B11837:1017
A hundred sermons upo[n] the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ revealed in deed by the angel of the Lord: but seen or received and written by the apostle and Eva[n]gelist. S. John: compiled by the famous and godly learned man, Henry Bullinger, chief pastor of the congregation of Zuryk. Newly set forth and allowed, according to the order appointed in the Queens majesties, iniuntions. The argument, worthiness, commodity, and use of this work, thou shalt find in the preface: after which thou hast a most exact table to lead thee into all the principal matters contained therein.A hundred sermons vpo[n] the Apocalips of Iesu Christe reueiled in dede by thangell of the Lorde: but seen or receyued and written by thapostle and Eua[n]gelist. S. Iohn: compiled by the famous and godly learned man, Henry Bullinger, chief pastor of the congregation of Zuryk. Newly set forth and allowed, according to the order appoynted in the Quenes maiesties, iniuntions. Thargument, wurthines, commoditie, and vse of this worke, thou shalt fynd in the preface: after which thou hast a most exact table to leade thee into all the princypall matters conteyned therin.
printed by John Day, 1561printed by Iohn Day, 1561
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod, 1& it was said unto me: rise and mete the Temple of God, and the Altar, and them that worship therein, and the quire which is within the Temple, caste out, and mete it not: for it is given unto the gentiles, and the holy city shall they tread underfoot .xlii. months.
ANd there was geuen me a reede like vnto a rodde, 1& it was sayed vnto me: rise and mete the Temple of God, and the Aultar, and them that worshippe therin, and the quire which is within the Temple, caste out, and mete it not: for it is geuen vnto the gentiles, and the holy citie shall they treade vnderfote .xlii. monethes.
The lord is yet in comforting, and in describing the hostile war against Antichrist: and showeth that the church shall not be forsaken in those Antichristians and turkish difficulties: that the enemies shall never so quietly enjoy allthings, but that the church shall have also her champions or defenders, which shall most valiantly resist Christs adversaries.
The lord is yet in cōforting, and in describyng the hostile warre against Antichrist: and sheweth that the churche shall not be forsaken in those Antichristians and turkish difficulties: that the enemies shal neuer so quietly inioye althinges, but that the churche shall haue also her champions or defenders, which shal most valcauntly resist Christes aduersaries.
And those things are figurative,1 which are rehearsed in the beginning of the chapt. and seem to be taken out of the .40. chapt. of Ezekiel. As be those also which are spoken in the .7. chap. of the faithful sealed, out of the .9. chap. of the same prophet. For he is commanded to measure the temple, and to cast out the inward quire: whereof he showeth the cause. And he meaneth not the Temple of Jerusalem,2 which lay in ruin, neither should be repaired, after the prophecy of Daniel and Christ: but the very church of God, I mean the whole number of the chosen. For S. Paul calleth the faithful the Temple of God, lively verily, as also S. Peter .1. Peter .2. And .1. Corinth. 3. And .2. Corinth. 6.3 We have said now oft times, that Christ is the only Altar in the church, and sacrifice for sin, and Priest and intercessor on the right hand of the father. The worshippers4 be they that worship God through Christ in spirit and verity, and serve him lawfully or with fear. So many as be such, that is, who so ever cleave unto Christ the only peace maker of the faithful, & serve god truly by faith, they be the very Temple of God, & the true church. These hath S. John measured:5 that we should understand how the lord fixeth his mind to build up the church, not to destroy it. For they that will build mete the plot, ⟨p. 306⟩whereupon the buildings should be set: as appeareth in the 40. of Ezech. Then was also the temple destroyed of the Chaldees, as the church is now wasted by the Papists & Turks: But the Lord promiseth by this measuring, that he will repair the ruins of the church of the merit of Christ, and faithful worshippers: moreover he signifieth, that the faithful in these troubles are numbered (before we heard they were sealed) and sure whom no hostile power can hurt in all these difficulties. For as the Altar Christ is undefiled, and cannot be polluted or destroyed by any power of the Devil: So are the sheep of Christ known to God, and perish not: As also the same Lord Jesus Christ testifieth in the .10. of John, and the Apostle in the .2. Timothy. 2. Briefly the faithful of Christ be in the communion of god and of all his good things, in the care, building, number, and defence. This is a most assured consolation.
