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…

All these examples do manifestly declare what tender care the Lord in all ages hath had of his own people, that they might be delivered and set in safety in the midst of all extremities. Even so here we see that ⟨p. 106⟩God is very careful, that his own children might not be infected with those damnable heresies which now already upon the stopping of the course of the Gospel began to be hatched, and afterwards did spring and grow up in the Church, both thick and three-fold.

All these examples do manifestly declare what tender care the Lord in all ages hath had of his owne people, that they might be delivered and set in safety in the midst of all extremities. Even so heere we see that ⟨p. 106⟩God is very carefull, that his owne children might not be infected with those damnable heresies which now already upon the stopping of the course of the Gospell began to be hatched, and afterwards did spring and grow up in the Church, both thicke and three-fold.

¹And I heard the number of them that were sealed, and there were sealed an hundred forty and four thousand of all the Tribes of the children of Israel: Of the Tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand, &c.

¹And I heard the number of them that were sealed, and there were sealed an hundred forty and foure thousand of all the Tribes of the children of Israel: Of the Tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand, &c.

1. 1Verse 4.

Now John heareth the number of them that were sealed; and he reckoneth up the whole Church militant, consisting both of the Jews and Gentiles: He saith, that of the Church of the Jews there were sealed 144000. Wherein he putteth a certain number for an uncertain, and a definite number therewithal also for an indefinite; for his meaning is not that there were just so many, and neither moe nor less sealed: but this number doth arise of 12. times 12. in that he saith, of every Tribe twelve thousand: for twelve times 12. thousand, make an hundred forty and four thousand. Neither yet may we think, that of every Tribe there were an equal number sealed, not moe nor less of ⟨p. 107⟩one Tribe then another, but this number of twelve, is used as the perfect and full number; in as much as the Church of the Jews was founded upon the twelve Patriarchs: unto which our Saviour had respect, when for to gather the dispersed and lost sheep of the house of Israel, he chose twelve Apostles.

Now John heareth the number of them that were sealed; and he reckoneth up the whole Church militant, consisting both of the Jewes and Gentiles: He saith, that of the Church of the Jewes there were sealed 144000. Wherein he putteth a certaine number for an uncertaine, and a definite number therewithall also for an indefinite; for his meaning is not that there were just so many, and neither moe nor lesse sealed: but this number doth arise of 12. times 12. in that he saith, of every Tribe twelve thousand: for twelve times 12. thousand, make an hundred forty and foure thousand. Neither yet may we thinke, that of every Tribe there were an equall number sealed, not moe nor lesse of ⟨p. 107⟩one Tribe then another, but this number of twelve, is used as the perfect and full number; in as much as the Church of the Jewes was founded upon the twelve Patriarkes: unto which our Saviour had respect, when for to gather the dispersed and lost sheepe of the house of Israel, he chose twelve Apostles.

1. 1Rom. 11.

It is therefore a most sure and certain position in divinity, that God hath always his; that is, in all ages, in all times, in all places, in all Countries, even in the midst of all troubles and flames of persecution, yet God hath his hid and invisible Church even upon the face of the earth. As it was in the days of Elijah. As was in Christs time,¹ when the Shepherd was smitten, and the sheep scattered. And as it was in the days of the great Antichrist, as afterward we shall see.

It is therefore a most sure and certaine position in divinity, that God hath alwaies his; that is, in all ages, in all times, in all places, in all Countries, even in the midst of all troubles and flames of perscution, yet God hath his hid and invisible Church even upon the face of the earth. As it was in the dayes of Elias. As was in Christs time,¹ when the Shepheard was smitten, and the sheepe scattered. And as it was in the dayes of the great Antichrist, as afterward we shall see.

1. 11 Kin. 19.18.

Moreover, it is to be observed, that in the enumeration of the 12. Tribes, the Tribe of Dan is left out, and the Tribe of Levi taken in. The cause of the omission and skipping of the Tribe of Dan, was their continuance in Idolatry from the time of the Judges, (at what time they first fell into it) even unto the Captivity. This Tribe is also omitted in the Catalogue of the Tribes mentioned 1. Chr. chap. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Then the reason of this omission, is first their unworthiness: And secondly, that there might be a place and roomth for the Tribe of Levi to be taken in; which in this Catalogue for singular reason, and a special mystery might not be omitted. For, although the Tribe of Levi had no portion or inheritance amongst the other Tribes in the earthly Canaan; and now the Priesthood being transferred unto Christ, the Holy Ghost doth expressly affirm, that the Tribe of Levi, as well as others, hath his part and portion in the heavenly inheritance, and the celestial Canaan.

