? which opposeth and exalteth himself against all that is called God,