B11837:776
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.
To these moreover is added an other thing also,1 and power was given them, &c. For when men will not amend with simple Calamities, the evils or plagues of God are doubled. The same are recounted in the like order and number with the Prophets, Jeremiah the .15. Chapt. and Ezekiel in the .14. Chapter. For they be these, Sword, Famine, Death or Pestilence, and beasts: so are they recited in the Law also. With these as it were sent in from the iiii. parts of the world, God most righteous executeth his judgements.
To these moreouer is added an other thinge also,1 and power was geuen them, &c. For when menne will not amende with simple Calamities, the euilles or plagues of God are doubled. The same are raccompted in the lyke order and nombre with the Prophetes, Ieremie the .15. Chapt. and Ezechiel in the .14. Chapter. For they be these, Sworde, Famine, Death or Pestilence, and beastes: so are they recited in the Lawe also. With these as it were sent in from the iiii. partes of the world, God most rightuouse executeth his iudgementes.
And let us observe this chiefly, that power is given them of God to kill, and that over the fourth part of the Earth. For ⟨p. 192⟩we learn, that God alone is he that quickeneth, and slayeth, and that he worketh the same most justly by his instruments, finally that all his things are numbered and done in order. Whereupon he poureth out his fury upon the third part of the world. For he knoweth, whom he should punish, and whom he should nourish tenderly.
And let vs obserue this chiefly, that power is geuen thē of God to kil, and that ouer the fourth parte of the Earth. For ⟨p. 192⟩we learne, that God alone is he that quickeneth, and sleyeth, and that he worketh the same moste iustely by his instrumentes, finally that al his thinges are numbred and done in order. Wherupon he powreth out his furie vpon the thirde parte of the world. For he knoweth, whom he shuld punish, and whom he should nurrishe tenderly.
1Certainly stories testify, how in desperate matters, when all things are brought to an extremity of mischief, God hath brought in sword, pestilence, famine, & beasts, which have plagued men. And full aptly here doeth Aretas recite the words of his predecessor S. Andrew, Bishop of Caesarea out of the Eccles. story of Eusebius, in the .9. book .8. chapt. And verily with in the five hundred last years, Historiographers tell of many such like things, and we have seen some.
1Certenly stories testifie, how in desperate matters, when all thinges are brought to an extremitie of mischiefe, God hath brought in sworde, pestilence, famine, & beastes, which haue plaged men. And ful aptly here doeth Aretas recite the wordes of his predecessour S. Andrew, Bisshop of Cesaria out of the Eccles. story of Eusebius, in the .9. boke .8. chapt. And verely with in the fiue hōdreth last yeres, Historiographers tel of many suche like thinges, and we haue sene some.
Therefore if we covet to be quit of so great evils, let us serve God in trueth, and make much of his word, which he hath sent to heal us. And reason it is that such as reject sound doctrine, should be vexed with sundry diseases of soul and body, &c.
Therfore if we couet to be quitte of so great euilles, let vs serue God in trueth, annd make muche of his worde, which he hath sent to heale vs. And reason it is that such as reiecte soūde doctrine, should be vexed with sondry diseases of soule and body, &c.
1You will say, but these evils invade also the best that is. So they do in deed. Why God permitteth this S. Austen showeth at large in the first book of the city of God. Certainly to the godly all things turn to the best. The thieves suffered the same death of the cross, that Christ did, and he as they: but the consideration of them is far diverse. The apostles and innumerable Martyrs dye of the sword, likewise do soldiers in the wars, but with unlike lot. The Godly are made partakers of the passion of the son of God. The ungodly are punished for their wickedness, and their suffering is without glory: yea rather this is the beginning, unless they acknowledge him that striketh them, of everlasting torments, The Lord preserve us from evil.
1You wil saye, but these euilles inuade also the best that is. So they doe in dede. Whie God permitteth this S. Austen sheweth at large in the first boke of the citie of God. Certenly to the godly al thinges tourne to the best. The theues suffered the same death of the crosse, that Christ did, and he as they: but the consideration of them is farre diuerse. The apostles and innumerable Martirs dye of the sworde, likewise do soldiours in the warres, but with vnlike lot. The Godly are made pertakers of the passion of the sonne of God. The vngodly are punisshed for their wickednes, and their sufferyng is without glory: yea rather this is the begynning, vnlesse thei acknowledge him that striketh them, of euerlasting tourmentes, The Lorde preserue vs from euyll.