And those things are figuratiue,1 which are rehersed in the beginning of the chapt. and seme to be taken out of the .40. chapt. of Ezechiel. As be those also which are spokē in the .7. chap. of the faithful sealed, out of the .9. chap. of the same prophet. For he is commaunded to measure the temple, and to cast out the inwarde quire: wherof he sheweth the cause. And he meaneth not the Temple of Hierusalem,2 whiche laye in ruine, nother should be repared, after the prophecie of Daniel and Christ: but the very church of God, I meane the whole nombre of the chosen. For S. Paule calleth the faythful the Temple of God, liuely verely, as also S. Peter .1. Peter .2. And .1. Corinth. 3. And .2. Corinth. 6.3 We haue sayed nowe ofte times, that Christ is the only Aultar in the church, and sacrifice for sinne, and Priest and intercessour on the right hande of the father. The worshippers4 be they that worshippe God through Christ in spirite and veritie, and serue him lawefully or with feare. So many as be such, that is, who so euer cleaue vnto Christ the only peace maker of the faithful, & serue god truely by faith, they be the very Temple of God, & the trewe church. These hath S. Iohn measured:5 that we should vnderstāde how the lord fixeth his minde to buylde vp the church, not to distroye it. For they that will buylde mete the platte, ⟨p. 306⟩wherupon the buildinges should be set: as appeareth in the 40. of Ezech. Then was also the tēple destroyed of the Chaldeis, as ye church is now wasted by the Papistes & Turkes: But the Lorde promiseth by this measuring, that he will repare the ruines of the churche of the merite of Christe, and faithful worshippers: moreouer he signifieth, that the faithful in these troubles ar numbred (before we heard they were sealed) and sure whome no hostile power can hurt in al these difficulties. For as the Aulter Christe is vndefyled, and cannot be polluted or destroyed by any power of the Deuil: So are the shepe of Christ knowen to God, and perish not: As also the same Lord Iesus Christ testifieth in the .10. of Iohn, and the Apostle in the .2. Timothe. 2. Briefely the faythfull of Christ be in the cōmunion of god and of all his good things, in the care, buildinge, numbre, and defence. This is a moste assured consolation.
Howbeit where the Lord in the gospel prophesied, that the true faithful should be excommunicated of the false teachers, & here also foresaw, what should chance to the ungodly pastors of the false bishops: he saith verily that they appertain nothing to the building of God,1 but to be of God excommunicated, to the intent the godly should not fear their censure and cursing. And here is the election of two sorts, whereof the first is more allowed, that is, [Greek or Hebrew] the hall or quire that is within, cast out; that is to say, declare them that be in this quire, to be cast out of God. Verily the Antichristians will be within the Ten ple, or inward parts of the temple, & the chiefest part of the church, in so much that who so ever acknowledgeth not them, and follow them not in all things, & frame him self conformable to the church of Rome, is judged to be an heretic. The inward quire in the law was the station of priests, the place wherein they were when they should do sacrifice. And whilst he sayeth the quire must be caste out, he signifieth figuratively that the Antichristian priests shall be thrown out. For the place is set for the thing contained therein. And where he sayeth, caste out. This he sayeth, those whom God hath shut out, declare thou to be cast out. For God doeth excommunicate, man pronounceth & executeth Gods judgement. The latter lection is of this sort: & the quire ([Greek or Hebrew]) which ⟨p. 307⟩is with out, cast out. So hath the Spanish copy. And how shall you caste out that which was with out before? Therefore I like, as I said, the former reading. But we reject not this reading neither. For the hall that is with out, signifieth the College or fellowship not communicating with the only altar Christ, or with the true church of Christ, such as all this book showeth the Popes to be with all their family. Moreover the Pharisees & priests caste out him that was borne blind,2
For because God will not edify but destroy them: neither have them numbered amongst his. For he hath rejected them. Who than will hereafter care this much for the excommunication of them that are excommunicated? wicked popes have excommunicated Emperors noble men and godly: & discharging their subjects of their fidelity have set them in their princes tops. The story of Gregory the .2. is known against Leo Isauricus: and of Gregory the .7. against Henry the .4. And of Innocence also, against Frederick the .2. and of other Bishops against right good princes. Doubtless the chief string of the popish tyranny hath ben excommunication, which the Lord here looseth.
