B11837:856
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 one of the elders answered, saying unto me: what are these which are arrayed in long white garments, & whence came they? And I said unto him, lord thou wottest. And he said unto me: these are they which came out of great tribulation, and made their garments large, and made them white in the blood of the lamb: therefore are they in the presence of the seat of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, and he that sitteth in the seat, will dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst, neither shall the sun light on them, neither any heat: For the lamb which is in the midst of the seat, shall feed them, and shall lead them to fountains of living water: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
ANd one of the elders aunswered, saying vnto me: what are these which are arayed in longe white garmentes, & whence came they? And I sayed vnto him, lorde thou wotest. And he sayed vnto me: these are they whiche came out of greate tribulation, and made their garmentes large, and made them white in the bloud of the lambe: therfore are they in the presence of the seate of God, and serue him daye and night in his temple, and he that sitteth in the seate, will dwel emong thē. They shal honger no more, nother thirst, nother shall the sunne light on them, nother any heate: For the lambe whiche is in the middes of the seate, shall fede them, and shall leade them to fountaynes of liuyng water: And God shall wipe awaye all teares from theyr eyes.
1S. John saw the souls of Martyrs resting under the altar, covered with white garments. The self same saw an infinite multitude of all nations and people, saved from the Idolatry of the gentiles, and superstition of Antichrist, covered also with white garments. Upon this occasion three things shall now be expounded unto us, what they are which are clothed in white garments? whence they have that whiteness, pureness, and salvation? Finally what is the state or felicity of these, or what is the true blessedness?
1S. Iohn saw the soules of Martirs resting vnder the aultar, couered with white garmentes. The selfe same sawe an infinite multitude of all nations and people, saued from the Idolatrie of the gentiles, and superstition of Antichrist, couered also with white garmentes. Vpon this occasion three thinges shal now be expoūded vnto vs, what they are which are clothed in white garmēts? whence they haue that whitenes, purenes, and saluation? Finally what is the state or felicitie of these, or what is the trewe blessednes?
1What time S. John had seen them, he marvelled without all doubt, what they were, nevertheless he is red to have inquired nothing. But of his own accord one of the .xxiiii. Elders, offereth him self to him an expositor, doubtless an excellent teacher, a Patriarch and prophet, finally a master celestial, to whom we may justly give credit. Here appeareth the ignorance of mans wit. For like as the Eunuch ⟨p. 229⟩of Ethiopia in the .8. Chapt. of the Acts of Apostles acknowledgeth his ignorance, except an interpreter and mete teacher were given him: so at this present also blessed S. John him self being demanded, whether he knew them that were apparelled in white, confesseth his want of knowledge: yet he ascribeth to his teacher the knowledge thereof, by this mean through a most humble modesty requiring a further declaration. Finally here appeareth the unmeasurable goodness of God, which taketh in hand to teach us that are rude and unworthy. We have many examples hereof every where in the prophets, and in the holy gospel of Christ.
1What time S. Iohn had sene them, he marueled without al doubte, what they were, neuerthelesse he is red to haue inquired nothing. But of his owne accorde one of the .xxiiii. Elders, offereth him selfe to him an expositour, doubtles an excellent teacher, a Patriarche and prophet, finally a maister celestial, to whome we maye iustely geue credit. Here appereth the ignoraunce of mans witte. For like as the Eunuche ⟨p. 229⟩of Aethiopia in the .8. Chapt. of the Actes of Apostles acknowledgeth his ignoraunce, excepte an interpretour and mete teacher were geuē him: so at this present also blessed S. Iohn him selfe beyng demaunded, whether he knewe them that were appareled in white, confesseth his want of knowledge: yet he ascribeth to his teacher the knowledge therof, by this meane through a most humble modestie requiring a further declaration. Finally here appereth the vnmeasurable goodnes of God, which taketh in hande to teache vs that are rude and vnworthy. We haue many exāples herof euery where in the prophetes, and in the holy gospel of Christ.
