B11837:1440
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.
This whore moreover drinketh to all nations of the cup of Circes, which the lord calleth of Gold.1 And it signifieth doctrine. For to give drink is to teach, Ezekiel .34. Gold betokeneth sincereness and pureness of doctrine. Doubtless under pretence of sincereness and verity divine, Rome hath easily persuaded all people, to receive the doctrine of the Romish Sea. For the Pope hath both named him self Apostolical, and the church of Rome also Apostolical. And in the Canons hath left written: right so are all the laws of the See Apostolic to be taken, as though they were confirmed by the godly mouth of S. Peter him self. Distinct. 19. ⟨p. 512⟩Read the .20.21.22. Distinct. Therefore the more simple sort of the world have supposed, that they receive the very word and laws of God, what time they received the decrees and doctrine of the church of Rome. But our lord Jesus Christ doeth here declare unto us, what hath ben, and what is even at this day their doctrine, and sayeth: full of abominations, and uncleanness of her filthy lust. And the scripture calleth abomination, Idolatry, Deuter. 7. chapt. Moreover the false worshipping of God, superstition, and such other things like. The uncleanness of whoredom in the Prophets is nothing else, but perverse doctrine, and perverse religion, not attributing all good things to God alone by his son, but rather dividing the heart, and applying them both unto creatures, & to wicked worshippings. But such is the doctrine and religion of the Romish See. Therefore is her great sin here recited, that she hath with her evil and venomous doctrine seduced and infected all nations, and even now also retaineth them in superstition and Idolatry. A like place is in the .16. chapt. of Ezekiel. And I suppose that our lord Jesus Christ used here now words very filthy, to the intent he might pluck away from the Romish decrees and Canons their authority and viserne, & that their filthiness might appear unto all men, and be known, and eschewed.
This whore moreouer drynketh to all nations of the cup of Circes, whiche the lorde calleth of Golde.1 And it signifieth doctrine. For to geue drinke is to teache, Ezechiel .34. Golde betokeneth sincerenes and purenes of doctrine. Doubtles vnder pretence of sincerenes and veritie diuine, Rome hath easely perswaded all people, to receyue the doctrine of the Romish Sea. For the Pope hath both named him self Apostolicall, and the church of Rome also Apostolical. And in the Canones hath lefte wrytten: right so are all the lawes of the See Apostolicke to be taken, as though they were confirmed by the godly mouth of S. Peter him selfe. Distinct. 19. ⟨p. 512⟩Reade the .20.21.22. Distinct. Therefore the more simple sorte of the world haue supposed, that they receiue the very worde and lawes of God, what time they receyued the decrees and doctrine of the church of Rome. But our lorde Iesus Christ doeth here declare vnto vs, what hath ben, and what is euen at this daye their doctrine, and sayeth: ful of abominations, and vncleanes of her filthie luste. And the scripture calleth abomination, Idolatrie, Deuter. 7. chapt. Moreouer the false worshippyng of God, superstition, and suche other thinges like. The vncleanes of whoredome in the Prophetes is nothing els, but peruerse doctrine, and peruerse religion, not attributing al good things to God alone by his sonne, but rather diuiding the harte, and appliyng them bothe vnto creatures, & to wicked worshippynges. But suche is the doctrine and religion of the Romish See. Therefore is her great sinne here recited, that she hath with her euill and venemouse doctrine seduced and infected al nations, and euen nowe also reteyneth them in superstition and Idolatrie. A lyke place is in the .16. chapt. of Ezechiel. And I suppose that our lorde Iesus Christ vsed here now wordes very filthy, to the intent he might plucke awaye from the Romish decrees and Canons their authoritie and viserne, & that their filthines mighte appere vnto al men, and be knowen, and eschewed.
