B11837:1444
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.
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:
yet are they wont to acknowledge her as Queen, and true Lady and giver of their kingdoms. And in the Sect. 105. The old monuments of all Popes are full of high authority,1 whereby they have with their Empires governed the whole world, having the rule and order of all lands, which power and authority that impudent praiser of the Romish See is not ashamed to call omnipotent or almighty.
yet are they wonte to acknowledge her as Quene, and trewe Lady and gyuer of their kingdomes. And in the Sect. 105. The old monumentes of all Popes are full of highe authoritie,1 whereby they haue with their Empires gouerned the whole worlde, hauing the rule and order of al landes, which power and authoritie that impudente praiser of the Romishe See is not asshamed to call omnipotent or almightie.
And doubtless we see at this day, great Ambassades sent to Rome by the western kings newly elected & crowned, to the intent to kiss the Popes feet or too of Antichrist, and to offer dew obedience, as they call it. Therefore did he call them before not kings absolutely, but as kings. For they acknowledge a superior, and be even as it were servants or wards of the servant of servants. Of whom he hath made proper verses: The vulgar people brought from far end of the world, The servant of servants O Rome is now thy Lord.
And doubtles we see at this daye, great Ambassades sent to Rome by the westerne kinges newely elected & crowned, to the intent to kisse the Popes fete or too of Antichrist, and to offer dewe obedience, as they cal it. Therefore did he calle them before not kinges absolutely, but as kinges. For they acknowledge a superiour, and be euen as it were seruauntes or wardes of the seruaunt of seruauntes. Of whome he hath made proper verses: The vulgare people brought from farre ende of the worlde, The seruaunt of seruauntes O Rome is now thy Lorde.
Hereunto the Apostle addeth a thing yet more grievous.1 These Kings, I mean the confederates of the Pope, and obedient children of the Church of Rome, endued with the spirit of the beast, shall fight with the Lamb. Whereby is signified the tyranny, which kings, and princes, and certain other states of the Roman Empire do practise, & long have practised against Christ & his gospel. Concerning the lamb we have already spoken enough before. John Baptist, pointing with his finger to Christ, sayeth: behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world. Therefore shall the Romish princes fight, not against Christ himself, for they will be christians, but against the Lamb, that is, the sanctification, justification and satisfaction of Christ. For if any man say at this day, that the son of God is most holy, by whom alone sins are forgiven, and we are sanctified: and say not also, that the Bishop of Rome is most holy also, which purgeth by pardons granted, but shall say rather, that pardons are plain deceitfulness, and the Pope most unclean of all: he shall doubtless neither be taken for right catholic, neither shall he be spared for confessing the lamb ⟨p. 522⟩of God. If any man shall confess that justification is only in the son of God alone, and that men are justified by faith only, and not also by our works and merits, he shall be carried to death or to prison, neither shall the confession of the lamb of God prevail him any thing. If any man shall say, that he is fully purged through the only oblation of Christ on the cross, as of a lamb without spot, and sacrificed from the beginning, neither that he needeth any popish Masses, whereby the shavelings boast that they make a daily offering for the sins of the quick and dead, which in deed is both false, and blasphemous, he is straight ways hurried to prison, and from thence drawn to the stake and burnt. We can not deny but that this is true, seeing there be at this day innumerable examples of Romish kings and princes in this behalf. We shall not need therefore to fetch our exposition far of, how these kings, which wholly depend of the Pope shall fight with the lamb. I speak here nothing of others, which cleave whole unto Christ.
Hereunto the Apostle addeth a thing yet more greuouse.1 These Kinges, I meane the confederates of the Pope, and obedient children of the Church of Rome, indewed with the spirite of the beaste, shall fight with the Lambe. Whereby is signified the tiranny, which kinges, and princes, and certen other states of the Romane Empire do practise, & long haue practised agaynst Christ & his gospel. Concerning the lambe we haue already spokē enough before. Iohn Baptist, poinctyng with his fingar to Christ, sayeth: beholde the lambe of God, which taketh awaye the sinnes of the world. Therfore shal the Romish princes fight, not agaynste Christ himselfe, for they will be christians, but agaynst the Lambe, that is, the sanctification, iustification and satisfaction of Christ. For yf any man saye at this daye, that the sonne of God is most holy, by whome alone sinnes are forgeuen, and we are sanctified: and saye not also, that the Bisshop of Rome is moste holy also, whiche purgeth by pardons graunted, but shall saye rather, that perdons are playne disceiptfulnes, and the Pope most vncleane of all: he shal doubtles nother be takē for right catholicke, nother shal he be spared for confessyng the lambe
And therefore for a comfort is consequently annexed, and the Lamb shall over come them.1 For albeit that Popish kings and Princes seem to overcome the Saints, whom they burn, murder, and destroy, yet Christ liveth for ever, the redemption of Christ flourisheth. As most godly that good poet hath song: Christ liveth yet, and shall do still, His truth eke shall remain, Whilst all that doeth this world fulfil. Shall perish and be vain.
And therefore for a comforte is consequently annexed, and the Lambe shall ouer come them.1 For albeit that Popish kinges and Princes seme to ouercome the Sainctes, whom they burne, murther, and distroye, yet Christ liueth for euer, the redemption of Christe florissheth. As moste godly that good poete hath songe: Christ liueth yet, and shal do still, His trewth eke shall remayne, Whilst al that doeth this world fulfill. Shall perish and be vayne.
