B11837:805
A hundred sermons upo[n] the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ revealed in deed by the angel of the Lord: but seen or received and written by the apostle and Eva[n]gelist. S. John: compiled by the famous and godly learned man, Henry Bullinger, chief pastor of the congregation of Zuryk. Newly set forth and allowed, according to the order appointed in the Queens majesties, iniuntions. The argument, worthiness, commodity, and use of this work, thou shalt find in the preface: after which thou hast a most exact table to lead thee into all the principal matters contained therein.A hundred sermons vpo[n] the Apocalips of Iesu Christe reueiled in dede by thangell of the Lorde: but seen or receyued and written by thapostle and Eua[n]gelist. S. Iohn: compiled by the famous and godly learned man, Henry Bullinger, chief pastor of the congregation of Zuryk. Newly set forth and allowed, according to the order appoynted in the Quenes maiesties, iniuntions. Thargument, wurthines, commoditie, and vse of this worke, thou shalt fynd in the preface: after which thou hast a most exact table to leade thee into all the princypall matters conteyned therin.
printed by John Day, 1561printed by Iohn Day, 1561
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
And I saw, when he had opened the sixth seal, and behold there was a great earth quake. And the Sun was as black as a sack cloth made of here: and the Moon waxed even as blood: and the stars of Heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth from her her figs when she is shaken of a mighty wind: and Heaven vanished away as a scroll when it is rolled together.
ANd I sawe, when he had opened the sixte seale, and beholde there was a greate earth quake. And the Sunne was as blacke as a sacke cloth made of heere: and the Moone waxed euen as bloud: and the starres of Heauen fel vnto the earth, euen as a figge tree casteth from her her figges when she is shaken of a mightie winde: and Heauen vanished awaye as a scroll when it is rolled together.
The sixth seal opened of the lamb,1 openeth unto us generally, and setteth forth to be seen of the eyes of all men, the corruption of the doctrine in the church, with this mourning & terrible effect of the same. Neither is there any other thing said here in the sixth seal, as also in the five former seals, than that which was prophesied before of the same our lord Jesus Christ in the .24. of Matth. that the Gospel should be preached through out the world: and how there should come wars, famines, pestilences, & persecutions most grievous: and false prophets, which should deceive men, whom also they should drown in most grievous sorrows.
The sixte seale opened of the lambe,1 openeth vnto vs generally, and setteth forth to be sene of the eyes of all men, the corruption of the doctrine in the church, with this mourning & terrible effecte of the same. Nother is there any other thing sayed here in the sixt seale, as also in the fiue fourmer seales, than that which was prophecied before of the same our lord Iesus Christ in the .24. of Matth. that the Gospell should be preached through out the world: and how there should come warres, famines, pestilences, & persecutions most greuouse: and false prophetes, whiche should disceaue men, whom also they should drowne in moste greuouse sorrowes.
Nevertheless these things must religiously be expounded. For it is not to be thought,1 for that the lamb openeth the sixth seal, and the Sun by and by waxeth black, that Christ is author of the corrupt & evil doctrine. For Christ it is, that soweth in the field good seed, the hostile man soweth darnel: As the Lord him self expoundeth it Matth. the .13. For Christ teacheth sound doctrine by the Apostles and sincere preachers: which when it seemeth vile to the world and can not please, of his just judgement he leaveth the contemners to their affections, and as the Apostle S. Paul sayeth,2 he sendeth upon them the efficacy of illusion, that they may believe lies, and so may be judged all which had rather believe a lie than the verity. And the seducing through corrupt doctrine, is a more hurtful evil, than are the bloody persecutions. Yea and the seducers and false prophets have done more hurt to the church, than have cruel tyrants. Finally men are more grievously punished what time they are relinquished to be seduced of deceivers, than when they are objected to be torn in pecs of their murderers. Therefore is it a most grievous plague of god, and utterly to be abhorred, for the simple verity despised, to be delivered to lying deceivers, which after the demerits may, with reverence be it spoken, all to be shit, and be piss thee. For where the gospel is purely preached unto many, these men say, I understand not what these men teach us out of the Gospel: but this I can see that the old have all to be raid us, and these new both to be piss and beshite us. Therefore shalt thou have teachers, which shall perform to thee in deed the same that ⟨p. 206⟩thou talkest. Would God we wanted examples: and did not see certain nations, which have heretofore had the free & pure preaching of the gospel, and now spoiled of all verity, to sigh under the pleasure and boldness of most wicked deceivers, which tread Gods word under foot, and condemn it for heresy, and stop the mouths of the wretched people full of mans dung. This is the punishment of the verity despised.