Moreover, it is to be observed, that in the enumeration of the 12. Tribes, the Tribe of Dan is left out, and the Tribe of Levi taken in. The cause of the omission and skipping of the Tribe of Dan, was their continuance in Idolatry from the time of the Judges, (at what time they first fell into it) even unto the Captivity. This Tribe is also omitted in the Catalogue of the Tribes mentioned 1. Chr. chap. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Then the reason of this omission, is first their unworthinesse: And secondly, that there might be a place and roomth for the Tribe of Levi to be taken in; which in this Catalogue for singular reason, and a speciall mystery might not be omitted. For, although the Tribe of Levi had no portion or inheritance amongst the other Tribes in the earthly Canaan; and now the Priesthood being transferred unto Christ, the Holy Ghost doth expresly affirme, that the Tribe of Levi, as well as others, hath his part and portion in the heavenly inheritance, and the celestiall Canaan.

¹After these things, I beheld, and lo a great multitude which no man can number, of all Nations, and Kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the Throne, and before the ⟨p. 109⟩Lamb, clothed with long white Robes, and Palms in their hands; and they cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation cometh of God, &c.

¹After these things, I beheld, and loe a great multitude which no man can number, of all Nations, and Kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the Throne, and before the ⟨p. 109⟩Lambe, clothed with long white Robes, and Palmes in their hands; and they cryed with a loud voice, saying, Salvation commeth of God, &c.

1. 1Ver. 9.10.

This is to be understood of the Church of the Gentiles, and they are said to be an innumerable multitude of all Countries and Nations. For although the Church of God in respect of the Reprobates is very small, and as an handful upon the face of the earth; yet in it self simply considered, it is very great and large: for even out of Adams cursed race, God hath chosen many thousands to life. And here still we are to observe the great goodness and mercy of God, that notwithstanding former persecutions, and the great blindness which afterward did invade the Church in the prevailing errors and heresies: yet John heareth and seeth such an huge number sealed up to salvation, through Christ, both of the Jews and Gentiles.

This is to be understood of the Church of the Gentiles, and they are said to be an innumerable multitude of all Countries and Nations. For although the Church of God in respect of the Reprobates is very small, and as an handfull upon the face of the earth; yet in it selfe simply considered, it is very great and large: for even out of Adams cursed race, God hath chosen many thousands to life. And here still we are to observe the great goodnesse and mercy of God, that notwithstanding former persecutions, and the great blindnesse which afterward did invade the Church in the prevailing errors and heresies: yet John heareth and seeth such an huge number sealed up to salvtion, through Christ, both of the Jewes and Gentiles.

The Church of the Gentiles exceeding in number the Church of the Jews, are here said to have long white Robes, in token of their purity and innocency; and Palms in their hands, in sign of their victory over the world, flesh, and the devil. For Palms in ancient time were ensigns and badges of victory.

The Church of the Gentiles exceeding in number the Church of the Jewes, are here said to have long white Robes, in token of their purity and innocency; and Palmes in their hands, in signe of their victory over the world, flesh, and the divell. For Palmes in ancient time were ensignes and badges of victory.

After this, is set down how the whole Church of the Gentiles do praise and worship God freely,¹ acknowledging salvation to be only of him through Christ. And all the Angels of Heaven do applaud, subscribe, and say Amen to the same, as we have heard before in the fourth Chapter.

After this, is set downe how the whole Church of the Gentiles do praise and worship God freely,¹ acknowledging salvation to be only of him through Christ. And all the Angels of Heaven do applaud, subscribe, and say Amen to the same, as we have heard before in the fourth Chapter.

1. 1Ver. 10, 11, 12.

The four beasts are here mentioned again, whereby is meant the Angels, both because they are said to have wings, Chapter 4. which agreeth to none but Angels, Isaiah 6. and also because they are expressly named and interpreted to be the Cherubins, Ezec. 10.

