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…

But now me thinketh I hear some men say, What? must this book of the Apocalypse be preached and made known to the common people? alas, what should they do with it? It is not for them to meddle with all: It is not for their diet. I answer, and yet not I, but the holy Ghost: that this book must be made known to all the servants of God. For Saint John calleth it the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto all his servants. It is plain therefore, that all the servants of God both men and women, young and old, rich and poor, must be made acquainted with this Book. Moreover, John is commanded by the God of Heaven, to set down all the visions which the Angel showed him: and to write them all in a book, and send them to the seven Churches of Asia: that is, to people of all sorts, and conditions: And therefore this Book doth not only concern Preachers and deep Divines, but even all the Lords people whatsoever: for it doth minister great comfort and strength of faith to all the people of God that live in this age. But here the Papists object that this book is full of darkness and obscurity, and therefore not for the common people to meddle withal: nay (say they) there are as many mysteries as words in it, and therefore what should men trouble their ⟨image 11⟩heads about it. But no marvel though the Papists say so much, for it is the wound of their Kingdom, and the battery of their Babylon. As for others both learned and Godly, which in this point are almost of the same mind, that they will not meddle with this Book of the Revelation, I cannot but marvel at it. The modesty and humility of some very rare and reverend men for learning, and great variety of gifts (which notwithstanding scotch much at this Book) is greatly to be commended: But if I were worthy to give them advice, I would wish them in this behalf to change their mind, and to be of another resolution: for I dare avouch it, that there is nothing in this Prophecy which study and diligence, with prayer and humility, may not overcome. True it is indeed, that the shell is thick and hard to break: but being broken the kernel is most sweet and pleasant. If any be discouraged with the darkness and obscurity of it, let him hearken to these reasons following. First it is called a Revelation, which is as much to say, as an uncovering of things which did lie hid:

But now me thinketh I heare some men say, What? must this booke of the Apocalyps bee preached and made knowne to the common people? alas, what should they doe with it? It is not for them to meddle with all: It is not for their diet. I answer, and yet not I, but the holy Ghost: that this booke must be made knowne to all the servants of God. For Saint John calleth it the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to shew unto all his servants. It is plaine therefore, that all the servants of God both men and women, young and old, rich and poore, must be made acquainted with this Booke. Moreover, John is commanded by the God of Heaven, to set downe all the visions which the Angell shewed him: and to write them all in a booke, and send them to the seven Churches of Asia: that is, to people of all sorts, and conditions: And therefore this Booke doth not onely concerne Preachers and deepe Divines, but even all the Lords people whatsoever: for it doth minister great comfort and strength of faith to all the people of God that live in this age. But here the Papists object that this booke is full of darkenesse and obscurity, and therefore not for the common people to meddle withall: nay (say they) there are as many mysteries as words in it, and therefore what should men trouble their