Neuerthelesse these thinges must religiousely be expounded. For it is not to be thought,1 for that the lambe openeth the sixte seale, and the Sonne by and by waxeth blacke, that Christ is authour of the corrupte & euill doctrine. For Christ it is, that soweth in the fielde good sede, the hostile man soweth darnell: As the Lord him self expoundeth it Matth. the .13. For Christe teacheth sownde doctrine by the Apostles and sincere preachers: which whē it semeth vile to the world and can not please, of his iuste iudgement he leaueth the contemners to their affections, and as the Apostle S. Paull sayeth,
1And this place may not be expounded of one certain age, sins as yet things are rehearsed in general: but of that whole time, which reacheth from the age of the Apostles unto the last judgement. It containeth therefore the corrupt doctrine of Valentine, Marcion, Manichaeus, Arius, Macedonius, Nestorius, Eutyches, Donatus, Pelagius, Priscillians, and finally of all Heretics, and the mingle mangle of Mahomet composed of the same, and chiefly the sophistry and most corrupt doctrine of Antichrist and of his ministers.
1And this place maye not be expounded of one certen age, sins as yet things are rehearsed in general: but of that whole time, which reacheth from the age of the Apostles vnto the laste iudgement. It conteineth therfore the corrupte doctrine of Valentine, Marcion, Manichaeus, Arius, Macedonius, Nestorius, Eutyches, Donatus, Pelagius, Priscillians, and finally of all Heretikes, and the mingle mangle of Mahomet composed of the same, and chiefly the sophistrie and moste corrupt doctrine of Antichrist and of his ministers.
But what time the lamb opened the sixth seal, there was not heard now as before the voice of the Beasts, Elders, or Martyrs, but a terrible earthquake. An earthquake1 in the Scriptures doeth signify a wonderful commotion of all things, troubles tumults, and great alterations. And verily greater darkness ariseth of nothing else, than by altering of Godly religion, and receiving of wicked doctrine. For so arise sects, seditions, wars. You may see many examples hereof in the story of the ancient people, which are read to have ben grievously shaken, so oft as they have changed their religion and kind of doctrine. By this Earthquake therefore is signified that exceeding great trouble shall arise hereof, for that a new and a strange kind of doctrine should be brought into the world of men amiss incensed.
But what time the lambe opened the sixte seale, there was not hearde now as before the voyce of the Beastes, Elders, or Martirs, but a terrible earthquake. An earthquake1 in the Scriptures doeth signifie a wonderfull commotion of all thinges, troubles tumultes, and greate alterations. And verely greater darkenes arriseth of nothing els, than by alteryng of Godly religion, and receyuyng of wicked doctrine. For so arrise sectes, seditions, warres. You maye see many examples hereof in the story of the auncient people, whiche are redde to haue ben greuously shaken, so ofte as they haue chaunged theyr religion and kynde of doctrine. By this Earthequake therefore is signified that exceadynge great trouble shal arrise herof, for that a new and a straunge kinde of doctrine should be brought into the world of men amisse incensed.
1Here have you, that you may answer unto them, which impute to the Gospel and to the Preachers thereof what so ever troubles, seditions, and commotions be at this day in the world. Elijah hath ones made answer for us, which may serve for all times, the place is in the third book of Kings .18. Chapter. I have not troubled Israel, but thou and thy fathers house, which haste forsaken God, &c. ⟨p. 207⟩Hereunto appertaineth also the story of Jeremiah in the .44. Chapter. Where all the evils that than vexed the wicked are imputed to the sincere doctrine and to the Prophet Jeremiah without cause. Learn here moreover what to answer them, which say: it is like, that God hath permitted his Church so many years to lie and rot in errors, &c.
1Here haue you, that you maye aunswere vnto them, whiche impute to the Gospell and to the Preachers thereof what so euer troubles, seditions, and commotions be at this daye in the worlde. Helias hath ones made aunswere for vs, whiche maye serue for all times, the place is in the thirde boke of Kinges .18. Chapter. I haue not troubled Israell, but thou and thy fathers house, whiche haste forsaken God, &c. ⟨p. 207⟩Hereunto apperteyneth also the story of Ieremie in the .44. Chapter. Where al the euilles that than vexed the wicked are imputed to the sinsere doctrine and to the Prophet Ieremie without cause. Learne here morouer what to aunswer them, whiche saye: it is like, that God hath permitted his Church so many yeres to lie and rotte in errours, &c.
