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…

Here is showed, that this image of the beast was not a dead image, but a living image: for Antichrist put a spirit into it; that is, life, and power, and great authority; insomuch that this image could speak, and not only speak, but speak with great authority and terror: so as whosoever would not worship this image, that is, submit himself to the Popish Hierarchy should be put to death. But may some man say, How did this image speak? I answer, by the Popes Clergy. For the Romish rabble of Cardinals, Abbots, Monks, Priests, Friars, and all that cursed corporation were the very breath, life, and spirit of this image: I mean, that the life-blood of their external regiment did lie in the execution thereof by the Clergy, as it were in certain arteries and veins. For what was their outward form of government without this cruel execution of their stinging Clergy-men, but as a dead image without life? But when Antichrist had once consecrated and erected his Romish Priesthood, then did he put life into his image, ⟨p. 254⟩which before he had caused to be made and erected. Then we do plainly see, that the Popish Hierarchy is not a bare resemblance of the old Roman policy, to stand as a picture on a wall, but hath a spirit put into it by the false prophet, and speaketh with such power and terror in all kingdoms, that it causeth all to be put to death that will not submit themselves unto it, and fall down and worship the beast. Who knoweth not this, that as many in the countries as would not embrace Popery, and the old Roman tyranny, the Popish Clergy, their Inquisitors, and other Officers did condemn them in their Courts as heretics, schismatics, and delivered them over, being condemned, to the secular power to be put to death?

Here is shewed, that this image of the beast was not a dead image, but a living image: for Antichrist put a spirit into it; that is, life, and power, and great authority; insomuch that this image could speake, and not only speak, but speak with great authority and terror: so as whosoever would not worship this image, that is, submit himself to the Popish Hierarchie should be put to death. But may some man say, How did this image speak? I answer, by the Popes Clergy. For the Romish rabble of Cardinals, Abbots, Monks, Priests, Friars, and all that cursed corporation were the very breath, life, and spirit of this image: I mean, that the life-bloud of their externall regiment did lie in the execution thereof by the Clergy, as it were in certaine arteries and veines. For what was their outward form of government without this cruell execution of their stinging Clergy-men, but as a dead image without life? But when Antichrist had once consecrated and erected his Romish Priesthood, then did hee put life into his image,