Furthermore leest any should be ignorant, what the same woman were,1 which is here set forth to be seen, and that all might flee that great witch Circes, he writeth her own name in her very forehead, that all men might read it, and that she might by no means be unknown. For he calleth a mystery the understanding or signification of a secret, for by a trope is Rome called Babylon. Whereof I have spoken before. And after the true signification of the word Babel soundeth confusion. And Rome hath brought an exceeding great confusion into the church. For like as the primitive church of Rome set forth the gospel in the west country: so the first simplicity and pureness ones extinguished, the later Bishops, regarding more ambition and covetousness, than humility, liberality, and godliness, have brought into the whole world all manner of Idolatry and superstition. Certainly she is called of the Lord expressly the mother of the ⟨p. 513⟩whoredoms and abominations of the earth. For we may thank the church of Rome, for all the corrupt doctrine and ungodliness that is in the church. She is the original of idols, Mass, and other abominations. Therefore is she most worthy, to be punished with most grievous torments. And this verily is the most worthy title of the Romish church. Others call her Apostolical, divine, chief, and of all most holy: The Lord Christ calleth her Babylon, and that great, a most common harlot, and even the mother of the abominations, and whoredoms of the whole world, fighting against God and his anointed. Therefore let all the holy and obedient children of God the father flee from her. I will not here make rehearsal, how she is also the mother of all abominations and whoredoms, even after the flesh. For whilst the church of Rome hath prohibited lawful marriages and of God permitted to ecclesiastical persons, it hath opened the gates to fornications, adulteries, whoredoms, & lusts abominable. There need no words, the thing it self speaketh.
Furthermore leeste any shoulde be ignoraunt, what the same woman were,1 whiche is here setforth to be sene, and that all might flee that greate witche Circes, he wryteth her owne name in her very forehead, that al men might reade it, and that she might by no meanes be vnknowen. For he calleth a misterie the vnderstandyng or signification of a secret, for by a trope is Rome called Babylon. Wherof I haue spoken before. And after the true signification of the worde Babel soundeth confusiō. And Rome hath brought an exceding greate confusion into the church. For like as the primatiue church of Rome set forth the gospell in the weste countrie: so the first simplicitie and purenes ones extinguished, the later Bisshoppes, regardyng more ambition and couetousenes, than humilitie, liberalitie, and godlines, haue brought into the whole world al maner of Idolatrie and superstition. Certenly she is called of the Lorde expressely the mother of the
Unto these he annexeth a crime of all other most grievous:1 drunkenness, tyranny, and parricide. And here also he useth an amplification. For he sayeth how that great Circes the most venomous witch and Sorcerer, is not sprinkled, or imbrued, or wet, but drunken with the blood of saints, I mean of holy martyrs, which have borne witness to Jesus Christ, by preaching of the gospel, and ascribing all things of salvation to Christ alone. But how many thousands, nay millions of Martyrs through the instigation & means of the Bishop and church of Rome, have ben executed with most extreme and horrible punishments, with in these six or five hundred years, histories make mention. What hath ben done, and what plenty of mans blood hath been shed even within these .30. years, which our memory doeth attain to, my heart grudgeth to recite. Great is this crime also, for the which Babylon is plagued of God by just and most grievous torments. And full aptly is here mention made of Martyrs, that is of the witnesses of Jesus. For they that confess the Evangelical doctrine of Christ, to be the true & absolute doctrine, that christ is the only head of the church, the only priest and Bishop, mediator and sacrifice: and shall ⟨p. 514⟩not join with all, in the mean time that the doctrine of the church of Rome is also most perfect, to be had in like reverence with the doctrine of the gospel, that the Pope is head of the church militant, and in earth the true vicar of Christ, and pastor general, and that the Saints in heaven pray for us, and that the mass is a true and real sacrifice for the sins of the quick and the dead: they are condemned for heretics and Schismatics, with sword and fire to be rooted out of the Earth.
Vnto these he annexeth a crime of al other most greuouse:1 dronkennes, tiranny, and parricidie. And here also he vseth an amplification. For he sayeth howe that greate Circes the moste venemouse witche and Sorcerer, is not sprinkled, or imbrewed, or wette, but dronkē with the bloud of saincts, I meane of holy martirs, which haue borne witnes to Iesu Christ, by preachyng of the gospell, and ascribyng al thinges of saluation to Christe alone. But howe many thousandes, naye millions of Martirs through the instigation & meanes of the Bishop and churche of Rome, haue ben executed with moste extreme and horrible punnisshmentes, with in these sixe or fiue hondreth yeres, histories make mention. What hath ben done, and what plentie of mans bloud hath benne shed euen within these .30. yeres, whiche our memory doeth attayne to, my harte grudgeth to recite. Great is this crime also, for the whiche Babilon is plagued of God by iuste and moste greuouse tourmentes. And ful aptely is here mention made of Martirs, that is of the witnesses of Iesu. For they that cōfesse the Euangelical doctrine of Christ, to be the true & absolute doctrine, that christ is the only head of the church, the only priest and Bisshop, mediatour and facrifice: and shal
And hitherto reacheth the mystery of the vision, by horrible sights set before our eyes, wherein is lively described both the old Roman Empire, and chiefly the Popery of Rome with their sins and crimes heinous and full of enormity. Hereafter shall follow an exposition of the vision, to the which at the last shall be annexed the punishment to be taken of Antichrist, and the whole Antichristian City. But in case ye shall apply all these things which are spoken of the woman to old Rome, I will not be against it. For there was also a religion at Rome, which consisted in gold and precious things. Old Rome had a cup of false wisdom, wherewith she made drunken and infected all nations. She was therefore the mother of abominations and whoredoms, as of whom the provinces learned superstitions, &c. Howbeit these things peculiarly, do concern the Pope. Notwithstanding that old Rome also was drunken with the blood of Saints, &c.