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the Altar, the souls of them that were killed for the word of God. And for the testimony which they had, and they cried with a loud voice saying: how long tarriest thou, lord, which art holy and true, to judge, and to avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? and long white Garments were given unto every one of them: and it was said unto them, that they should rest for a little season, until the number of their fellows and brethren, and of them which should be killed as they were, were fulfilled.
ANd when he had opened the fifth seale, I saw vnder the Aultar, the soules of them that were killed for the worde of God. And for the testimony whiche they had, and they cried with a lowde voice saiyng: howe long tariest thou, lorde, whiche arte holy and trewe, to iudge, and to auenge our bloud on them that dwel on the earth? and long white Garmentes were geuen vnto euery one of them: and it was sayed vnto them, that they should reste for a little season, vntil the nombre of their felowes and bretherne, and of thē which shuld be killed as they were, were fulfilled.
The fifth Seal being opened of the lamb, he exhibiteth to our eyes, or rather objecteth to be seen the continual persecutions of the church: and showeth unto us diligently, what is the state of them which die in persecutions. Verily the Lord Christ sendeth forth ministers and preachers for the salvation of men. And they unthankful, overwhelm with all kind of injuries the faithful messengers of God, and at length most cruelly slay them. Of the which matter sins the talk of men amongst themselves is diverse, the very son of God at this present doeth gallantly instruct his church, declaring what the godly shall suffer.
The fifte Seale beyng opened of the lambe, he exhibiteth to our eyes, or rather obiecteth to be sene the continuall persecutions of the churche: and sheweth vnto vs diligently, what is the state of them whiche die in persecutions. Verely the Lorde Christ sendeth forth ministers and preachers for the saluation of men. And they vnthankefull, ouerwhelme with al kinde of iniuries the faythefull messengers of God, and at length most cruelly slaye them. Of the whiche matter sins the talke of men emonges themselues is diuerse, the very sonne of God at this present doeth gallauntly instructe his church, declaryng what the godly shal suffer.
And first in expounding the same,1 we shall speak generally of the persecutions, wherewith aswell the ministers, as all the faithful church also, is diversely exercised. The lord Christ hath showed us before in the Gospel many things touching the persecutions to come verily that he might prepare the minds of all the faithful to battle and patience. The places be in the .10. and .24. of Matthew: In the .12. and .21. of Luke: in the .14.15. and .16. of John. And also the acts of the Apostles tell of many things, which the godly suffered in that most holy primitive Church, should he have ben thought to have ⟨p. 194⟩ben well in his wits, if any man than should have said: he• of it appeareth, that the apostolical church, is not the church, for that it is subject to all the mockeries, injuries and slaughters of all men? why than do we not acknowledge at this day, that they are foully deceived, which measure the church by the outward peace and tranquillity of things? Paulus Orosius in the .7. book of histories recounteth ten grievous persecutions, raised against the church from the time of the Apostles until the emperor Constantine: which time did not fully accomplish the space of .ccc. years. The first was stirred up by Nero, a monstrous man, whereof also Tacitus mentioneth in his Chronicles. This same rid out of the way Peter & Paul, the most holy? Apostles of Christ. The second destruction of the church brought in Domitian, which in the same his persecution most grievously afflicted both this our S. John, and the whole church also: and when he was brought to Rome, banished him into the Isle of Patmos. The third raised Trajan, whereof Pliny governor of Asia maketh mention in the 10. book of Epistles. In this was Ignatius an holy Bishop cast and devoured of wild beasts. And M. Antoninus verut molested the church with the fourth persecution, & consumed with fire Polycarpus a bishop most worthy. Septimus Severus moved the fifth persecution, which Eusebius pursueth in the .6. book of the Ecclesiastical story. Julius Maximinus killed Pamphilus martyr, and Sextus raged cruelly against the church. And Decius Traianus began the seventh persecution, and executed very many that professed Christ. And Licinius Valerian Emperor beheaded S. Cyprian the good Bishop of Carthage, and was the eight persecutor of the church, Aurelianus verius began the .ix.
