B11837:1086
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 the heathen were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead that they should be judged, & that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the Prophets and Saints, and to them that fear thy name, small and great: and shouldest destroy them which destroy the Earth. And the Temple of God was opened in Heaven. and there was seen in his temple the Arch of his Testament: & there followed lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, & earthquake, and a great hail.
ANd the heythen were angrie, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead that they shoulde be iudged, & that thou shouldest geue rewarde vnto thy seruauntes the Prophetes and Sainctes, and to them that feare thy name, smal and great: and shouldest distroye them which distroye the Earth. And the Temple of God was opened in Heauen. and there was sene in his tēple the Arche of his Testament: & there followed lightnings, and voices, and thonderinges, & earthquake, and a great hayle.
I showed you,1 how the Elders did so give thanks unto God for their salvation, that withal they extolled Gods righteousness, and excellent verity, which he showeth in his judgement most righteous, wherein he rewardeth the godly with just rewards, and plagueth the wicked with deserved punishments. And under this figure of speech they teach us, that both the judgement shall assuredly come, and that the same in all things shall be most holy and just. Would God they would diligently consider these things with themselves ⟨p. 342⟩which judge them to talk of trifles, that make mention of that horrible and most dreadful day of judgement. For we look for things more terrible, than any tongue be it never so eloquent is able to express.
I shewed you,1 howe the Elders did so geue thankes vnto God for their saluation, that withall they extolled Gods rightuousenes, and excellēt veritie, which he sheweth in his iudgement most rightuouse, wherein he rewardeth the godly with iust rewardes, and plageth the wicked with deserued punnishmentes. And vnder this figure of speache they teach vs, that both the iudgemēt shall assuredly come, and that the same in al thinges shalbe most holy and iuste. Would God they would dilligently consider these thinges with thēselues ⟨p. 342⟩which iudge them to talke of tryfles, that make mention of that horryble and most dreadfull day of iudgement. For we loke for thinges more terrible, than any toung beit neuer so eloquent is able to expresse.
1He rehearseth the wrath or tyranny of infidels, against the faithful cruelly and continually executed, and so verily, that God seemed to many to be a block, and neither could nor would be angry. But the judgement ones made, the elders extol Gods verity, and say the wrath is come. Doubtless the holy Prophets of God have always threatened punishments, testifying that God is angry, both with the sinners and with sins: but where the wrath of god appeared not immediately, the Prophets appeared to fear men with vain terrors, and as it were, make them afraid of their shadows, but now, say the elders, the verity hath appeared, and the wrath of God is come. And the wrath of God, showeth it self in the just vengeance of God.
1He rehearseth the wrath or tyranny of infidelles, againste the faythfull cruelly and continually executed, and so verely, that God semed to many to be a blocke, and nother coulde nor wolde be angrie. But the iudgement ones made, the elders extoll Gods veritie, and say the wrath is come. Doubtles the holy Prophetes of God haue alwayes threatned punishmentes, testifieng that God is angrie, both with the sinners and with sinnes: but where the wrath of god appeared not immediately, the Prophets appeared to feare men with vayne terrours, and as it were, make them affrayde of their shadowes, but now, say the elders, the veritie hath appeared, and the wrath of God is come. And the wrath of God, sheweth it selfe in the iuste vengeaunce of God.
1Moreover they extol in that also the verity and justice of God, for that the time of the dead is come, that they be judged. Hitherto whilst the world flourished, they seemed to tell fables, and grandam's tales, which spake of the resurrection of the dead, and the life to come. For the resurrection of the dead was contemned of Philosophers, and men of this world. But the elders rejoice also, that the same time is come, and that the dead are revived, that is, that the bodies of the dead are risen again, and come to judgement. Whereof the Apostle speaking: we must all saith he, appear openly before the judgement seat of God, that every one may receive such things as are done by the body according as it hath done, whether it be good or evil .2. Corrinthi. the .5. chapter.
