A plain explanation of the whole Revelation of Saint John Very necessary and comfortable…A plaine explanation of the vvhole Revelation of Saint John Very necessary and comfortable…

We have heard in the former Chapter, the preparation to the Prophecy, concerning the things that should befall unto the Church. Now he cometh to the Prophecy it self.

WEe haue heard in the former Chapter, the preparation to the Prophecie, concerning the things that should befall vnto the Church. Now he commeth to the Prophecie it selfe.

And first he saith, there was given to him a Reed, and with it, he was bidden to measure the Temple: Whereas, we are first to consider, that by this speech (borrowed from the fortieth of Ezekiel) the Lord setteth down a determination to set forth and to measure out his Church: For as Arch-builders, first in building have a draught in their heads and after draw it out, and measure the place where they build, and then have inferior builders to finish it; even so the Lord doth both in that place of Ezekiel, as also here: For there the Lord after the destruction of Jerusalem, and of the Temple, when he would have it restored again, showeth unto the Prophet the measuring of it; signifying that the Temple should be re-edified, and that the people should worship again in the same. And in like manner in this place, whereas now indeed Jerusalem, and that Temple which was in it, were ready to be destroyed and overthrown; the Lord notwithstanding bids the Apostle to take a strait and smooth Reed like unto a Rod, to wit, fit for that purpose, and to measure the Temple ⟨p. 63⟩therewithal. Noting, that albeit Jerusalem should be laid waste, yet […] gather to himself a Church, and that by […]. And whereas he bids him measure it with […], he meaneth that he should understand and comprehend the right and full way whereby the Church of God should be builded. This teacheth us that unless God prescribe and give unto the Ministers, the order and manner of building his Church, they are not of themselves to undertake the building of the same. And again, unless he put the measure, which he appointeth (that is his Word) into their hands, they cannot, neither ought they in any case to begin, and therefore not to undergo that function, unless they be called of the Lord. And further being called they must build with that measure and means only which God appointeth and setteth down. He biddeth him to measure the Temple, the Altar, and the Worshippers, but to let alone the outward Court, and to cast it out.