And first in expounding the same,
persecution, which he but little advanced, for God most just toke him away immediately. But Diocletian and Maximian shed more christen blood, than any other of the Roman Emperors. Read I pray you the beginning of the .8. book of the Eccles. story of Eusebius. Compare those things with our time, and judge and conjecture what will shortly come to pass, and what our state will be. Persecutions are again renewed after Constantine, under Constantius and Julian. But the most terrible and grievous of all have boiled up under Antichrist, ⟨p. 195⟩and have endured now by the space of five hundred years and more. What is done at this day, all the world seeth. The ground is wit with the blood of Martyrs. Which things S. John foresaw.
persecution, whiche he but litle auaunced, for God most iuste toke him away immediately. But Diocletian and Maximian shed more christen bloud, thā any other of the Romane Emperours. Reade I praye you the beginning of the .8. boke of the Eccles. story of Eusebius. Compare those things with our time, and iudge and coniecture what will shortely come to passe, and what our state will be. Persecutions are agayne renewed after Constantine, vnder Constantius and Iulian. But the moste terrible and greuouse of all haue boyled vp vnder Antichrist, ⟨p. 195⟩and haue indured nowe by the space of fiue hondreth yeres and more. What is done at this daye, al the world seeth. The grounde is wete with the bloud of Martirs. Which things S. Iohn foresawe.
And the causes of persecution1 do arise partly of the government of Christ, which openeth here the fifth Seal: and partly of men. The Lord sendeth unto his the Cross and fire, to quicken such as are slow, and to make those clean that are covered with rust, and may fine the corrupt Gold. For so the Scripture defineth in the .11. chapt. of Daniel, and the Apostle .1. Peter. Chapter .4. Christ therefore not to destroy, but to try, permitteth very many things to Tyrants against the Church. The godly men also procure to themselves the heavy hand of the Lord, whilst in deed they believe rightly in the son of God, and depend only of him: but nevertheless are entangled with sundry and evil affections, and commit such acts as not becometh them. This may you see declared at large in the beginning of the eight book of the Ecclesiastical story of Eusebius, which I lately alleged. And the Tyrants that persecuted had an other respect: as Sennacherib and Antiochus, than our Bishops and Princes have at this day. For these now are moved with the hatred of Religion, and are pricked forward of Satan. They will have in any wise their Idolatrous religion maintained, and the religion of the Gospel utterly destroyed. They can not abide to have their Idols or other sins reproved: for this cause are they mad at the faithful and such as frankly speak against & blame there Idols and wickedness. And thus doeth the persecution arise, boil up and proceed.
And the causes of persecution1 do arrise partely of the gouernement of Christ, whiche openeth here the fifte Seale: and partely of menne. The Lord sendeth vnto his the Crosse and fire, to quicken suche as are slowe, and to make those cleane that are couered with ruste, and maye fine the corrupte Golde. For so the Scripture defineth in the .11. chapt. of Daniel, and the Apostle .1. Peter. Chapter .4. Christe therfore not to distroie, but to trie, permitteth very many things to Tirannes agaynst the Church. The godly men also procure to themselues the heauy hande of the Lorde, whilest in dede they beleue rightly in the sonne of God, and depende only of him: but neuerthelesse are intangled with sondry and euill affections, and committe suche actes as not becometh them. This maye you see declared at large in the beginnyng of the eight boke of the Ecclesiastical story of Eusebius, whiche I lately alledged. And the Tirannes that persecuted had an other respect: as Sinacherib and Antiochus, than our Bisshoppes and Princes haue at this daye. For these nowe are moued with the hatred of Religion, and are pricked forewarde of Sathan. They will haue in any wise their Idolatrouse religion mainteyned, and the religion of the Gospell vteerly distroyed. They can not abide to haue their Idolles or other sinnes reproued: for this cause are they mad at the faithfull and suche as frankely speake agaynst & blame ther Idolles and wickednes. And thus doeth the persecutiō arrise, boyle vp and procede.
The which when the faithful see increase thus,1 and feel themselves sore oppressed, they marvel, how long the lord will wink at this. Many cry out, the Lord neglecteth his matters. The Lord seemeth to deal unjustly with his servants he seemeth utterly to forget them. Neither is there any doubt but that many by murmuring offend the Lord grievously. Now therefore are we taught, that we might have hope and patience.
The whiche when the faithfull see increase thus,1 and fele themselues sore oppressed, they maruel, howe longe the lord wil winke at this. Many crie out, the Lorde neglecteth his matters. The Lorde semeth to deale vniustely with his seruauntes he semeth vtterly to forget them. Neither is there any doubte but that many by murmuryng offende the Lord greuously. Now therfore are we taught, that we might haue hope and patience.