And in the beginning straight ways he declareth to S. John, and to all the faithful in the world,1 what these are that are clothed in white: And expoundeth with all from whence they came. For with one & the same answer he dispatcheth both two. He sayeth briefly, that the clothed with white in Heaven be the godly people of all times and ages, which at the length have escaped ([Greek or Hebrew]) out of great tribulation. Tribulation is found to be sundry and diverse. For first it is tribulation, which cometh of laying wait and persecution of Tyrants. This appertaineth to Martyrs alone. Whereof we have spoken in the .6. chapt. Which forasmuch as in this world they were overwhelmed with reproaches unspeakable, for the word of God, they have in an other world received white garments. Than is there an other tribulation, which ariseth of the fear of God, and is a care of obtaining salvation. This is sorry for the unrighteousness and corruption of man. It is sorry for the grievous abominations of Antichrist. And these also, albeit they be not made Martyrs, yet are they in an other life clothed with white. Finally they have tribulations and are molested after the flesh, so many as mortify their flesh with the concupiscences thereof. And because they mourn here, in the world to come they shall receive comfort and consolation.
And in the beginnyng streyght wayes he declareth to S. Iohn, and to all the faithful in the world,1 what these are that are clothed in white: And expoundeth with all from whence they came. For with one & the same aunswere he dispatcheth both two. He sayeth briefly, that the clothed with white in Heauen be the godly people of all times and ages, whiche at the length haue escaped (〈non-Latin alphabet〉) out of great tribulation. Tribulation is founde to be sondry and diuerse. For first it is tribulation, which cometh of laying wayte and persecution of Tirauntes. This apperteineth to Martirs alone. Wherof we haue spoken in the .6. chapt. Whiche for asmuch as in this worlde they were ouerwhelmed with reproches vnspeakeable, for the worde of God, they haue in an other world receiued white garmentes. Than is there an other tribulation, which arriseth of the feare of God, and is a care of obteyning saluation. This is sory for the vnrightuousenes and corruption of man. It is sory for the greuouse abominations of Antichrist. And these also, albeit they be not made Martirs, yet are thei in an other life clothed with white. Finally they haue tribulatiōs and are molested after the flesh, so many as mortifie their fleshe with the concupiscēces therof. And because thei mourne here, in the world to come they shal receyue comforte and consolation.
Again leest any man should ascribe life and salvation to martyrdom as to our work,1 and to repentance as to our desert, the Lord moreover declareth by the elder expressly, from whence that life and salvation proceedeth, and how that whiteness and purity chanceth unto us. And they have washed ⟨p. 230⟩their garments, sayeth he, and made them white by the blood of the lamb. And here is found a diverse reading. And [Greek or Hebrew], that is, that they have enlarged their garments, so that he might appear to have alluded to the families of great Princes, which use, for the setting forth of their renown, to put on most wide and most sumptuous garments. But in my opinion the complutensian copy and Aretas seem to read more rightly and more simply or plainly, and [Greek or Hebrew], have washed, as also the old interpreter hath translated it. For by this exposition by & by followeth, and have made white. Primasius readeth, and have made their garments white in the blood of the Lamb. And hereby is signified, that the salvation and purification of the faithful is of the blood of Christ,2 and of non other thing. Where verily blood sprinkled whiteth not, but polluteth. Therefore must we understand these things spiritually, to wit that the very, natural and humane blood of Christ, shed ones on the Cross, being sprinkled upon us spiritually (as S. Paul to the Hebrew. the .10. expoundeth) and received with faith, although it touch us not naturally and corporally purgeth us from all sins. And therefore we read in an other place, that Christ purgeth us with his blood. For because sanctification is the only work of God. Therefore where the saints are said now to have washed, and whited their garments, by the blood of the lamb. It signifieth that they have received by faith the purgation prepared by blood. And this doctrine is catholic and of the right faith, which hath so many and so great testimonies in the holy Scriptures. Finally we perceive how those which are saved from the kingdom of Antichrist, are saved by the merit of Christ alone, & by none other thing, as I have also showed you before. Moreover by and by is inferred: therefore be they in the sight of gods seat. For what cause I pray thee? because they have washed and whited their garments in the blood of the Lamb:
Agayne leeste any man should ascribe life and saluation to martirdom as to our worke,
therefore for the merit of Christ have they entered into Heaven,1 and there are environed or clothed with eternal light.