And hitherto reacheth the misterie of the vision, by horrible sightes set before our eyes, wherein is liuely described both the olde Romane Empire, and chiefly the Poperie of Rome with their sinnes and crimes heynouse and full of enormitie. Hereafter shall followe an exposition of the vision, to the whiche at the laste shall be annexed the punnishement to be taken of Antichriste, and the whole Antichristiane Citie. But in case ye shall applie all these thinges whiche are spoken of the woman to olde Rome, I will not be agaynst it. For there was also a religion at Rome, whiche consisted in golde and preciouse things. Olde Rome had a cuppe of false wisedome, wherewith she made dronken and infected al nations. She was therefore the mother of abominations and whoredomes, as of whome the prouinces learned superstitions, &c. Howebeit these thinges peculiarly, do concerne the Pope. Notwithstandyng that olde Rome also was dronken with the bloud of Sainctes, &c.
1S. John marvelleth exceedingly, when he saw the woman. For Daniel also marvelled till his heart almost failed him, when he saw that Romish beast, as appeareth in the .7. chapt. of Daniel. All godly in a manner marvel also at this day, when they see so great things granted or permitted of God to the church of Rome against the pure sincereness. For the prelates of the church are fortunate, victorious, puissant, and in savour with all princes: & bring to pass what so ever they imagine or list. Happy is he that is not in them offended. Read the .73. Psalm. Howe good is God to Israel, to them that be right in heart,2 &c.
1S. Iohn maruaileth excedingly, when he saw the womā. For Daniel also maruailed till his harte almoste failed him, when he sawe that Romish beast, as appereth in the .7. chapt. of Daniel. All godly in a maner maruayle also at this daye, when they see so great things graūted or permitted of God to the church of Rome agaynst the pure sincerenes. For the prelates of the church are fortunate, victoriouse, puissaunt, and in sauour with al princes: & bryng to passe what so euer they imagine or liste. Happy is he that is not in them offended. Reade the .73. Psalme. Howe good is God to Israell, to them that be right in harte,2 &c.
The Angel, as chief minister, uttereth the mystery to S. John and the whole Church: that is to say, openeth ⟨p. 515⟩the secrete and true meaning of the vision by parts most diligently. And he speaketh in deed of the whole body of the beast, notwithstanding that the beast hath certain things peculiar, and likewise the whore: yet the Angel himself, sayeth: I will show thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that beareth her. Nevertheless this same is also a dark speaking, where in the beginning of the exposition he sayeth: the beast which thou sawest, was, and is not. The Roman Empire was yet whilst Domitian ruled: but it was no more such, as it had ben before. For from the first Monarch Julius, it was as it were by inheritance in the house of Caesars, until Nero. For in him the beast received a deadly wound: but it was healed, and diverse Emperors reigned not of any one family. The Empire therefore had ben in the power of one house before, but after Nero it was not so. Again the Romans possessed the Empire after Nero. From Nerva, which is the .7. after Nero, the Empire was devolved to Trajan, under whom it was puissant and strong. Therefore it was and it was not. Whereof S. John himself will speak a little after. Moreover the Stories testify, that the Empire of Rome was extinguished, and in his place sprang up an other, which is also called the Roman Empire: whereof you may say most truly it was, and is not. For that old Roman Empire, was the most ample and noblest Empire in the world: but this new, now erected of the Pope, is none such, but rather an Image of the beast (as I said in the .13. chapt.) a shadow and a dream. Therefore we doubt nothing but that in this vision is exhibited to us a type, both of the old and new Empire, but chiefly of Popery.
