A35689:577
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.
Here the Roman Empire is described of the likelihood of qualities which it had with the other three Empires going before it. For first, it is compared to a Leopard for swiftness to prey upon others; and also for fierceness and subtlety, as did the Greek Monarchy. Secondly, it is compared to a Bear for rapine and ravening, as the Monarchy of the Medes and Persians. Thirdly, it is compared to a Lion for pride and insolency, as the Monarchy of the Chaldeans. ⟨p. 232⟩So then, by this description it is very clear, that this beast signifieth the Roman Monarchy, because it containeth in it the whole power of the other three Empires: and is here described as a compound of divers beasts, yea, as a very monster of monsters, having the body of a leopard, the feet of a bear, and the mouth of a lion.
Here the Roman Empire is described of the likelihood of qualities which it had with the other three Empires going before it. For first, it is compared to a Leopard for swiftnesse to prey upon others; and also for fiercenesse and subtilty, as did the Greeke Monarchy. Secondly, it is compared to a Beare for rapine and ravening, as the Monarchy of the Medes and Persians. Thirdly, it is compared to a Lion for pride and insolency, as the Monarchy of the Chaldeans. ⟨p. 232⟩So then, by this description it is very clear, that this beast signifieth the Roman Monarchy, because it containeth in it the whole power of the other three Empires: and is here described as a compound of divers beasts, yea, as a very monster of monsters, having the body of a leopard, the feete of a beare, and the mouth of a lion.
Moreover, it is said that the Dragon gave his power, and his throne, and great authority. Which plainly showeth, that the power and authority of the Roman Empire is of the Devil,1 in respect of the evil quality thereof; that is, fraud, rapine, and oppression. In which respect it is said to ascend out of the bottomless pit, as was declared before. But the substance of it, and the government it self was of God.