therfore for the merite of Christ haue they entred into Heauen,1 and there are inuironned or clothed with eternall light.
Finally the elder declareth most at large, what the state of Saints is, and what is the true bless of the faithful. And these things are certain tastes, set here for a consolation. ⟨p. 231⟩Or else such things as the eye hath not seen, or the ear heard, that same hath God prepared for those that love him. And he reciteth many things, of the which he will have us to gather the excellency of eternal salvation, & what good things we obtain in the same.
Finally the elder declareth moste at large, what the state of Sainctes is, and what is the trewe blesse of the faythfull. And these thinges are certen tastes, set here for a cōsolation. ⟨p. 231⟩Or els such things as the eye hath not sene, or ye eare hearde, that same hath God prepared for those that loue him. And he reciteth many thinges, of the which he wil haue vs to gather the excellencie of eternal saluation, & what good thinges we obteyne in the same.
First stand the Saints before the Throne of God. In the Throne is the majesty of god to be worshipped for ever and the blessed Trinity. And the Saints stand before the seat, not as they are wont that tarry before the gates. For as the most entire friends of God, they are always in the sight of God, & have the fruition of his deity. Whereof the lord speaking in the Gospel: pray ye, sayeth he, that ye may escape these things, and stand before the son of man. And also David: the accomplishment of joys is in thy sight, and pleasantness in thy right hand for ever. And there is annexed an other thing, which may expound that standing: they serve God in his Temple both day and night. That service hath pleasure and no painfulness. And they serve God in the temple, as God is wont to be served in the Temple. For they keep holy days, they are glad, rejoice, be merry, praise: and so they offer up sacrifices, and are refreshed with heavenly repast. And this joy shall be everlasting and perpetual: which is signified by day and night. Otherwise in the bless everlasting there is no might at all, nor any changeable course of time. Hereunto is added, that he that sitteth in the seat, that is the divine majesty, [Greek or Hebrew], will dwell in them: that is to wit, God will be all in all, or he will lean over them, and as it were a tent or tabernacle, will overshadow them, defend and keep them, and give him self whole to be enjoyed of them, as most familiar and friendly to them. Moreover they shall hunger no more, neither shall they thirst. For all infirmity and misery is taken away from the blessed souls, and bodies glorified. They are filled with all good things without any loathsomeness, with a most joyous fulfilling. Now the sun falleth not upon them, nor the heat: which phrase of speech betokeneth, that they are put to no travel nor pain, but are delivered at ones from all displeasure, and all painfulness, and to be at most pleasant rest.