1Moreouer they extoll in that also the veritie and iustice of God, for that the tyme of the dead is commen, that they be iudged. Hitherto whylest the worlde florished, they semed to tel fables, and grandames tales, which spake of the resurrection of the dead, and the lyfe to come. For the resurrection of the dead was contemned of Philosophers, and men of this worlde. But the elders reioyce also, that the same tyme is come, and that the dead are reuiued, that is, that the bodies of the dead are rysen agayne, and cummen to iudgement. Whereof the Apostle speakynge: we muste all sayth he, appeare openly before the iudgement seate of God, that euery one may receiue such things as are done by the body according as it hath done, whether it be good or euyll .2. Corrinthi. the .5. chapter.
1Furthermore they most highly commend Gods justice and verity, when also they declare exactly, how God by his just judgement, rendereth to every one that is his. He declareth therefore what he rewardeth, & whom he rewardeth. First he payeth wages or hire. For reward is promised of God unto good works. For in the .13. of Jeremiah the Lord saith: refrain thy voice from weeping, for there is a reward for thy work. And the Lord saith also in the gospel, be glad ⟨p. 343⟩& rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven. And again: the son of man shall come in the glory of his father with his Angels, and than shall he render to every one after his doings. So the Apostle said, that every one must rise in his own body, that every one may receive such things as are done by the body, whether it be good or evil. Whilst this world florisheth, and the wicked rejoice in their voluptuousness, and the godly are afflicted, and afflict themselves with continual mortifying, the flesh judgeth, that these lose both labour and cost: but the other to be very happy. Which thing is also declared in the third & fourth chapt. of Malachi. But at the last judgement it shall finally appear, that the godly have not laboured in vain, neither that the wicked have contemned God unpunished, and despised godliness. For God rewardeth every one, after the quality of his work: the which he calleth wages. Nevertheless, the godly abuse not in the mean time this saying, acknowledging it, to be of free mercy, that they have believed, and wrought with good faith: & that good work of theirs therefore, to be accepted of God, because they be in Christ. Whereof I have written in the .3. book the .10. chapt. Of the grace of God justifying, showing that of reward, desert cannot be proved.
1Furthermore they moste highly commend Gods iustice and veritie, when also they declare exactely, howe God by his iust iudgement, rendresh to euery one that is his. He declareth therfore what he rewardeth, & whome he rewardeth. First he payeth wages or hyre. For rewarde is promysed of God vnto good workes. For in the .13. of Ieremy the Lorde saith: refrayne thy voice from weping, for there is a reward for thy worke. And the Lorde sayth also in the gospel, be glad ⟨p. 343⟩& reioice, for your reward is great in heauē. And agayne: the sonne of manne shal come in the glory of his father with his Angelles, and than shall he render to euery one after his doinges. So the Apostle sayed, that euery one muste ryse in his owne body, that euery one may receiue such thinges as are done by the body, whether it be good or euill. Whylest this world florisheth, and the wicked reioice in their voluptuousnes, and the godly are afflicted, and afflicte themselues with continuall mortifieng, the flessh iudgeth, that these lose both labour and cost: but ye other to be very happie. Which thing is also declared in the third & fourth chapt. of Malachie. But at the laste iudgement it shall finally appeare, that the godly haue not laboured in vaine, nother that the wicked haue contemned God vnpunished, and dispysed godlines. For God rewardeth euery one, after ye qualitie of his worke: the which he calleth wages. Neuerthelesse, the godly abuse not in the meane time this sayeng, acknowledgeing it, to be of fre mercie, that they haue beleued, and wroughte with good fayth: & that good worke of theirs therfore, to be accepted of God, because they be in Christ. Whereof I haue written in the .3. boke the .10. chapt. Of the grace of God iustifieng, shewing that of reward, desert cannot be proued.