And the corrupt doctrine is described by parts, even from the top to the toe,1 and the effect also of the corrupt doctrine is annexed. And first of all the sun, a planet most bright, not only waxeth dark, but black also. And immediately is added an Image or a parable, [Greek or Hebrew] like an hairy sack which is woven or made of hairs or of bristles. The sun lighteth and giveth life to the world. And through Christ, which is the life of the world, we are illumined and quickened. He casteth abroad from him the bright beams of the Evangelical verity. And like as Christ is not darkened in him self: so neither the verity of the Gospel, which of nature is with out pollution. By reason of the black clouds that over ride it, the light of the Sun waxeth black and is impeached: and of the traditions of men, and depraving of the scripture ariseth darkness and blackness in matters of religion. The Gospel of it self is bright and wholesome: Christ is light, full redemption, health, and life most perfect. But when men had rather seek of others doctrine, life, and salvation, than of Christ and his wholesome Gospel, most thick and gross darkness arise in the minds of those men. For there is established an other doctrine, righteousness, intercession, redemption, salvation and life than that of Christ. They that receive that doctrine,2 seem to have put on them a shirt of here which pricketh, burneth and vexeth continually. For there is no rest, quietness, security or spiritual pleasure and repast of corrupt doctrine, but only tediousness. Christ pure, and sincerely received, is to man a joy unspeakable, and a most bright and joyful light.
And the corrupte doctrine is described by partes, euen from the toppe to the toe,1 and the effecte also of the corrupte doctrine is annexed. And firste of all the sunne, a planet most bright, not only waxeth darke, but blacke also. And immediatly is added an Image or a parable, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 like an heery sacke which is wouen or made of heeres or of bristels. The sunne lighteth and geueth life to the worlde. And thorowe Christ, which is the life of the world, we are illumined and quickened. He casteth abroade from him the bright beames of the Euangelicall veritie. And like as Christ is not darkened in him selfe: so nother the veritie of the Gospell, whiche of nature is with out pollution. By reason of the blacke clowdes that ouer ride it, the lighte of the Sunne waxeth black and is impeched: and of the traditions of men, and deprauing of the scripture arriseth darkenes and blackenes in matters of religion. The Gospell of it selfe is bright and holeome: Christ is lighte, full redemption, helth, and life most perfit. But when menne had rather seke of others doctrine, life, and saluation, than of Christ and his holesome Gospell, moste thicke and grosse darkenesse arrise in the mindes of those menne. For there is establisshed an other doctrine, rightuousenes, intercession, redemption, saluation and life than that of Christ. They that receyue that doctrine,
After is added, that the whole moon, not a part only,1 is become bloody. For an image is again annexed, as blood. The moon receiveth light of the sun, & is subject to courses, or changes, whilst one while it increaseth, an other while ⟨p. 208⟩decreaseth, and signifieth the church. The church set upon the rock, is not unstable: but by reason of the variable fortune, is subject to most diverse chances. For now the church triumpheth, straight ways being oppressed she mourneth: now she increaseth in number, by and by she is diminished. And the church is lighted of Christ. But whilst the Sun it self is darkened, the moon can not chose but be most obscure. Blood2 in the scriptures betokeneth great wickedness, chiefly Idolatry and false worshipping of God. The Lord in the .17. of Levit. sayeth that he will account strange worshipping for blood. Therefore when faith and knowledge are darkened in Christs church, it can not be chosen but that blood shall arise in the universal church: that is to wit, the corrupt worshipping of God, which the Lord esteemeth as murder: there must needs innumerable sins and wickedness spring thereof. For the lively doctrine of Christ being corrupted, all things must of necessity be most corrupt, and swarm full of superstitions and iniquities.
