A35689:139
The ruin of Rome, or, An exposition upon the whole Revelation wherein is plainly…The ruine of Rome, or, An exposition upon the whole Revelation wherein is plainly…
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 ... written especially for the comfort of Protestants and the daunting of papists ... / published by Arthur Dent ; to which is added an epitome of Reverend Mr. Brightman his Exposition upon the Revelation.The ruine of Rome, or, An exposition upon the whole Revelation wherein is plainly shewed and proved that the popish religion, together with all the power and authority of Rome, shall ebbe and decay ... written especially for the comfort of Protestants and the danting of papists ... / published by Authur Dent ; to which is added an epitome of Reverend Mr. Brightman his Exposition upon the Revelation.
London: printed by T.H. and I.Y. for Jo. Waterson, 1644
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.
There was a Rain-bow round about the Throne, which may signify, that Gods Throne in glory and beauty doth far excel all other Thrones of mortal Princes; yea, even that of Solomon, which was of most pure Ivory, or rather it may signify, that although God in himself is most glorious and admirable, yet he keepeth promise and covenant with the sons of men. For the Rainbow ⟨p. 55⟩was a sign of his covenant, as appeareth Gen. 9. and assuredly God will be mindful of his covenant to a thousand generations. This Rain-bow is said to be like an Emerald, which is always of a fresh green colour, signifying that Gods covenant of grace and mercy towards his Church, is always fresh and green, and his goodness towards his people perpetual and unchangeable.
There was a Raine-bow round about the Throne, which may signifie, that Gods Throne in glory and beauty doth farre excell all other Thrones of mortall Princes; yea, even that of Salomon, which was of most pure Ivory, or rather it may signifie, that although God in himselfe is most glorious and admirable, yet hee keepeth promise and covenant with the sons of men. For the Rainebow ⟨p. 55⟩was a signe of his covenant, as appeareth Gen. 9. and assuredly God will be mindful of his covenant to a thousand generations. This Raine-bow is said to be like an Emeraud, which is alwaies of a fresh greene colour, signifying that Gods covenant of grace and mercy towards his Church, is alwayes fresh and greene, and his goodnesse towards his people perpetuall and unchangeable.
Moreover, God is described of his glorious retinue, and heavenly company about him. For it is said:1 Round about the throne were 24. seats, and upon the seats 24. Elders: which signify the whole Church, both militant and triumphant, both of Jews and Gentiles; and are therefore called 24. because the Church of the Jews grew out of 12. Patriarchs: and the Church of the Gentiles out of 12. Apostles. And as the glory and pomp of mortal Kings is set out by their troops and trains of nobles, and other excellent personages: So the glory of God (which in it self can receive no increase) is to our capacity commended and set forth by his goodly companies of Saints and Angels. These 24. Elders are clothed in white raiment, which signifieth their righteousness, as it is expounded, Chapter 19. verse 8. not inherent, but imputative: