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

Now a man would wonder that the holy Ghost should delight in such Arithmetical riddles; but since it pleaseth him thus to express himself, we must not look at it as a cabalistical curiosity, nor as an unsearchable mystery: but they that labour herein, shall find that which may solace themselves and others: For though by the arm of flesh no man shall be strong, yet by the wisdom of God the servants of Christ shall see light, and babes shall see the mystery of it. Therefore to clear up this point, so far as God shall give light, consider with me I pray you six or seven several observable passages of the holy story of the Revelation, that may help us in some measure in enquiring and counting this sum of six hundred three score and six, what it may point at. Let it not be wearisome to you; for though to us that are Ministers, we think we are most properly in our element when we preach Christ, and the need of Christ; yet forasmuch as Antichrist is opposed to Christ, and is an enemy to Christ, the one contrary may be the better known by the other, and no part of Scripture but is worthy our consideration, we may not be so squeamish as to neglect to seek what may be the counsel of the holy Ghost in this point. Observe therefore what the Scripture doth observe about this number.

Now a man would wonder that the holy Ghost should delight in such Arithmetical riddles; but since it pleaseth him thus to expresse himselfe, we must not look at it as a cabalistical curiosity, nor as an unsearchable mystery: but they that labour herein, shall finde that which may solace themselves and others: For though by the arme of flesh no man shall be strong, yet by the wisdome of God the servants of Christ shall see light, and babes shall see the mystery of it. Therefore to cleare up this point, so far as God shall give light, consider with me I pray you six or seven several observable passages of the holy story of the Revel•t•on, that may h•lp us in some measure in enquiring and counting this sum of six hundred three score and six, what it may point at. Let it not be wearisome to you; for though to us that are Ministers, we think we are most properly in our element when we preack Christ, and the need of Christ; yet forasmuch as Antichrist is opposed to Christ, and is an enemy to Christ, the one contrary may be the better known by the other, and no part of Scripture but is worthy our consideration, we may not be so squemish as to neglect to seek what may be the councel of the holy Ghost in this point. Observe therefore what the Scripture doth observe about this number.