The foure beasts are heere mentioned againe, whereby is meant the Angels, both because they are sayd to have wings, Chapter 4. which agreeth to none but Angels, Esay 6. and also because they are expressely named and interpreted to be the Cherubins, Ezec. 10.

If any man muse why the Angels should be called Beasts, let him be resolved with these four reasons. First, because they are compared to beasts before, as the Lyon, Calf,¹ &c. Secondly, because Ezekiel called them so, in as much as they draw Gods Chariot of triumph. Thirdly, because the Prophet Zechariah compareth them to red, speckled,² and white Horses. Fourthly, because the same Prophet calleth them Gods Coach-horses, and the multitudes and societies of them, he calleth Gods Chariots, which came out of two mountains of brass: that is, they went forth at his decree (which ⟨p. 111⟩standeth as fast, and unremovable as a Mountain of Brass) to comfort and deliver his Church out of the captivity of Babylon, and also to succour and help the remnant which were left behind in Judea. Now in the Prophets, these Chariots and Chariot horses are said to carry the Almighty most swiftly throughout all the world. And therefore in Zechariah it is said of the Angels:³ These are they which go through the whole world. In Ezekiel it is said, that the beasts ran, ⁴and returned like lightning. And again, that they sparkled like the appearance of bright brass: and the wheels of Gods Chariots were moved with inconceivable swiftness, even as fast as the Angels did fly. Let these reasons and Scriptures then satisfy us touching this, that the Angels are called beasts. After all this, one of the 24. Elders asketh John what they were, and from whence they came,⁵ which were thus arrayed in long white Robes. Which question is asked of the Elder, not as being ignorant thereof; but to stir up John, being ignorant, to enquire of the matter, that he might instruct him therein. And therefore when John confessed his ignorance, desiring to be instructed therein, the Elder telleth him the whole matter; namely, that ⟨p. 112⟩they were such as were come out of great tribulation. ⁶For none can enter into life, but through many afflictions, as the Apostle saith. After this again, the militant and visible Church is described and set forth, not according to their present state, but according to that which is to come;⁷ for they are here spoken of, as if they were already in the possession of Heaven, and that for the infallible certainty and assurance thereof. Therefore the Apostle saith, that even already they do sit together in heavenly places.

If any man muse why the Angels should be called Beasts, let him be resolved with these foure reasons. First, because they are compared to beasts before, as the Lyon, Calfe,¹ &c. Secondly, because Ezechiel called them so, in as much as they draw Gods Chariot of triumph. Thirdly, because the Prophet Zachary compareth them to red, speckled,² and white Horses. Fourthly, because the same Prophet calleth them Gods Coach-horses, and the multitudes and societies of them, he calleth Gods Chariots, which came out of two mountaines of brasse: that is, they went forth at his decree (which ⟨p. 111⟩standeth as fast, and unremoveable as a Mountaine of Brasse) to comfort and deliver his Church out of the captivity of Babylon, and also to succour and helpe the remnant which were left behind in Judea. Now in the Prophets, these Chariots and Chariothorses are sayd to carry the Almighty most swiftly throughout all the world. And therefore in Zachary it is said of the Angels:³ These are they which goe thorow the whole world. In Ezechiel it is said, that the beasts ran, ⁴and returned like lightning. And againe, that they sparkled like the appearance of bright brasse: and the wheeles of Gods Chariots were mooved with inconceiveable swiftnesse, even as fast as the Angels did flye. Let these reasons and Scriptures then satisfie us touching this, that the Angels are called beasts. After all this, one of the 24. Elders asketh John what they were, and from whence they came,⁵ which were thus arraied in long white Robes. Which question is asked of the Elder, not as being ignorant thereof; but to stirre up John, being ignorant, to enquire of the matter, that he might instruct him therein. And therefore when John confessed his ignorance, desiring to be instructed therein, the Elder telleth him the whole matter; namely, that ⟨p. 112⟩they were such as were come out of great tribulation. ⁶For none can enter into life, but through many afflictions, as the Apostle saith. After this againe, the militant and visible Church is described and set forth, not according to their present state, but according to that which is to come;⁷ for they are heere spoken of, as if they were already in the possession of Heaven, and that for the infallible certainty and assurance thereof. Therefore the Apostle sayth, that even already they doe sit together in heavenly places.