First stand the Saincts before the Throne of God. In the Throne is the maiestie of god to be worshipped for euer and the blessed Trinitie. And the Sainctes stand before the seate, not as thei are wounte that tary before the gates. For as the most intier frendes of God, they are alwayes in the sight of God, & haue the fruition of his deitie. Wherof the lord speaking in the Gospell: praye ye, sayeth he, that ye maye escape these thinges, and stande before the sonne of man. And also Dauid: the accomplishment of ioyes is in thy sight, and pleasauntenes in thy right hande for euer. And there is annexed an other thing, which maye expoūde that stāding: they serue God in his Temple bothe day and night. That seruice hath pleasure and no painefulnes. And thei serue God in the temple, as God is wonte to be serued in the Temple. For they kepe holy dayes, they are glad, reioyse, be mery, prayse: and so they offer vp sacrifices, and are refresshed with heauenly repaste. And this ioye shall be euerlastyng and perpetuall: which is signified by daie and night. Otherwise in the blesse euerlasting there is no mighte at all, nor anye chaungeable course of time. Hereunto is added, that he that sitteth in the seate, that is the diuine maiestie, , will dwell in them: that is to witte, God wil be al in al, or he wil leane ouer them, and as it were a tente or tabernacle, will ouershadowe them, defende and kepe them, and geue him selfe whole to be inioyed of them, as moste familiar and frendely to them. Moreouer they shall honger no more, nother shall they thirste. For all infirmitie and miserie is taken awaye from the blessed soules, and bodies glorified. They are filled with al good thinges without any lothsomnes, with a most ioyeouse fulfillynge. Nowe the sunne falleth not vpon them, nor the heate: whiche phrase of speache betokeneth, that they are put to no trauel nor paine, but are deliuered at ones from all displeasure, and all paynefulnes, and to be at moste pleasaunt reste.
Again is set in the cause of so great felicity, Christ the lamb, that is to say Christ mediator and redeemer: in the midst of the seat, that is, very God. For he, as both Ezekiel. in .34. chapt. and the lord also him self in the .10. of John. Witnesseth [Greek or Hebrew] that is to say will feed them,1 like a shepherd, and as a Captain of life will lead them to the fountains of lively water: that is to wit, will quicken them for ever, & preserve all his in that felicity. He useth in this treatise words of the prophets most accustomed, and used every where, that climbing unto higher things, we might after some sort esteem heavenly gifts. Hereunto he joineth as yet a notable benefit: and the Lord will wipe all tears from their eyes. Which words he hath borrowed of Isaiah. For Saints in this world turmoiled with sundry evils, have shed most plentiful tears: but in the world to come, the Lord comforteth them, gladding them with joy everlasting, neither giving them at any time any occasion of grief.2 And therefore he said in the Gospel, verily I say unto you, ye shall weep and lament, but again the world shall rejoice: and ye shall mourn, but your mourning shall be turned into joy. And your heart shall rejoice, and your joy shall no man take from you. We shall hear the like things unto these also in 21. of the Apocalypse. &c.
Agayne is set in the cause of so greate felicitie, Christ the lambe, that is to saye Christ mediatour and redemer: in the middes of the seate, that is, very God. For he, as both Ezechiel. in .34. chapt. and the lord also him selfe in the .10. of Iohn. Wittenesseth 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 that is to saie wil fede them,1 like a sheperde, and as a Captaine of life will leade them to the fountaines of liuely water: that is to witte, will quicken them for euer, & preserue all his in that felicitie. He vseth in this treatise wordes of the prophetes most accustomed, and vsed euery where, that climyng vnto higher thinges, we might after some sorte esteme heauenly giftes. Hereunto he ioyneth as yet a notable benefite: and the Lord will wipe al teares from their eyes. Which wordes he hath borrowed of Esaye. For Sainctes in this world tourmoyled with sondry euils, haue shed most plentiful teares: but in the world to come, the Lord comforteth them, gladdyng them with ioye euerlasting, nother geuyng thē at any time any occasion of grefe.
1Hereof they perceive, how shamefully they transgress, which have always in their mouth, if I should contemn this life present for religions sake, who shall tell me, what is that other other life to come? peradventure if I neglect this, in an other world I shall get nothing. For here we have a most manifest testimony, that as most assured salvation is prepared of God in heaven for the faithful: so is it also most ample and great: in so much that the Apostle in an other place sayeth, that th• afflictions of this time present are not equal, to the glory which shall be revealed to us. The Lord grant us, that we may acknowledge these things.
1Hereof they perceiue, howe shamefully they transgresse, which haue alwaies in their mouth, if I should contene this life present for religiōs sake, who shal tel me, what is yt other other life to come? perauenture if I neglecte this, in an other world I shal get nothing. For here we haue a most manifest testimony, that as most assured saluatiō is prepared of God in heauen for the faithful: so is it also moste ample and great: in so much that the Apostle in an other place sayeth, that th• afflictions of this time present are not egall, to ye glory which shal be reuealed to vs. The Lord graunt vs, that we maye acknowledge these thinges.
And when he had opened the .vii. 1seal, there was silence in Heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw seven Angels standing before God, & to them were given seven trumpets. And an other Angel came and stood before the Altar, having a golden censer, & much of odours was given unto him, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar, which was before the seat. And the smoke of the odours which came of the prayers of all saints, ascended up before God out of the Angels hand. And the Angel toke the censer, and filled it with fire of the Altar, and caste it into the earth, and voices were made, and Thunderings, and Lightnings, and Earthquake.
ANd when he had opened the .vii. 1seale, there was silēce in Heauen about the space of half an houre. And I sawe seuen Aungels standyng before God, & to them were geuen seuen trompettes. And an other Aungell came and stoode before the Aultar, hauing a golden censer, & much of odoures was geuen vnto him, that he shoulde offer of the prayers of al sainctes vpon the goldē aultar, whiche was before the seate. And the smoke of the odoures whiche came of the prayers of al sainctes, ascended vp before God out of the Aungels hand. And the Aungel toke the censer, and filled it with fire of the Aultar, and caste it into the earth, and voices were made, and Thonderinges, and Lightninges, and Earthquake.
I suppose there be no books in the world, of whomsoever,1 or when soever they were written, which may compare with the books of holy scripture, as concerning the sincere verity, pure simplicity, and plain order. Neither peradventure that may seem any marvel to any man, knowing that the same are written in deed of men, but inspired of the holy ghost. There be edifices most skilfully builded of men, and framed and contrived in a most goodly order. But what beauty will you judge them to have, in case ye compare them with the creation of the world, and with that most beautiful order, which we see daily in all things created, and changeable course of times? the most excellent works of men have nothing in them, yea seem vile, in case you compare them with the workmanship of God the creator.2 But for the most bright order and most plain treatise this book of the Apocalypse hath amongst others most notable, an excellent and wonderful praise. S. John promised a some of the matter, ⟨p. 234⟩signifying that he would speak of those things, which should be done in the church from his time until the judgement. And the faithful do know to what end they should take those things, not to the intent their curiosity might be maintained or satisfied: but that they sufficiently warned before, should not fall, but take heed to themselves & hold fast the true salvation. And forasmuch as there is much talk amongst men; why God doeth thus, or permitteth that, and why he prohibiteth not these or those things: S. John hath exhibited to us a most wholesome vision, by the which we may learn not to talk against God, & not to contend with him but to acknowledge, all his judgments to be righteous & just. Which thing verily both all the Saints in heaven, and also angelical spirits do acknowledge, and attribute to God all glory. And thus having prepared the minds of the Auditors, he cometh to the thing it self, and declareth the fatal destinies of the church. Under the .vi. seal he toucheth generally the corruption of doctrine, which sins it is more perilous & more pestilent than all daū gers of mans body, or outward perils, he reasoneth yet more fully thereof: and now particularly under the opening of the .vii. seal reciteth, how far the same stretcheth.
I suppose ther be no bokes in the world, of whomsoeuer,
For he declareth how many, how great, & what manner of sects, heresies and troubles shall arise in the church, & how hurtful they shall be to the church. And this place containeth an History of the corrupt doctrine, of heresies or sects and troubles ever sins the time of S. John unto the last judgement: It is extended through out the .8.9.10.11. chapt.
For he declareth how many, how great, & what maner of sectes, heresies and troubles shall arrise in the church, & howe hurtful they shal be to the churche. And this place conteyneth an Historie of the corrupte doctrine, of heresies or sectes and troubles euer sins the time of S. Iohn vnto the last iudgemēt: It is extended through out the .8.9.10.11. chapt.
