A20217:628
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.
Here is showed, that this image of the beast was not a dead image, but a living image: for Antichrist put a spirit into it; that is, life and power, and great authority; insomuch that this Image could speak; and not only speak, but speak with great authority and terror: so as whosoever would not worship this Image, that is, submit himself to the Popish Hierarchy, should be put to death. But may some man say, How did this image speak? I answer, by the Popes Clergy. For the Romish rabble of Cardinals, Abbots, Monks, Priests, Friars, and all that cursed corporation, were the very breath, life, and spirit of this image: I mean, that the lifeblood of their external regiment, did lie in the execution thereof by the Clergy, as it were in certain arteries and veins. For what was their outward ⟨p. 189⟩form of government, without this cruel execution of their stinging Clergy men, but as a dead Image without life? But when Antichrist had once consecrated and erected his Romish priesthood, then did he put life into his Image, which before he had caused to be made and erected. Then we do plainly see, that the popish Hierarchy is not a bare resemblance of the old Roman policy, to stand as a picture on a wall, but hath a spirit put into it by the false Prophet, and speaketh with such power and terror in all kingdoms, that it causeth all to be put to death that will not submit themselves unto it, and fall down and worship the beast. Who knoweth not this, that as many in all countries, as would not embrace popery, and the old Roman tyranny; the Popish Clergy, their inquisitors, and other Officers, did condemn them in their Courts, as heretics, schismatics, and delivered them over, being condemned, to the secular power to be put to death.
Heere is shewed, that this image of the beast was not a dead image, but a liuing image: for Antichrist put a spirit into it; that is, life and power, and great authoritie; insomuch that this Image could speake; and not onely speake, but speake with great authoritie and terrour: so as whosoeuer would not worship this Image, that is, submit himselfe to the Popish Hierarchie, should bee put to death. But may some man say, How did this image speake? I answer, by the Popes Clergie. For the Romish rabble of Cardinals, Abbots, Monks, Priests, Friers, and all that cursed corporation, were the verie breath, life, and spirit of this image: I meane, that the lifebloud of their externall regiment, did lie in the execution thereof by the Clergie, as it were in certaine arteries and veines. For what was their outwarde