Secondly they declare, to whom he giveth reward,1 I say to two sorts of men: to good I mean, & evil. Again he recounteth many kinds of good men. First he calleth these the servants of god, as they that be subject to the empire of god alone, and obey him in all things. By and by he nameth them prophets, teachers of churches. Of whose state moe things are spoken in the .11. chap. These some to be more unfortunate than any others in this world, and are accounted of many as great offenders, which being taken out of that way, all clearness should seem to come again. Therefore be they justly recounted in the register of them, which receive a reward of the lord, to wit in recompense of their travel. Now into this account come also the saints. that is to say, all godly which being sanctified through faith with the spirit & blood of god, have lived an holy life, keeping themselves from all worldly pollution. Moreover in the godly reward & number of holy saints are reckoned such as fear the name of the lord: that is, they that be very holy ⟨p. 344⟩and religious in deed. Finally leest any man should think any of the faithful excluded, he addeth, to small and great: that is to say, unto men of all ages, state, and sex, &c.
Secondly thei declare, to whome he geueth reward,1 I say to two sortes of men: to good I mean, & euil. Againe he raccompteth many kyndes of good men. First he calleth these the seruaūts of god, as thei that be subiecte to the empyre of god alone, and obey him in al things. By and by he nameth thē prophets, techers of churches. Of whose state mo things ar spoken in the .11. chap. These some to be more vnfortunate than any others in this world, and ar accompted of many as great offēders, which being taken out of yt way, all clearenes shuld seme to come againe. Therfore be thei iustlie raccompted in the rigister of them, which receiue a reward of ye lord, to wit in recōpence of their trauell. Now into this accompte come also ye saints. that is to sai, al godly which being sanctified through fayth wt the spirit & bloud of god, haue lyued an holy life, keping thēselues from al worldly pollutiō. Moreouer in ye godly reward & nōbre of holy saincts are reckened such as fear ye name of the lord: that is, thei that be very holy ⟨p. 344⟩
1After he cometh to the evil, and addeth: and shouldest destroy them that destroyed the earth. These things seem borrowed of the prophets, with whom is much mention of the destroyers of the earth, whom the lord should destroy at the length. And under the name of destroyers S. John understandeth first Tyrants, Kings, and Princes, that be persecutors of the church. Also men of war and soldiers, which by unjust wars destroy all things with sword and fire. Secondly he understandeth unjust judges, moreover oppressors of the poor, which afflict widows, and the fatherless: more over which in usury, theft, deceitfulness, extortion, and evil means are hurtful to all men, and by their unsatiable covetousness breed a dearth of all things. Finally, which by whoredom and adultery defile & break holy matrimony. Last heretics destroy the earth, & such as infect men with corrupt doctrine, that dwell upon the Earth: into the which number come also seditious persons and traitors, and other wicked men.
1After he cometh to the euill, and addeth: and shouldest distroy them that distroyed the earth. These thinges seme borrowed of the prophetes, with whom is much mention of the distroyers of the earth, whom the lord should distroye at the length. And vnder the name of distroyers S. Iohn vnderstandeth first Tirauntes, Kinges, and Princes, that be persecutours of the church. Also menne of warre and souldiours, whiche by vniuste warres distroye all thinges with sworde and fire. Secondely he vnderstandeth vniuste iudges, moreouer oppressours of the poore, which afflicte widowes, and the fatherles: more ouer whiche in vsurie, thefte, disceiptefulnes, extorsion, and euill meanes are hurteful to all men, and by their vnsatiable couetousenes brede a darth of al thinges. Finally, which by whoredome and aduoutrie defile & breake holy matrimony. Laste heretikes distroye the earth, & suche as infecte men with corrupte doctrine, that dwell vpon the Earth: into the which numbre come also seditiouse persons and traitours, and other wicked men.
1These shall the Lord destroy with everlasting perdition, whereby they cease not to be, that perish: but become much more miserable, whilst they are vexed with torments that never shall have end. Unthrifts and prodigal persons are said to be lost, yet in perishing thus they cease not to be: but proceed daily to be more miserable, which is perdition it self.