The Aungell, as chiefe minister, vttereth the misterie to S. Iohn and the whole Churche: that is to saye, openeth ⟨p. 515⟩the secrete and true meanynge of the vision by partes moste dilligently. And he speaketh in dede of the whole bodie of the beaste, notwithstanding that the beaste hath certen thinges peculier, and likewise the whore: yet the Angel himselfe, sayeth: I will shewe thee the misterie of the woman, and of the beast that beareth her. Neuerthelesse this same is also a darke speaking, where in the beginning of the exposition he saieth: the beast which thou saweste, was, and is not. The Romane Empire was yet whylest Domitian ruled: but it was no more such, as it had ben before. For from the first Monarch Iulius, it was as it were by inheritaūce in the house of Caesars, vntill Nero. For in him the beaste receaued a deadlie wounde: but it was healed, and dyuerse Emperours reigned not of any one familie. The Empire therefore had ben in the power of one house before, but after Nero it was not so. Agayne the Romanes possessed the Empyre after Nero. From Nerua, which is the .7. after Nero, the Empire was deuolted to Traiane, vnder whome it was puissaunt and strong. Therfore it was and it was not. Whereof S. Ihon himselfe will speake a litle after. Moreouer the Stories testifie, that the Empyre of Rome was extinguisshed, and in his place sprang vp an other, which is also called the Romane Empire: whereof you may say moste truelie it was, and is not. For that oulde Romane Empire, was the most ample and noblest Empire in the world: but this newe, nowe erected of the Pope, is none such, but rather an Image of the beaste (as I sayed in the .13. chapt.) a shadowe and a dreame. Therfore we doubt nothing but that in this vision is exhibited to vs a type, both of the oulde and newe Empire, but chieflye of Poperie.
And now he showeth none other original of the beast,1 but hellish and devilish. For he sayeth, how he shall come up out of the bottomless pit. Whereof is spoken before. All Empires verily, as witnesseth Daniel in the .2. chapter, be of God. But in case the governors be corrupted, the beginning or original is referred to the Devil, not of the Empire in deed, but of the corruption. Here is added moreover, what end that unhappy Empire is like to have at the last: and goeth into perdition. For it is cut up by the roots in earth, and addict in an other world to pain everlasting.
And nowe he sheweth none other originall of the beaste,1 but hellyshe and deuelysh. For he sayeth, howe he shall come vp oute of the bottomelesse pitte. Whereof is spoken before. All Empyres verely, as witnesseth Daniell in the .2. chapter, be of God. But in case the gouernours be corrupted, the begynnyng or original is referred to the Deuil, not of the Empyre in dede, but of the corruption. Here is added moreouer, what ende that vnhappy Empyre is lyke to haue at the last: and goeth into perdition. For it is cutte vp by the rootes in earth, and addicte in an other worlde to payne euerlasting.
1But like as he showed in the thirteen chapt. who should wonder at, that is, should honour and worship the beast: so here he repeateth the same, not the chosen children of God, but earthly men, and reprobates, whose names are not written in the book of life. Whereof we have spoken before. He annexeth an acclamation: and here (adverbially) is a mind, that hath wisdom. The Lord exciteth all the hearers to the diligent consideration of these things, leest being deceived we perish. They be fools that marvel at the beasts felicity, victories, pomps, majesty, riches, and pleasures, and submit themselves to him. They be verily wise, that understand the Empire to be taken away, and now that under the shadow of an Empire, lurketh Antichrist the Child of perdition, and man of sin, to be eschewed of all the godly. For these are converted to Christ. In whom they know that they have all things of life and salvation, and to live in him. To him be praise and glory.
1But lyke as he shewed in the thirtene chapt. who shoulde wonder at, that is, should honour and worshippe the beaste: so here he repeteth the same, not the chosen children of God, but earthly men, and reprobates, whose names are not written in the booke of lyfe. Whereof we haue spoken before. He annexeth an acclamation: and here (aduerbiallie) is a mynd, that hath wisedome. The Lorde exciteth all the hearers to the dilligent consideration of these things, leeste being disceaued we perish. They be fooles that maruel at the beastes felicitie, victories, pōpes, maiestie, riches, and pleasures, and submit thēselues to him. They be verely wyse, that vnderstand the Empyre to be taken awaye, and nowe that vnder the shaddowe of an Empyre, lurketh Antichriste the Chylde of perdition, and man of sinne, to be eschewed of al the godlie. For these are conuerted to Christe. In whome they knowe that they haue all things of lyfe and saluation, and to liue in him. To him be prayse and glory.
THE seven heads, are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth: they are also seven Kings. Five are fallen, and one is, & the other is not come. When he cometh he must continue a space. And the beast that was, and is not, is even the eight, and is one of the seven, and shall go into destruction. And the .x. horns which thou sawest, are .x. kings, which have not yet received the Kingdom, but shall receive power as kings at one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength to the beast. These shall fight with the lamb, & the lamb ⟨p. 517⟩shall overcome them. For he is Lord of all Lords, and King of all Kings: and they that are on his side, are called chosen, and faithful.
THE seuen heads, are seuen mountaynes, on which the woman sitteth: they are also seuen Kinges. Fyue are fallen, and one is, & the other is not come. Whē he cometh he must continue a space. And the beaste that was, and is not, is euen the eight, and is one of the seuen, and shal go into destructiō. And the .x. hornes which thou sawest, ar .x. kings, which haue not yet receyued the Kyngdome, but shal receiue power as kings at one houre with the beaste. These haue one mynde, and shal geue their power and strength to ye beast. These shal fight with the lambe, & the lambe ⟨p. 517⟩shall ouercome them. For he is Lorde of all Lords, and King of al Kings: and they that are on his side, ar called chosen, and faithful.
The Angel expounder of mysteries, proceedeth to declare to saint John the mystery of the beast exhibited, and of her judgement, & that by parts. And at this present uttereth three things: what is signified by seven heads: Why he said of the beast, he was and is not: and what the ten horns do betoken.
The Angell expounder of misteries, procedeth to declare to sainct Ihon the misterie of the beaste exhibited, and of her iudgement, & that by partes. And at this present vttereth thre thinges: what is signified by seuen heades: Whie he sayed of the beaste, he was and is not: and what the ten hornes do betoken.
He expoundeth seven heads two ways, first by seven mountains, upon which the woman sitteth,1 whom in the end of the chapter he calleth the great City: to wit great Rome, which all surname Septicolle, as standing upon seven mountains. Moreover the beast hath seven heads, because be had many times seven Kings. Whereof I spake also in the 13. chapt. At this present he reckoneth so the seven Kings, that there is no doubt, but that it is Rome whereof he speaketh. Which I suppose be the Lords chief intent in these matters. For he could not speak more expressly, unless he should have expressed the name of Rome also: but the name of Babylon we heard expressed before. Five, sayeth he, are fallen, to wit since the deadly wound was given, in the death of Nero, in the space of .14. pears. For immediately after Nero, began Galba to reign: who being slain, Otto reigned: which after he had killed himself, Vitellius succeedeth, which was also killed of the Flavianes. For after him, Flavius Vespasian was Emperor: after whom Titus, the best Prince of all. And these five fell with in .xiiii. years. He addeth, and one of those is, that is to wit, reigneth now, verily the sixth in order, Domitian, the son of Vespasian, and brother to Titus a most ungracious man, which persecuted the faithful, and had condemned S. John into exile. An other, sayeth S. John, is not yet come: namely Cocceius Nerva. For after he came to the Empire, and lived most virtuously, and most righteously ordered the Empire, he tarried not long. For when he had reigned one year, three months, and nine days, he died. And thus much hitherto of the seven Kings, and of the seven heads of the beast. These things so certain appertain, ⟨p. 518⟩not so much to the exposition of this place, as to the consolation of the faithful: which here may clearly perceive how Empires consist in the hand and providence of God almighty, which knoweth his, and hath a care of the godly, although they may seem, by reason of their grievous persecutions, and cruel torments, to be of God neglected.