For bicause God will not edifie but distroye them: nother haue them nōbred emonges his. For he hath reiected them. Who thā wil herafter care this much for the excōmunicatiō of them that are excōmunicated? wicked popes haue excōmunicated Emperours noble men and godly: & discharging their subiectes of their fidelitie haue set them in their princes toppes. The storie of Gregory the .2. is knowen against Leo Isauricus: and of Gregory the .7. agayns• Henry the .4. And of Innocence also, agaynst Fredericke the .2. and of other Bishoppes against right good princes. Doubtles the chiefe stringe of the popish tyranny hath ben excommunication, which the Lord here lowseth.
Neither doeth the Lord conceal,1 why he pronounceth the priests, or inward quire excommunicated; for because it is given to the heathen. Which phrase of speech is as much of force, as if you should say: for as much as in the quire they play not the priests or faithful ministers, but the gentiles, which have occupied this place. But the gentiles are rightly shut out of the fellowship of God and the church: where the lord him self in the gospel said: if he hear not the church let him be unto thee as an heathen & publican. Undoubtedly they that be not in the Temple or church, or else be in the inner quire, that is to say, which will be accounted amongst the prelates of the church: and yet hold not of Christ, but are ⟨p. 308⟩more conformable to the heathen, than to Christians: are accounted most justly excluded amongst the gentiles.
Nother doeth the Lorde counceale,1 whie he pronounceth the priestes, or inwarde quire excōmunicated; for because it is geuen to the heathen. Which phrase of speach is as much of force, as if you should saie: for as much as in the quire they playe not the priestes or faithful ministers, but the gentiles, which haue occupied this place. But the gentiles are rightly shutte out of the fellowshippe of God and the church: where the lord him self in the gospel saied: if he heare not the church let him be vnto thee as an heythen & publicane. Vndoubtedly they that be not in the Temple or churche, or els be in the inner quyre, that is to saye, which wil be accompted emongs the prelates of the church: and yet hold not of Christ, but are ⟨p. 308⟩more comformable to the heythen, than to Christianes: are accompted most iustely excluded emonges the gentiles.
1And now let us see, wherefore he accounteth antichrist the pope with his members amongst the heathen. They that are borne of god, hear the word of god, & glorify it: they that be not as yet borne of God, but remain gentiles, not only hear not gods word, but also blaspheme the same. So these men will not hear gods word, & seek with all their endeavour, how to fear men away from the scriptures, which are Gods word. They say that they be obscure, doubtful, uncertain, & unperfect. Those that believe & cleave to the same they call heretics: & the doctrine taken out of the same, heresy. Again they that have not Christ their head, & as branches grow not to the vine, have no communion with Christ, & be gentiles. But such is the pope & his adherents, persecuting Christ still, & all those that affirm Christ to be the only head of the church, Christ alone to be our righteousness & life, that all the faithful are made fully complete by Christ. He that thus believeth, they pronounce him an heretic. Moreover the gentiles worship Idols, call upon creatures, suppose God to be honoured with corruptible things as gold, silver, & precious things, dedicated to the Temple, and set up to beautify the same. But what other thing do they in the church at this day? Thou seest plainly heathen Temples when thou seest their churches. The life also of the gentiles is shameful and filthy: they are given to voluptuousness, full of surfeiting, addict to filthy lust, they stink in whoredom, and exceed in gorgeous apparel and pampering of the body. See what things the Apostle writeth of the life and conversation of the heathen in the .4. and .5. chap. to the Ephesians. And in the .1. chapt. to the Romans. And in the .1. to the Corinth. the .5. and .6. chapter. Now what the life of the Pope is and of his spirituality, the thing it self to openly testifieth, that even for this cause only they might and ought to be accounted amongst the excommunicated, the Apostle him self pronouncing the sentence of excommunication, in the place which we have now cited, the .1. to the Corinth. the .5. We may put hereunto their Epicurism. For if they set by any religion, if they have any fear of God in them, why do they sell all things in the church, ⟨p. 309⟩forgiveness of sins, heaven, Christ, the oblation of Christ, matrimony, ministry, briefly all things?