1These shall the Lord distroye with euerlastyng perdition, wherby they cease not to be, that perish: but become muche more miserable, whilest they are vexed with tourmētes that neuer shall haue ende. Vnthriftes and prodigall persons are sayed to be loste, yet in perisshyng thus they cease not to be: but procede dayly to be more miserable, which is perdition it selfe.
1Furthermore S. John doubteth this doctrine of the re•arde of the godly: & that which before he treated under the form of a thankful praise and a joyous triumphing, he propoundeth now consequently the same as it were to be seen with the eyes by a vision celestial. And gallantly he endeth this vision with the opening of the Temple, which he began with the opening of Heaven. For the loving lord openeth to his servants heaven it self to be seen of the eyes of our mind, to the end we should no where doubt of the glory prepared for us in Heaven: neither should say, who hath seen those celestial things that are promised us? For like as the ⟨p. 345⟩blessed fathers, the Prophets and Apostles have had very many visions of this sort, effectual, true, and godly: So may every one of us with the eyes of our mind through true faith look into Heaven it self. I know well that the worldly men pass nothing upon such visions, as of whom the Lord in the Gospel hath said: the world can not receive the spirit of trueth, for that he seeth him not, neither knoweth him. Let not us care for their contempt.
1Furthermore S. Iohn doubteth this doctrine of the re•arde of the godly: & that whiche before he treated vnder the fourme of a thankeful prayse and a ioyouse triumphyng, he propoundeth now consequētly the same as it were to be sene with the eyes by a vision celestiall. And gallauntly he endeth this vision with the opening of the Temple, which he began with the opening of Heauen. For the louing lorde openeth to his seruauntes heauen it selfe to be sene of the eyes of our minde, to the ende we should no where doubte of the glory prepared for vs in Heauen: nother should saie, who hath sene those celestiall thinges that are promised vs? For like as the ⟨p. 345⟩blessed fathers, the Prophetes and Apostles haue had very many visions of this sorte, effectuall, trewe, and godly: So maye euery one of vs with the eyes of our minde through trewe fayth loke into Heauen it selfe. I knowe well that the worldely men passe nothing vpon such visions, as of whom the Lord in the Gospell hath sayed: the world can not receiue ye spirite of trueth, for that he seeth him not, nother knoweth him. Let not vs care for their contempt.
Let us see therefore,1 what is prepared for the servants of God in an other world. First S. John saw heaven open: now, in heaven it self he seeth also the very temple of god, open to wit to all the godly. By the Temple of God, he understandeth the secretes of God, the inward & privy parts of Heaven, whereinto he will receive to the fruition of him self all believers. But in that divine temple of heaven was seen the Arch of his Testament.2 For God made a covenant or league with the faithful, that he would be their God, their fullness, and a most plentiful Sea of all goodness, a most abundant, and most sufficient plenty of all things. The confirmation, testimony, and declaration whereof is the Ark of covenant, the very son of God, in whom dwelleth all fullness of deity, and in whom we be made perfect. For he is the Ark, in whom are laid up all celestial treasures, full of grace and verity. This Ark of good things, and of eternal felicity, appeareth in heaven. For the son of God is in the throne of God. The liberal and bountiful father celestial will pour out this Ark upon his children, granting to them through Christ his only son all heavenly gifts, that we might be partakers of all Christs benefits, even to the deity, wherein he excelleth his brethren. Hereby it appeareth, how Moses prepared the Ark, after the example of the same which he saw in Heaven: and the figure whereof was the Ark of the covenant, &c. Otherwise we shall hear in the .21. chapt. of this book, that there is no temple in heaven, &c.
