An exposition upon the thirteenth chapter of the Revelation by that reverend and eminent…

So that if all Nations and Languages be thus ready to submit to the inventions of men, how justly doth the Lord challenge due subjection to his will, to sanctify him in our hearts, to throw down our Crowns (if we have them) at his feet, and glad we may do so. It is evident, Rev. 4. 10. that all the Church, (the four Officers, and 24. Elders) they all cast their Crowns down before him: Though they all did wear Crowns, all had Authority, yet they cast them all down at his feet, when they came before him that sate upon the throne, and before the Lamb: There they stooped; In the presence of Christ they threw down their Sovereignty; and let the name of Christ be magnified, and his Ordinances have free passage, but for them let their honour fall down.

So that if all Nations and Languages be thus ready to submit to the inventions of men, how justly doth the Lord challenge due subjection to his will, to sanctifie him in our hearts, to throw down our Crowns (if we have them) at his feet, and glad we may do so. It is evident, Rev. 4. 10. that all the Church, (the four Officers, and 24. Elders) they all cast their Crowns down before him: Though they all did weare Crowns, all had Authority, yet they cast them all down at his feet, when they came before him that sate upon the throne, and before the Lambe: There they stooped; In the presence of Christ they threw down their Soveraignty; and let the name of Christ be magnified, and his Ordinances have free passage, but for them let their honour fall down.

Lastly,¹ let it learn us thus much, to take to heart in these days the estate of our Ancestors and Fathers of old in those days: For if every Kindred have worshipped the Beast, then thy Kindred have done it, or Ancestors. We speak not in derision of them, but they have all done it, the body of them (though here and there some may be left out) and all their power they have given to the Beast, to rule Families, Churches, and Common-wealths, and all our Kindred, and especially our Tongues have done it; not only those that speak Dutch and Spanish, but we have been more devoted then any Christian Nations, in giving such vast revenues, and Monasteries, and so large devotion to the man of sin, none have been so devout as English: It is incredible to tell the great payments they made to the Pope, it is not to be numbered. And if all Tongues have submitted to the Beast, then they that speak English, as well as those that speak Scottish, or Welsh, or British, the body of all Kindreds if not to this day.