1And now let vs see, wherfore he accompteth antichrist the pope with his membres emōges the heythen. They that are borne of god, heare the word of god, & glorifie it: they that be not as yet borne of God, but remaine gētiles, not only heare not gods word, but also blaspheme ye same. So these men wil not heare gods worde, & seke with all their indeuour, how to feare men awaye frō the scriptures, which are Gods word. They saie that they be obscure, doubtful, vncertaine, & vnperfet. Those that beleue & cleaue to the same thei cal heretikes: & the doctrine takē out of the same, heresie. Agayne they that haue not Christ their head, & as braunches growe not to the vine, haue no cōmunion with Christ, & be gentiles. But such is the pope & his adherentes, persecuting Christ stil, & al those that affirme Christ to be the only head of the churche, Christ alone to be our rightuousnes & life, yt al the faithful are made fully cōplete by Christ. He that thus beleueth, they pronoūce him an heretike. Moreouer the gentiles worshippe Idolles, call vpon creatures, suppose God to be honoured with corruptible thinges as gold, siluer, & preciouse things, dedicated to the Temple, and set vp to beaultifie the same. But what other thinge doe they in the churche at this daye? Thou seest playnely heathen Temples when thou seest their churches. The life also of the gentiles is shamefull and filthie: they are geuen to voluptuousenes, ful of surfetting, addicte to filthie luste, they stinke in whoredome, and excede in gorgeouse apparel and pamperyng of the body. See what thinges the Apostle writeth of the life and conuersation of the heythen in the .4. and .5. chap. to the Ephesians. And in the .1. chapt. to the Romaines. And in the .1. to the Corinth. the .5. and .6. chapter. Nowe what the life of the Pope is and of his spiritualtie, the thing it selfe to openly testifieth, that euen for this cause only they might and ought to be accompted emongs the excōmunicated, the Apostle him self pronouncyng the sentence of excōmunication, in the place whiche we haue nowe cited, the .1. to the Corinth. the .5. We maye put herunto their Epicureisme. For if thei set by any religiō, if they haue any feare of God in them, whie do they selle all thinges in the church,
why call they in doubt diverse articles of our belief? what mean these doubtful disputations of the immortality of souls, and resurrection of bodies? why make they a mockery of the life everlasting?
whie call they in doubt diuerse articles of our belefe? what meane these doubtful disputations of the immortalitie of soules, and resurrection of bodies? whie make they a mockerie of the life euerlastyng?
Hereunto is added, that these tread upon,1 yea spurn the holy city: for therefore may they justly betaken for excommunicated. This holy city, is not that earthly Jerusalem, but the church of God, whereof the holy city was a figure: as S. Paul expoundeth in the .4. chapt. to the Galatians. For the earthly Jerusalem, according to the sayings of the prophets, having played her part, lay in ashes never to be restored. The lord therefore signifieth that the holy church of Christ, should through the tyranny of Antichrist and Antichristians be trodden under foot. And it signified more, that he said, to tread2 upon: than if he had said to afflict and persecute. For treading upon is joined with the greatest despite of him that is trodden on: and hereby is signified an extreme assailing and wonderful cruelty of the enemies, which they practise on them they overcome, and have to use at their pleasure. We read in Daniel of the Romans: The beast had great iron teeth, eating and breaking small, and the rest treading under her feet. For wanton beasts are wont to tread with their feet such things as they can not devour, when they be full. And Solomon in the .27. of the Proverb. A soul that is full, sayeth he, treadeth the honey comb. Malachi in the .4. chapt. speaking of the joy of the godly: ye shall leap, sayeth he, as calves of the herd, and ye shall tread upon the wicked, which shall be as dust under the souls of your feet. Briefly S. John by treading signifieth the oppression of the church joined with great tyranny, and wantonness, and with the exceeding great mockery and gladness of the wicked. And seemeth plainly to have alluded to these words of the godly prophet: O God the heathen are come into thine inheritance, thy holy Temple have they defiled, and made Jerusalem an heap of stones. The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the air: and the flesh of thy Saints unto the beasts of ⟨p. 310⟩the land. Their blood have they shed like water on every side of Jerusalem, and there was no man to bury them: & the rest that followeth. in the .78. Psalm. And a little after in this chap. shall follow moe things of the persecution of Antichrist. Neither shall these things be obscure, in case you compare them with those, which are done at this day in the church of rome against the lovers of Christs gospel.