And at this present Heaven is opened to us, and showed ⟨p. 196⟩us to behold,1 where as be the souls of them that are slain in persecutions, and what is their state is declared: moreover, that God forgetteth not to be revenged: why also he differreth the same and how long. These things are spoken to the consolation of all the faithful, that are now afflicted with persecution. Far other things are exhibited here unto us, than painters instructed or rather corrupted of with monks and Friars set forth to us: to wit a great company of Monks and Nuns covered in Heaven with our ladies coal, as though the greatest part of them should be saved. S. John showeth us never a Friar, but rather many martyrs, whom the Friars at this day make before other men. Hereof therefore, as of the doctrine of verity we shall learn, what state or degree is most plentiful in heaven, not that we should think no man but only Martyrs to be saved (for so many as truly believe in Christ, and crucify their flesh with the concupiscences of the same, shall be associated with holy Martyrs, and rejoice with Christ for ever) but that chiefly the holy Martyrs are saved, whom the mad world supposeth to be lost.
And at this present Heauen is opened to vs, and shewed ⟨p. 196⟩vs to beholde,1 where as be the soules of them that are slaine in persecutions, and what is their state is declared: morouer, that God forgetteth not to be reuenged: whie also he differreth the same and how long. These thinges are spoken to the consolation of al the faithful, that are now afflicted with persecutiō. Farre other thinges are exhibited here vnto vs, than painters instructed or rather corrupted of with monkes and Freres set forth to vs: to wit a great company of Monkes and Nunnes couered in Heauen with our ladies coule, as though the greatest parte of them should be saued. S. Iohn sheweth vs neuer a Frere, but rather many martirs, whom the Freres at this daye make before other men. Herof therfore, as of the doctrine of veritie we shal learne, what state or degree is most plentifull in heauē, not that we should thinke no man but only Martirs to be saued (for so many as truely beleue in Christe, and crucifie their fleshe with the concupiscences of the same, shal be associated with holy Martirs, and reioyse with Christ for euer) but that chiefly the holy Martirs are saued, whome the madde world supposeth to be lost.
1But all things here must be examined of us most diligently. For this place as it is most manifest, so is it full of most wholesome doctrines. First S. John seeth, and showeth us as it were pointing with his finger, the souls, & that of those that were slain, to wit the spiritual & immortal substances, which the body being lost and consumed do remain a live. The body may be killed, the soul can not be killed. Which our Saviour hath lively expressed in the .10. of Matth. In the 12. of Luke, he sayeth: be not afraid of them which slay the body, and after this have nothing that they can do more, &c. Therefore tyrants might well kill the bodies of Martyrs, they had no power over their souls. This place witnesseth manifestly, the souls of men not only to be immortal, but also living or watchful, not sleeping to remain & live in Heaven. For there be that think the souls departed from the body to sleep:2 which thing is most vain.
1But al thinges here must be examined of vs most diligētly. For this place as it is most manifeste, so is it ful of moste holesome doctrines. First S. Iohn seeth, and sheweth vs as it were poynting with his fingar, the soules, & that of those that were slaine, to wit the spiritual & immortal substaunces, which the body beyng lost and consumed do remaine a liue. The body may be killed, the soule can not be killed. Whiche our Sauiour hath liuely expressed in the .10. of Matth. In the 12. of Luke, he sayeth: be not affrayde of them which sleye the body, and after this haue nothing that they can do more, &c. Therfore tirānes might wel kil the bodies of Martirs, they had no power ouer their soules. This place witnesseth manifestly, the soules of men not only to be immortall, but also liuing or watcheful, not slepyng to remayne & liue in Heauē. For there be that thinke the soules departed from the body to slepe:2 which thing is most vayne.
Now also the cause is showed for the which the Martyrs are slain: for the word of God, and for the testimony that they had: they were not put to death for their wickedness or evil doings, but for the true religion, whereby they confessed ⟨p. 197⟩and preached that word of God, which was in the beginning, and was made flesh: and the Gospel which they had committed unto them, the testimony of God and eternal life, which also they ministered and preached. Of the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ I have spoken in the first Chapt. For no other cause at this day are slain innumerable of Bishops, kings and princes. If they were adulterers, usurers, blasphemers, & wicked doers, they should be in some estimation: now where they profess the only son of God, and preach the Gospel, they are murdered without mercy. Here have we also certainly defined, who be very Martyrs in deed, not they that suffer torments: but they that are tormented for gods word. For the cause maketh the Martyr.
Nowe also the cause is shewed for the which the Martirs are slayne: for the worde of God, and for the testimony that they had: they were not put to death for their wickednes or euill doynges, but for the trewe religion, wherby they confessed ⟨p. 197⟩and preached that word of God, which was in the beginning, and was made fleshe: and the Gospell which they had committed vnto them, the testimony of God and eternal life, which also thei ministred and preached. Of the word of God and testimony of Iesu Christ I haue spoken in the first Chapt. For no other cause at this day are slaine innumerable of Bisshoppes, kinges and princes. Yf they were aduouterers, vsurers, blasphemers, & wicked doers, they shuld be in some estimation: nowe where they professe the onely sonne of God, and preache the Gospell, they are murthered without mercy. Here haue we also certenly defined, who be very Martirs in dede, not they that suffer tourmentes: but they that are tourmented for gods word. For the cause maketh the Martir.