Let vs see therfore,1 what is prepared for the seruauntes of God in an other worlde. Firste S. Iohn sawe heauen open: now, in heauen it self he seeth also the very temple of god, open to witte to all the godly. By the Temple of God, he vnderstandeth the secretes of God, the inwarde & priuie partes of Heauen, whereinto he will receyue to the fruition of him selfe al beleuers. But in that diuine temple of heauē was sene the Arche of his Testamente.2 For God made a conuenaunte or leage with the faythful, that he would be theyr God, their fulnes, and a most plētiful Sea of al goodnes, a most aboundaunt, and moste sufficient plentie of all thinges. The confirmation, testimony, and declaration wherof is the Arke of cō uenaunte, the very sonne of God, in whome dwelleth all fulnes of deitie, and in whom we be made perfit. For he is the Arke, in whom are layde vp al celestial treasours, ful of grace and veritie. This Arke of good thinges, and of eternal felicitie, appereth in heauē. For the sonne of God is in the throne of God. The liberall and bountiful father celestial wil powre out this Arke vpon his children, graunting to them through Christ his only sonne all heauenly giftes, that we mighte be partakers of al Christes benefites, euen to the deitie, wherin he excelleth his bretherne. Hereby it appereth, howe Moses prepared the Arke, after the example of the same whiche he sawe in Heauen: and the figure whereof was the Arke of the conuenaunt, &c. Otherwise we shal heare in the .21. chapt. of this boke, that there is no temple in heauen, &c.
These most beautiful things to be seen, and most pleasant to be heard, the son of God hath set forth to be seen and heard of us. Consequently he addeth, that punishments are prepared for the wicked: and expoundeth the same also diversely, and propoundeth the same to be seen. Hitherto ⟨p. 346⟩were made in the world lightnings,1 voices, and thunderings, &c. The holy ghost shining to the world, and drawing through the doctrine of the verity, moving, and fearing: but the mad world would not understand, no nor so much as hear the manner and way of salvation: therefore the divine justice requireth, that they should be talked with all in an other language, and therefore by the just judgement of God are made now lightnings, &c. And by this heap of words he signifieth, the horrible punishment, that God will take of the wicked. And he appeareth to have alluded to the burning of Sodom, also to the words of the godly Prophet, it shall reign upon sinners snares, of fire, brimstone, and spirit of tempest, in the .11. Psalm. Therefore is this vision concluded, as the story of S. Matthew's Gospel: and these shall go into everlasting punishment, and the just into life everlasting.
These moste beautiful thinges to be sene, and moste pleasaunt to be hearde, the sonne of God hath set forth to be sene and hearde of vs. Consequently he addeth, that punnishementes are prepared for the wicked: and expoūdeth the same also diuersely, and propoūdeth the same to be sene. Hitherto ⟨p. 346⟩were made in the worlde lighteninges,1 voices, and thonderinges, &c. The holy ghost shining to the world, and drawing through the doctrine of the veritie, mouing, and fearing: but the madde worlde would not vnderstande, no nor so muche as heare the maner and waye of saluatiō: therfore the diuine iustice requireth, that they should be talked with all in an other langage, and therefore by the iuste iudgemente of God are made now lightenings, &c. And by this heape of wordes he signifieth, the horrible punnishement, that God will take of the wicked. And he appereth to haue alluded to the burnyng of Sodome, also to the wordes of the godly Prophet, it shall raygne vpon sinners snares, of fyre, brimestone, and spirite of tempeste, in the .11. Psalm. Therefore is this vision concluded, as the story of S. Matthewes Gospell: and these shall goe into euerlastyng punnishement, and the iuste into life euerlastyng.
We have in these eight last chapters, the third part of this book, and an notable abridgement of the Ecclesiastical story, from the time of S. John unto the worlds end: wherewith we are instructed in the true faith, and are admonished of all perils and treasons, whereby the true faith is assailed, to the intent that being watchful we may beware of all corruption and crafty seducing, and may be made safe. To God be praise and glory.
We haue in these eight laste chapters, the thirde parte of this boke, and an notable abridgement of the Ecclesiasticall storie, frō the time of S. Iohn vnto the worldes ende: wherwith we are instructed in the trewe fayth, and are admonisshed of all perilles and traysons, whereby the trewe fayth is assailed, to the intent that beyng watcheful we maye beware of all corruption and craftie seducing, and may be made safe. To God be praise and glory.