1Besides here is showed a certain time, in the which the persecution of Antichrist should be cruel against the church, to wit the space of two and forty months. In the account whereof some torment themselves marvellously. I suppose plainly that a certain time was assigned, & that not without cause, & yet not withstanding an uncertain time to be understand. A certain time therefore is assigned, that we might understand, that God hath appointed an end of their furies: which as he him self alone doeth know, so would he signify to his faithful the same time not in years, but in months only, for a consolation. For we suffer more easily, that which we perceive shall continue but a few months. This sense hath also Aretas after a sort touched, writing thus: we suppose that the time of .xlii. months doeth express a shortening of time, about the coming of Antichrist: for the which affliction to be executed upon the lovers of God,2 Christ very God sayeth, that those days should be abbreviated. And these .xlii. months, are three years & a half, wherein it shall come to pass that the faithful, and the very tried, shall be trodden and suffer persecution. Thus sayeth he.
1Besydes here is shewed a certayne time, in the which the persecution of Antichrist should be cruell against the church, to wit the space of two and fourtie monethes. In the accōpte wherof some tourment themselues maruelousely. I suppose playnely that a certayne time was assigned, & that not without cause, & yet not withstanding an vncerten time to be vnderstand. A certaine time therfore is assigned, that we might vnderstande, that God hath appointed an ende of their furies: which as he him self alone doeth know, so would he signifie to his faithfull the same time not in yeres, but in monethes only, for a cōsolation. For we suffer more easely, that which we perceiue shal cōtinewe but a fewe monethes. This sense hath also Aretas after a sorte touched, writing thus: we suppose that the time of .xlii. monethes doeth expresse a shortening of time, about the comyng of Antichrist: for the which affliction to be executed vpon the louers of God,2 Christ very God sayeth, that those dayes should be abbreuiated. And these .xlii. monethes, are three yeres & a halfe, wherein it shall come to passe that the faithful, and the very tried, shal be troden and suffer persecution. Thus sayeth he.
1Doubtless all expositors in a manner being verily taught by this place, have attributed to the kingdom of Antichrist, and to his most cruel persecutions, not moe years than three and a half. For so many years make .xlii. months, if ye put to a year .xii. months. Howbeit the Scripture and the thing it self speaketh, that the kingdom of Antichrist should be a great deal longer. Whereupon I said, that a certain time is assigned of the apostle, & an uncertain time understand: that is to say, all that same time, that is reckoned from the fatal years .666. whereof is mentioned in the .13. chapt. of the Apocalypse, until the last judgement. And why I do expound a certain time by an uncertain, these be the causes. First, forasmuch ⟨p. 311⟩as the same number of months is put here in the .13. chapt. And is ascribed to the old Roman Empire, verily that in their tribulations the Saints might understand, & comfort themselves, that there is an end appointed to their tyranny, which is known of God: and that the Saints should no more be sorrowful, than if they should be constrained to abide their tyranny a few months only. Otherwise if ye should account from the first year of Julius Cesar, and bring the course of time until that year, wherein Odacer at Rome, all emperors of the west being taken away, was acknowledged for King, you shall not find only three years and an half, but about five hundred and .xvii. years. If you shall bring the account from Julius to the empire taken away, and given to the pope, you shall find about .767. years. The later cause: for that Daniel, the Lord Christ, and the Apostle S. Paul, agreeably do say, that the persecution of Antichrist should last unto the judgement. But who shall reckon unto us the years and days of the last judgement? And therefore must the non bre certain be expounded by the uncertain, and must think that all things are numbered & prefixed in the counsel of god, which never neglecteth his faithful. To him be glory for evermore. Amen.
1Doubtles al expositours in a maner beyng verely taught by this place, haue attributed to the kingdome of Antichrist, and to his most cruel persecutions, not mo yeres than three and a halfe. For so many yeres make .xlii. monethes, yf ye put to a yere .xii. monethes. Howbeit the Scripture and the thing it self speaketh, that the kingdome of Antichrist should be a great deale longer. Wherupon I sayed, that a certayne time is assigned of thapostle, & an vncerten time vnderstand: that is to saye, al that same time, that is rekened frō the fatall yeres .666. wherof is mentioned in the .13. chapt. of thapocalipse, vntil the last iudgemēt. And whie I do expounde a certen time by an vncerten, these be the causes. First, for asmuch
And I will give power to my two witnesses, & they shall prophesy a M. cc. and .lx. days clotted in sack cloth. These are two olive trees, & two can delstickes standing before the God of the Earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire shall come forth of their mouth, & devour their enemies And if any man will hurt them, this wise must he be killed, these have power to shut heaven, ⟨p. 312⟩that it reign not in the days of their prophesying: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all manner plagues as often as they will.