After is added, that the whole moone, not a parte only,1 is become blouddy. For an image is again annexed, as bloud. The moone receiueth light of ye sunne, & is subiect to courses, or chaunges, whilest one while it increaseth, an other while ⟨p. 208⟩decreaseth, and signifieth the church. The church set vpon the rocke, is not vnstable: but by reason of the variable fortune, is subiecte to moste diuerse chaunces. For now the churche triumpheth, streight wayes beyng oppressed she mourneth: nowe she increaseth in nombre, by and by she is diminished. And the church is lighted of Christ. But whilest the Sunne it selfe is darkened, the moone can not chose but be most obscure. Bloud2
To these is added an other thing, which helpeth these things that are spoken: stars fall from Heaven1 unto the earth. Daniel called stars preachers in the .12. chapt. As also S. Peter .2. Peter .2. Therefore do the preachers of churches revolt from the heavenly doctrine of Christ, brought and revealed from heaven, and reducing men to Heaven, and keeping them in heavenly conversation: And receive earthly, that is the doctrine of men. By the which thing it cometh to pass that both the sun is obscured and the moon is made bloody. Stars shine, preachers should set forth to the whole world Christ the true light: but this have they neglected being addict to their own traditions. To these is also added an Image,2 [Greek or Hebrew], as the fig tree casteth of her figs being shaken of a vehement wind. Here is signified the corruption of preachers, and that a great number of them. For the fig tree was made, to bring forth sweet fruits: so was the ministry of the word ordained for the salvation of men. Howbeit the figs did ripe, Therefore they remain green or untimely fruits. Whereby is signified that the preachers were not ripe in true knowledge of Christ: and therefore to ⟨p. 209⟩be shaken down with every wind of doctrine, that both they have admitted and set forth earthly things. The plenty of false teachers is signified to come in that the untimely figs fall down in great plenty.
To these is added an other thinge, whiche helpeth these thinges that are spoken: starres fal from Heauen1 vnto the earth. Daniel called starres preachers in the .12. chapt. As also S. Peter .2. Peter .2. Therfore do the preachers of churches reuolte from the heauenly doctrine of Christ, brought and reuealed from heauen, and reducyng men to Heauen, and keping them in heauenly conuersation: And receyue earthly, that is the doctrine of men. By the which thing it commeth to passe that both the sunne is obscured and the moone is made blouddy. Starres shine, preachers should set forth to the whole world Christe the trewe light: but this haue they neglected beynge addicte to their owne traditions. To these is also added an Image,
Of these things now followeth an other,1 and Heaven went away, [Greek or Hebrew], as it were fled out of mens sight and vanished away. Again is added an Image or a similitude [Greek or Hebrew] like a scroll folden up or rolled together. Heaven in the Gospel signifieth many times the kingdom of God. Therefore the kingdom windeth up it self in earth, and the church doeth as it were hide her self, not that at the last there should be no church at all (for the church shall be always unto the worlds end) but for as much as in the end of the world the church shall lie hid, neither shall it be thought to be the true church, which is the true church in deed. The letters & words are not wiped out of the book, but are not seen, yea rather are hid, when it is rolled up. It is manifest at this day, what S. John meant by this parable. For all in a manner judge, that new start up Romish church, to be the true church, which in very deed is not the church of Christ: and the church which is the spouse of Christ is judged to be heretical: therefore is the church wrapped up and as rolled together. The Lord unfold & preserve the same: Amen.
Of these thinges nowe followeth an other,1 and Heauen went awaie, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, as it were fled out of mens sight and vanisshed awaye. Agayne is added an Image or a similitude 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 like a scrolle folden vp or rolled together. Heauen in the Gospell signifieth many times the kingdome of God. Therefore the kingdom windeth vp it selfe in earth, and the church doeth as it were hide her selfe, not that at the last there should be no church at al (for the churche shal be alwayes vnto the worldes ende) but for as much as in the ende of the world the church shal lie hidde, neyther shal it be thought to be the trewe churche, which is the trewe churche in dede. The letters & wordes are not wipte out of the boke, but are not sene, yea rather are hidde, when it is rolled vp. It is manifest at this daie, what S. Iohn ment by this parable. For al in a maner iudge, that newe starte vp Romish church, to be the trewe church, which in very dede is not the church of Christ: and the church which is the spouse of Christ is iudged to be heretical: therfore is the church wrapped vp and as rolled together. The Lord vnfolde & preserue the same: Amē.
And all mountains and Isles were moved out of their places. And the Kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief Captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man hid themselves in dens, and in rocks of the hills, and said to the hills ⟨p. 210⟩and rocks: fall upon us, and hide us from the presence of him that sitteth on the seat, and from the wrath of the lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come. And who can endure it?
ANd al mountaines and Iles were moued out of their places. And the Kinges of the earth, and the great men, and the riche men, and the chiefe Captaynes, and the mightie men, and euery bondeman, and euery free man hidde themselues in dennes, and in rockes of the hilles, and sayed to the hilles ⟨p. 210⟩and rockes: fal vpon vs, and hide vs from the presence of him that sitteth on the seate, and frō the wrath of the lambe: for the great daie of his wrath is come. And who can indure it?
1And after this saw I .iiii. Angels stand on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the Earth: that the winds should not blow on the earth, neither on the See, nor on any tree.
1And after this sawe I .iiii. Aungels stand on the foure corners of the earth, holding the foure windes of the Earth: that the windes should not blowe on the earth, nother on the See, nor on any tree.