But where are the souls of them that are slain for the word of God showed unto us? under the Altar,1 the Altar is after in the .8. chapt. set in heaven, before the throne of God. Therefore the souls of all Saints are in Heaven, before the Throne of God, which was also signified before in the Type of the .xxiiii. Elders. The Lord hath said also, where I am, there shall be also my servant. But the lord is in heaven: therefore the souls of the faithful, whose bodies have ben slain,2 or buried without slaughter, be no where else but in Heaven. Nevertheless it wanteth not a singular mystery, that they are laid under the Altar, as under a shadow, through whose benefit the souls may be well at ease. I told you before, and here again repeat, that the altar signifieth Christ. For he is also the golden altar, intercessor, and propitiation for our sins. For the propitiation and mediation of Christ we are received into the Joys celestial. And Christ is our life & salvation. Under him we lie hid, as under a cover or a shadow. Thomas of Aquine expounding this place of S. John: by the altar, sayeth he, is signified Christ, in whom and by whom we should offer to the father, what good so ever we do: and through him is made acceptable, what so ever is pleasant to God. Under this Altar, namely under christ, be the souls, not only in the state of life, (to wit whilst we live here in earth) but also in the state of our country (to wit in heaven) as under him of whom they are covered, as under a shadow ⟨p. 198⟩against all evil. Thus sayeth Thomas. But I suppose that there is an other thing also signified, that martyrs are made conformable to the Altar, that is to the passion of Christ, and therefore to rest now under the Altar Christ. For they that are partakers with him in passion, do communicate also with him in glory.3 For like as the bosom of Abraham, is called a receptacle, and that port and haven of Salvation, into the which the souls of them are received, which had the faith of Abraham: so do we understand the altar to be a place of blessedness in heaven, wherein they rest, which with true faith have acknowledged Christ the altar, propitiation, sanctification and satisfaction: and have moreover in suffering offered them selves to God in Christ, through patience, an acceptable sacrifice to God.
But where are the soules of them that are slayne for the word of God shewed vnto vs? vnder the Aultar,1 the Aultar is after in the .8. chapt. set in heauē, before the throne of God. Therfore the soules of al Sainctes are in Heauen, before the Throne of God, which was also signified before in the Tipe of the .xxiiii. Elders. The Lord hath sayed also, where I am, there shalbe also my seruaunt. But the lord is in heauē: therfore the soules of the faithful, whose bodies haue ben slayne,2 or buried without slaughter, be no where els but in Heauen. Neuerthelesse it waunteth not a singular misterie, that they are layed vnder ye Aultar, as vnder a shadow, through whose benefite the soules may be wel at ease. I told you before, and here againe repete, that the aultar signifieth Christ. For he is also the golden aultar, intercessour, and propiciation for our sinnes. For the propiciation and mediation of Christ we are receiued into the Ioyes celestial. And Christ is our life & saluatiō. Vnder him we lie hidde, as vnder a couer or a shadow. Thomas of Aquine expounding this place of S. Iohn: by the aultar, sayeth he, is signified Christ, in whom and by whome we should offer to the father, what good so euer we doe: and through him is made acceptable, what so euer is pleasaunte to God. Vnder this Aultar, namely vnder christ, be ye soules, not only in the state of life, (to witte whilest we liue here in earth) but also in the state of our countrie (to wit in heauē) as vnder him of whome they are couered, as vnder a shadowe ⟨p. 198⟩agaynst all euill. Thus sayeth Thomas. But I suppose that there is an other thing also signified, that martirs are made confourmable to the Aultar, that is to the passion of Christ, and therfore to reste now vnder the Aultar Christ. For they that are pertakers with him in passion, doe cōmunicate also with him in glory.3 For like as the bosome of Abrahā, is called a receptacle, and that porte and hauon of Saluatiō, into the whiche the soules of thē are receiued, which had the faith of Abraham: so do we vnderstande the aultar to be a place of blessednes in heauen, wherin they rest, which with true faith haue acknowledged Christ the aultar, propiciation, sanctification and satisfaction: and haue moreouer in suffering offered them selues to God in Christ, through patience, an acceptable sacrifice to God.