ANd I will geue power to my two witnesses, & thei shal prophecie a M. cc. and .lx. daies cloted in sacke cloth. These are two oliue trees, & two cā delstickes stādyng before ye God of the Earth. And if any man wil hurt them, fire shal come forth of their mouth, & deuour their enemies And if any man will hurt thē, this wise must he be killed, these haue power to shut heauē, ⟨p. 312⟩that it raigne not in the dayes of their propheciyng: and haue power ouer waters to tourne them to bloud, and to smite the earth with al maner plagues as oftē as they will.
These things appertain also to the consolation of the faithful.1 For the lord promiseth that he will send prophets: that is preachers, which shall maintain and defend the verity of the Gospel, and glory of Christ, assail Antichrist, and destroy his kingdom, and advance the salvation of the faithful. In the former chapt. 8. and .9. was described the fight of Antichrist and heretics against God & his Christ, and against his church: & now at few words is set against the same the contrary fight, & the army of Christ is mustered.
These thinges apperteyne also to the consolation of the faithful.1 For the lord promiseth that he wil sende prophetes: that is preachers, whiche shall mayneteyne and defende the veritie of the Gospel, and glory of Christ, assayle Antichrist, and distroye his kingdome, and auaunce the saluation of the faythfull. In the fourmer chapt. 8. and .9. was described the fight of Antichrist and heretikes agaynst God & his Christ, and against his church: & now at fewe wordes is set agaynst the same the cōtrary fight, & the army of Christ is munstred.
1And he bringeth forth two Prophets, that is preachers: not for that there shall be two only, but for that he will so signify that the power of Christ in the world should be and seem to worldly men small (as I shall tell you anon) in the mean time he understandeth all faithful preachers and pastors of all times, which offer themselves to resist Antichrist and heretics. There be that expound these things of Enoch and Eli, which shall come corporally before the judgement. Howbeit S. Hierome in the epistle to Marcella doeth refer that opinion to Jewish fables, signifying that these things must de spiritually expounded of those prophets, as are also the most things of this book. And in manner all expositors with great concord, do interpret all these things of these Prophets spiritually, and not corporally after the letter. I suppose that for two causes there be two Prophets only here rehearsed.
1And he bringeth forth two Prophetes, that is preachers: not for that there shalbe two only, but for that he wil so signifie that the power of Christ in the worlde should be and seme to worldly men small (as I shal tel you anone) in the meane time he vnderstandeth al faithful preachers and pastours of al times, whiche offer themselues to resiste Antichrist and heretikes. There be that expounde these thinges of Enoch and Helie, which shal come corporally before the iudgemēt. Howbeit S. Hierome in the epistle to Marcella doeth referre that opinion to Iewish fables, signifiyng that these thinges must de spiritually expounded of those prophetes, as are also the most things of this boke. And in maner al expositours with great concorde, doe interprete all these thinges of these Prophetes spiritually, and not corporally after the lettre. I suppose that for two causes there be two Prophetes only here rehersed.
First, for that he would allude to the old History or prophecy of Zechariah, which is in the .4. chapt. It was thought than also to the people of Israel, returned from Babylon, that the repairing of the Temple was unpossible, for that they had many and mighty adversaries, and they were weak and few, and their governors Zerubbabel and Joshua contemned: but through the mighty hand of God, and his faithful aid it came to pass, that the power of their adversaries vanished away as vain, and they in despite of hell ⟨p. 313⟩gates builded up their Temple right, so the Lord sayeth it shall be in that later age, that the ministers most contemptuous and very few in number, shall build up Christ his temple, and repair it, & shake the most mighty power of Antichrist. Hereunto I suppose belongeth that saying of Daniel: and when they shall fall, they were holpen with small aid, &c. Secondly for this cause chiefly he accounteth only two witnesses, for that it is red written in the Law, in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall stand. It is judged therefore a full testimony, which shall be confirmed with the agreeable declaration of two. Where therefore the lord sayeth that he will give two Prophets, it is as much to say, as that he will give so many ministers as shall suffice, which shall both build up his church and also pluck down and rent a sunder the kingdom of Antichrist. There be of the expositors, which think that by two witnesses are understand two testaments. Howbeit we see that the Lord speaketh here of witnesses, not of the thing testified or to be witnessed, which nevertheless we separate not from the witnesses.
