A20217:531
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.
That Christ hath his Angels joined with him, is not to note any weakness or want of strength in Christ, alone to overcome his enemies, but to show, that as Christ doth effect great wonders in the world; so for the most part he doth it by instruments, and means: as sometimes Angels, sometimes men. But here he specially meaneth the Apostles and their successors, yea and at this day all christian kings, princes and potentates of the earth; and all others, which take part with Christ against the devil, & his instruments.
That Christ hath his Angels ioyned with him, is not to note any weakenesse or want of strength in Christ, alone to ouercome his enemies, but to shew, that as Christ doth effect great wonders in the world; so for the most part hee doth it by instruments, and meanes: as sometimes Angels, sometimes men. But here he specially meaneth the Apostles and their successours, yea and at this day all christian kings, princes and potentates of the earth; and all others, which take part with Christ against the diuel, & his instruments.
Well, here we see that these two Generals, and grand captains Michael and the Dragon, do muster both their armies, join battle, and fight a pitched field, the event and success whereof is this, that the Dragon and his Angels go down. Oh blessed success, may we say! For if the devil had prevailed, it had been woe to us; sith this battle was about, and concerning the very salvation of mankind by christs death and resurrection. We know how the devil set upon Christ alone to tempt him unto sin, that so he might overthrow the work of our redemption, supposing in this combat or Monomachy to have got the day: but he prevailed not. Afterward how strongly did he oppugn him by his Angels? I mean the Scribes and Pharise•• ▪ the high Priests and Elders of the people, yea all the devils in hell, and his whole infernal army, not only in murdering and crucifying his natural body, but also in using all forcible and cunning means to keep him down, that he might never rise up again; as the great stone upon his tomb, the sealing of it, the watch set to keep it. ⟨p. 160⟩