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…

Secondly, that they might understand the certainty of the things therein contained: wherein he meeteth with an objection that might be made. For (might some say) if they must come certainly, why then should men trouble themselves about it, in studying for the knowledge of the understanding of that Book, especially seeing it is so hard and darkly spoken? and that many would abuse the things of this Prophecy, and wrest them to another end then the Apostle meant them, being given in a stile so unwonted; as Peter 2. Pauls sayings are said to be hard. But the Angel answers, that it must not be sealed up, but published. And howsoever it may be, some may take occasion to be wicked and careless by it, yet Saint John saith, it makes no matter for that, for though the wicked stumble at it, yet it is given for the comfort of the righteous, and for the Children of Gods sake, and they shall profit, and be bettered by it, and made more just, by taking heed of these judgements ⟨p. 138⟩herein contained. And for the wicked, he said, if any will be evil, let him be evil still. And last of all, he saith, that though it should not make either for the furthering of the wicked in their wickedness, or to further the godly in their godliness; yet it is to be left unsealed for the glory of God, to manifest him to be true, and his word true, when all these things shall come to pass.

Secondly, that they might vnderstand the certainty of the things therein contained: wherein hee meeteth with an obiection that might be made. For (might some say) if they must come certainely, why then should men trouble themselues about it, in studying for the knowledge of the vnderstanding of that Booke, especially seeing it is so hard and darkely spoken? and that many would abuse the things of this Prophecie, and wrest them to another end then the Apostle meant them, being giuen in a stile so vnwonted; as Peter 2. Pauls sayings are said to be hard. But the Angell answeres, that it must not be sealed vp, but published. And howsoeuer it may be, some may take occasion to be wicked and carelesse by it, yet Saint Iohn saith, it makes no matter for that, for though the wicked stumble at it, yet it is giuen for the comfort of the righteous, and for the Children of Gods sake, and they shall profit, and be bettered by it, and made more iust, by taking heed of these iudgements ⟨p. 138⟩herein contained. And for the wicked, hee said, if any will be euill, let him be euill still. And last of all, hee saith, that though it should not make either for the furthering of the wicked in their wickednesse, or to further the godly in their godlinesse; yet it is to be left vnsealed for the glory of God, to manifest him to be true, and his word true, when all these things shall come to passe.