First, for that he would allude to the olde Historie or prophecie of Zacharie, which is in the .4. chapt. It was thought than also to the people of Israel, retourned from Babylon, that the reparyng of the Tēple was vnpossible, for that they had many and mightie aduersaries, and they were weake and fewe, and their gouernours Zorobabel and Iehosua contemned: but through the mightie hande of God, and his faithful ayde it came to passe, that the power of their aduersaries vanisshed awaye as vayne, and they indespite of hell ⟨p. 313⟩gates buylded vp their Temple right, so the Lorde sayeth it shal be in that later age, that the ministers most contēptuous and very fewe in nombre, shal buylde vp Christ his temple, and repare it, & shake the most mighty power of Antichrist. Herunto I suppose belongeth that saiyng of Daniel: and when they shal fal, they were holpen with smal ayde, &c. Secondely for this cause chiefly he accompteth only two witnesses, for that it is red written in the Lawe, in the mouth of two or three witnesses euery worde shal stande. It is iudged therfore a full testimony, whiche shall be confirmed with the agreable declaration of two. Where therfore the lord sayeth that he wil geue two Prophetes, it is asmuch to saye, as that he wil geue so many ministers as shal suffice, which shal both builde vp his church and also plucke downe and rēt a sonder the kingdome of Antichrist. There be of the expositours, which thinke that by two witnesses are vnderstande two testamētes. Howbeit we see that the Lord speaketh here of witnesses, not of the thing testified or to be witnessed, which neuerthelesse we separate not from the witnesses.
Howbeit where the Lorde in the gospell prophecied, that the true faythful shoulde be excomunicated of the false teachers, & here also foresaw, what shuld chaunce to the vngodly pastours of the false byshoppes: he sayth verely that they apparteine nothing to the buildinge of God,1 but to be of God excommunicated, to the intent the godly should not feare their censure and cursinge. And here is the election of two sortes, whereof the first is more allowed, that is, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 the hall or quyre that is within, cast out; that is to saye, declare thē that be in this quire, to be cast out of God. Verely the Antichristians wil be within the Tē ple, or inwarde partes of the temple, & the chiefest part of the church, in so much that who so euer acknowledgeth not thē, and follow them not in al thinges, & frame him selfe conformable to the churche of Rome, is iudged to be an heretike. The inwarde quire in the lawe was the statiō of priestes, the place wherin they were when they should do sacrifice. And whilest he sayeth the quire must be caste out, he signifieth figuratiuely that the Antichristian priestes shal be throwē out. For the place is set for the thing cōteined therin. And where he sayeth, caste out. This he sayeth, those whome God hath shut out, declare thou to be cast out. For God doeth excommunicate, man pronounceth & executeth Gods iudgement. The latter lection is of this sort: & the quire (〈non-Latin alphabet〉) which ⟨p. 307⟩is with out, cast out. So hath the Spanish copie. And howe shal you caste out that which was with out before? Therfore I like, as I sayed, the former reading. But we reiect not this reading nother. For the hall that is with out, signifieth the Colledge or felowship not cōmunicating with thonly aultar Christ, or with the true church of Christ, such as al this boke sheweth the Popes to be with al their familie. Morouer the Phariseis & priestes caste out him yt was borne blynde,2 Iohn the .9. that is to saie, did excōmunicate him for the confession of Christ, and the lord sayeth in the .15. of Iohn: Yf any abyde not in me, he is caste out, as a braunche, and whithereth. Therfore whilest S. Iohn is commaunded here to caste out the Colledge of priestes, he is verely cōmaunded to declare. that those priestes were excōmunicated, which wold be and seme the chiefe prelates of Christes church. He is also forboden, to mete this quire.