He expoūdeth seuē heads two wayes, first by seuen mountaynes, vpon which the woman sitteth,1 whom in the ende of the chapter he calleth the great Citie: to witte great Rome, which all surname Septicolle, as standing vpon seuen mountaynes. Moreouer the beaste hath seuen heades, because be had many times seuen Kinges. Whereof I spake also in the 13. chapt. At this present he rekeneth so the seuen Kinges, that there is no doubte, but that it is Rome whereof he speaketh. Which I suppose be the Lordes chief intent in these matters. For he coulde not speake more expresselie, vnlesse he should haue expressed the name of Rome also: but the name of Babilon we hearde expressed before. Fyue, sayeth he, are fallen, to witte syns the deadlie wounde was geuen, in the death of Nero, in the space of .14. peares. For immediatlie after Nero, beganne Galba to reygne: who beyng slayne, Otto reigned: which after he had kylled himselfe, Vitellius succedeth, which was also kylled of the Flauianes. For after him, Flauius Vespasiane was Emperour: after whome Titus, the beste Prince of all. And these fyue fell with in .xiiii. yeares. He addeth, and one of those is, that is to witte, reigneth nowe, verely the sixt in order, Domitiane, the son of Vespasiane, and brother to Titus a moste vngraciouse man, which persecuted the faithful, and had cōdemned S. Ihon into exile. An other, sayeth S. Ihon, is not yet cōmen: namelie Cocceius Nerua. For after he came to the Empire, and lyued most vertuously, and most righteouslye ordered the Empire, he taried not long. For when he had reigned one yeare, thre monethes, and nine daies, he died. And thus moch hytherto of the seuen Kynges, and of the seuen heades of the beaste. These thinges so certayne appertaine,
1Consequently he expoundeth, wherefore he said of the beast he was, and is not: verily for the eight king of Romans, Ulpius Trajan. For he is the eight from the Empire wounded in Nero: Trajan was of the seven, that is to say, was adopted of Nerva the seventh Emperor. And hitherto the Roman Empire was governed, first in deed of Caesars, after of the noblest Citizens of Rome. But of this Trajan, which succeeded Nerva, the writers of Histories say, that he was the first stranger that ruled the Empire. For he was a Spaniard. The Empire therefore was or hath ben in the hands of the Romans, now it is so no more. For a Spaniard succeedeth, so that the Empire now seemeth, that it might be called Romish Spanish. And for as much as Trajan persecuted Christ and his members, he also went into perdition. And let no man think that this was the only and sole cause, wherefore S. John said, how for Trajan it was said: he was, and is not. For he hath pronounced expressly, and he is the eight: as though he should signify, that there be other causes also, for the which it was said, that the Roman Empire was, and now is not, whereof is spoken before.
1Consequently he expoundeth, wherfore he saied of the beast he was, and is not: verely for the eight king of Romanes, Vlpius Traiane. For he is the eight from the Empire wounded in Nero: Traiane was of the seuen, that is to say, was adopted of Nerua the seuenth Emperour. And hytherto the Romane Empire was gouerned, firste in dede of Caesars, after of the noblest Citizens of Rome. But of this Traiane, which succeded Nerua, the writers of Histories say, yt he was the first straūger that ruled the Empire. For he was a Spanyarde. The Empire therfore was or hath ben in the handes of the Romanes, nowe it is so nomore. For a Spanyard succedeth, so that the Empire nowe semeth, that it might be called Romish Spanish. And for as moch as Traiane persecuted Christ and his membres, he also went into perdition. And let no man thinke that this was the only and sole cawse, wherfore S. Ihon sayed, howe for Traiane it was sayed: he was, and is not. For he hath pronounced expressely, and he is the eight: as though he shoulde signifie, that there be other causes also, for the which it was saied, that the Romane Empire was, and nowe is not, whereof is spoken before.