1Now followeth the effect of the corrupt doctrine in men. And hills and Islands are moved out of their place: wherein is also a respect had to the earthquake, as though by the earthquake they were removed from their place. And mountains and Isles do betoken, realms, nations and people, so steadfast in faith, that as mountains and Isles be immovable, & are not shaken with the storms of the Sea, so these might seem to be immutable. Nevertheless at the alteration and corrupting of doctrine, they are now also removed out of their place, & quite overthrown. And such as read Histories shall find every where, that such have ben deceived by crafts of heretics, by the power of Mahomet, & by the hypocrisy of the pope, whom you would not have thought should have ben abused, in so much that whole Cities & Realms have clean revolted. For seducing is of efficacy namely in such as now begin to slip and slide from the rock of the church.
1Now followeth the effect of the corrupte doctrine in men. And hilles and Ilondes are moued out of their place: wherin is also a respecte had to the earthquake, as though by the earthquake thei were remoued from their place. And mountains and Iles do betoken, realmes, nations and people, so stedfast in faith, that as moūtaines and Iles be immouable, & are not shaken with the stormes of the Sea, so these might seme to be immutable. Neuertheles at the alteration and corrupting of doctrine, they are nowe also remoued out of their place, & quite ouerthrowen. And such as reade Histories shall finde euery where, that such haue ben disceiued by craftes of heretickes, by the power of Mahomet, & by the hipocrisie of the pope, whom you would not haue thought shuld haue bē abused, in so much that whole Cities & Realmes haue cleane reuolted. For seducinge is of efficacitie namely in suche as nowe begin to slippe and slide from the rocke of the church.
1And they that being shaken, are removed from the sure foundation, get them into caves and rocks of Hills. For it is unpossible, for him that holdeth not Christ with a sure faith, to be quiet. For like a raging Sea he is tossed hither and thither. For where as he hath not the sure and certain manner of life, neither committeth him self to be only ruled by the Scriptures, that he might hold the certainty, he is content to be led of every one that he meteth with. Wherefore we see them, unto whom Christ alone is not all, to seek salvation in Pilgrimages, in hermitages, in Monkery, in more severe discipline, in satisfactions, and I know not in what other follies, or rather blasphemies. And these in very deed are said ⟨p. 211⟩to hide themselves in dens and caves of stone. And think they may lie hid safely in them, make satisfaction for their sins, and please the Lord.
1And they that beyng shaken, are remoued from the sure foundation, get them into caues and rockes of Hilles. For it is vnpossible, for him that holdeth not Christ wt a sure faithe, to be quiet. For like a raging Sea he is tossed hither and thither. For where as he hath not the sure and certayne maner of life, nother committeth him selfe to be only ruled by the Scriptures, that he might holde the certentie, he is contente to be led of euery one that he meteth with. Wherfore we see them, vnto whom Christ alone is not all, to seke saluation in Pilgrimages, in heremitages, in Monkerie, in more seuere discipline, in satisfactions, and I know not in what other follies, or rather blasphemies. And these in very dede are sayed ⟨p. 211⟩to hide themselues in dennes and caues of stone. And thinke they may lie hidde safely in them, make satisfaction for their sinnes, and please the Lord.
But in rehearsing many kinds of men,1 he compriseth all states in the world. For of all sorts of men there have ben found not a few nor of mean state, which have not taken upon them the hermitical and monastical life, and have bounden themselves to a strait kind of living. Here therefore are reckoned up kings, [Greek or Hebrew], great men or princes, rich men, [Greek or Hebrew], captains over thousands or chieftains, [Greek or Hebrew], strong or mighty men in this world, bond men chiefly, & free men, whom we call at this day gentlemen. But how many kings & princes and noble gentlemen are set forth to be seen in the churches of Abbeys, painted in tables & hanged on trees, which have lived some time a monastical life?
But in rehersing many kindes of menne,1 he compriseth al states in the worlde. For of all sortes of men there haue ben founde not a fewe nor of meane state, whiche haue not taken vpon them the heremiticall and monasticall life, and haue bounden thēselues to a straite kinde of liuyng. Here therfore are rekened vp kinges, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, greate men or princes, riche men, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, captaines ouer thousandes or chieftaines, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, strong or mightie men in this world, bonde mē chiefly, & free men, whom we cal at this daye gentlemen. But howe many kinges & princes and noble gentlemen are set forth to be sene in the churches of Abbeyes, paincted in tables & hanged on trees, whiche haue liued some time a monasticall life?