1. 1Ezec. 1.
2. 2Zach. 1.8.
3. 3Zac. 1.10.
4. 4Eze. 1.14. verse 7.
5. 5Ver. 13.
6. 6Verse 14.
7. 7Ver. 15.16.

¹And here they are said to be in the presence of the Throne of God, &c. to hunger and thirst no more, &c. to have all tears wiped from their eyes, and to be led by the Lamb unto the Fountains of living waters. All which doth very plainly and plentifully express that infinite glory and endless felicity which is prepared for all the true and faithful worshippers of God. Many good lessons and observations might be gathered out of all this: But I do of purpose omit them, because in this work I do chiefly and almost altogether aim at interpretation, therein also studying brevity, soundness, and plainness.

¹And here they are sayd to be in the presence of the Throne of God, &c. to hunger and thirst no more, &c. to have all teares wiped from their eyes, and to bee led by the Lambe unto the Fountaines of living waters. All which doth very plainely and plentifully expresse that infinite glory and endlesse felicity which is prepared for all the true and faithfull worshippers of God. Many good lessons and observations might be gathered out of all this: But I do of purpose omit them, because in this work I do chiefly and almost altogether aime at interpretation, therein also studying brevity, soundnesse, and plainenesse.

1. 1Verse 16.17.

CHAP. VIII.

WE have heard out of the seventh Chapter, how the devils and their instruments, the Roman Emperors, did stop the course of the Gospel, Now in this Chapter we are to hear the woeful effects of the stopping thereof, which was the springing up, and prevailing of manifold errors and heresies in the World. So that the principal scope and drift of this Chapter is to show, that God for the contempt of his Gospel, and great indignities offered to the true professors thereof, did give up the World to blindness, to error, to superstition and heresy: and as the Apostle saith, Because they received not the love of the truth, ¹therefore God sent them strong delusions, that they should believe in lies. For as before we have heard how the world was most fearfully punished with external plagues and judgements: So here we are to understand how the same was punished with judgements spiritual and internal, as formerly hath been said upon the stopping of the four winds. For although that spiritual plague was very great, yet these ⟨p. 114⟩spiritual plagues which follow upon the opening of the seventh seal, are far greater. For now we are to hear and understand, not only of the errors and heresies, whereby a way and passage was made by degrees, as it were by certain stairs, for Antichrist to climb up into his cursed chair, and to take possession thereof; but also we are to understand of his very tyranny and Kingdom it self; and also of the Kingdom of the Turk, and the last judgement. For the things contained under the opening of the seventh Seal, do reach unto the end of the world. For the book sealed with seven seals, containeth all the whole matters which were to be revealed.

VVE have heard out of the seventh Chapter, how the divels and their instruments, the Romane Emperours, did stoppe the course of the Gospell, Now in this Chapter we are to heare the wofull effects of the stopping thereof, which was the springing up, and prevailing of manifold errours and heresies in the World. So that the principall scope and drift of this Chapter is to shew, that God for the contempt of his Gospell, and great indignities offered to the true professors thereof, did give up the World to blindnesse, to errour, to superstition and heresie: and as the Apostle sayth, Because they received not the love of the truth, ¹therefore God sent them strong delusions, that they should beleeve in lies. For as before we have heard how the world was most fearfully punished with externall plagues and judgements: So heere we are to understand how the same was punished with judgements spirituall and internall, as formerly hath beene sayd upon the stopping of the foure winds. For although that spirituall plague was very great, yet these ⟨p. 114⟩spirituall plagues which follow upon the opening of the seventh seale, are far greater. For now we are to heare and understand, not onely of the errours and heresies, whereby a way and passage was made by degrees, as it were by certaine staires, for Antichrist to climbe up into his cursed chaire, and to take possession thereof; but also we are to understand of his very tyranny and Kingdome it selfe; and also of the Kingdome of the Turke, and the last judgement. For the things contained under the opening of the seventh Seale, do reach unto the end of the world. For the booke sealed with seven seales, containeth all the whole matters which were to be revealed.

1. 12. Thes. 2.

This Chapter containeth four principal things as it were the four parts thereof.

This Chapter containeth foure principall things as it were the foure parts thereof.