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…

and that which thou seest write in a book and send it unto the Churches. Here we see how John is called by Alpha and Omega, that is, Jesus Christ to write this doctrine of the Apocalypse. But may some man say, was not John called before? was he not one of the Lambs 12. Apostles? had he not many years executed the office of the Apostleship? must he now have a new calling, and a second calling? what needs he being an Apostle to be called and authorised again? To this I answer, that this matter now in hand was a new work, and therefore requires a new and special calling. It is a strange revelation, and therefore requires a new authority to meddle in it. For in this Prophecy God dealeth with John, as he did with the old Prophets. For when he would foreshow unto any of them especial matters, he called them by glorious visions, as we may read what a goodly vision Isaiah had: what a vision full of glory Ezekiel and Daniel had, even in majesty like unto this of John. Thus ⟨p. 5⟩then it is to be considered. John now is as one of the old Prophets, to foreshow things to come: therefore the Lord appeareth unto him in a vision, and calleth him thereunto as he appeared unto them, and called them. Let this then suffice for a reason of Johns now calling to his new Work and office. And thus much touching the first circumstance.

and that which thou seest write in a booke and send it unto the Churches. Heere we see how Iohn is called by Alpha and Omega, that is, Jesus Christ to write this doctrine of the Apocalyps. But may some man say, was not John cald before? was he not one of the Lambs 12. Apostles? had he not many years executed the office of the Apostleship? must he now have a new calling, and a second calling? what needs he being an Apostle to bee called and authorised againe? To this I answere, that this matter now in hand was a new worke, and therefore requires a new and speciall calling. It is a strange revelation, and therefore requires a new authority to meddle in it. For in this Prophesie God dealeth with John, as hee did with the old Prophets. For when he would foreshew unto any of them especiall matters, he called them by glorious visions, as wee may reade what a goodly vision Esay had: what a vision full of glory Ezechiel and Daniel had, even in majesty like unto this of John. Thus ⟨p. 5⟩then it is to bee considered. Iohn now is as one of the old Prophets, to foreshew things to come: therefore the Lord appeareth unto him in a vision, and calleth him thereunto as he appeared unto them, and called them. Let this then suffice for a reason of Johns now calling to his new Worke and office. And thus much touching the first circumstance.