1Hereafter followeth also the exposition of the ten horns. And the same horns are here recited, which are spoken of in the seventh of Daniel, and in the .13. of the Apocalypse. Neither is there any cause, why ye should superstitiously stick to the tenth number. For in the .14. of Num. the Lord sayeth, how he hath been now tempted ten times of the Israelites: for many times. Here is signified therefore, how the Roman Empire shall be dispersed into many Kingdoms. For whether you say kings, or kingdoms, the matter is all one. Doubtless the Roman Empire beginning to fall to decay, there sprang up kings in the East and West, which invaded the Roman Empire, Persians, Goths, Vandals, Lombards, and I wot not what others: at the last in Spain, ⟨p. 519⟩France, Hungary, I speak not of Africa and Asia, were found diverse kings, & the Roman monarchy ceased. Of these kings the Angel warneth us for diverse causes. These, sayeth he, have not yet received the kingdom. For whilst S. John wrote the Apocalypse, Domitian ruled, and the Roman Empire was yet mighty and strong, and so remained still certain ages. When therefore did they receive their kingdom? They receive, sayeth he, power as kings at one hour with the beast, namely the second. For these things can not be understand of the first and old Roman Empire. And Primasius, expounding this place, admonisheth,2 that an hour here is taken for a time present. Therefore at the same time, the beast, that new Empire groweth up and increaseth, and the kings receive might and power. For the decay of the old Empire, was the strength of kings, and of the new Popish Empire. And in deed the emperor Phocas commanded the church of Rome, and the Bishop thereof to be head of churches. Which gave a certain beginning to the Popes dominion, as also in the .13. chapter. I have recited: which he obtained at the length more fully under king Pippin, and other Princes of France and Germany, but Nauclerus speaking of the Empire of Phocas in the .21. Generation. The enemies, sayeth he, of the Roman Empire, by the slothfulness and cowardice of Emperors, made stronger, had taken away in the West country with the Islands Germany, France, Spain, Hungary, Slavonia, and a good part of Italy, and thereto a great part of Africa:
and in the East parts, Cacannus of Thracia, King of Huns invaded the Iberians, Armenians, Arabians, Dardanes, and the middle parts of Macedonia and Greece. And the Persians in a manner possessed all Assyria, the Saracens destroyed Egypt, fie for shame, our strength hath so failed us through riot, covetousness, and voluptuousness, that the Roman Empire stood than only in name. Hitherto he. The same things have we discoursed more at large in the 13. chapter of this work.1 And verily Daniel showeth how amongst those ten horns, one other little horn should grow up, which should strike of three, and take their place, and reign wantonly, cruelly, and wickedly. Wherefore ⟨p. 520⟩the Popes Empire, and those sundry kingdoms grew up in a manner about one and the same time.
and in the East partes, Cacannus of Thracia, King of Hunnes inuaded the Iberians, Armenians, Arabians, Dardanes, and the middle partes of Macedonie and Grece. And the Persians in a maner possessed all Assiria, the Sarracens destroyed Egipt, fye for shame, our strength hath so fayled vs through riot, couetousenes, and voluptuousenes, that the Romane Empire stode than only in name. Hitherto he. The same thinges haue we discoursed more at large in the 13. chapter of this worke.1 And verely Daniel sheweth howe emonges those ten hornes, one other little horne should grow vp, whiche shoulde strike of three, and take their place, and reigne wantonly, crwelly, and wickedly. Wherefore ⟨p. 520⟩the Popes Empire, and those sondry kingdomes grewe vp in a maner aboute one and the same time.
1He showeth moreover, what manner of kingdoms those shall be, and how they shall demean themselves towards that latter beast, namely toward the church of Rome: they, sayeth he, have all [Greek or Hebrew], one opinion: they believe all one thing, & be of the same religion. He speaketh chiefly of the western kings. For they all receive the decrees of the Bishop of Rome, and honour them, as most obedient children of the most sacred & holy church of Rome. They shall deliver to the beast [Greek or Hebrew], their power, [Greek or Hebrew] their authority, or kingdom. For they submit themselves to the See of Rome. If the church of Rome have need of an Army or force of arms, the kings send their power gladly to him: which the most noble kingdom of Bohemia felt about an hundred years sins, though it were to no great commodity, and beautiful triumphs of the invaders. Yea moreover they acknowledge themselves to owe homage and fealty to the most holy and supreme Bishop in all the world. Hereunto chiefly appertaineth that which Augustin. Stewchus in his book against Laurence valla, concerning the donation of Constantine, in the .94. Section, hath written on this wise: Gregory the .7. unto Geusa king of Hungary: we suppose it is not unknown to thee, sayeth he, that the kingdom of Hungary, like as other most noble realms also, ought to be in the state of his own liberty, neither that it ought to be subject to any king of an other realm, save to the holy and universal mother church of Rome, which hath her subjects, not as servants, but as children. Hereunto addeth Steuchus: thou hearest with what government the church ruleth, that she may entertain her subjects, not as servants, but as children. She putteth not kings out of their possession, but permitteth them to reign as her sons: who reigning, she reigneth her self also. Nevertheless she will be known for Queen and Lady.2 Thou hearest how all the most noble realms be subject to the Apostolical See. Even there he showeth that the most noble kingdoms of Spain, France, England, Denmark, Russelande, Croatia, Dalmatia, Aragon, Sardinia, Portugal, Bohemia, Swevia, and Norway, be subject & tributaries to the church ⟨p. 521⟩of Rome. In the Section .97. He addeth moreover: although the kings reigned, and continued in possession:
