Troposchemmalogia: Tropes and figures; or, A treatise of the metaphors, allegories, and express similitudes, &c. contained in the Bible of the Old and New Testament To which is prefixed, divers arguments to prove the divine authority of the Holy Scriptures wherein also 'tis largely evinced, that by the great whore, mystery Babylon is meant the Papal hierarchy, or present state and church of Rome. Philologia sacra, the second part. Wherein the schemes, or figures in Scripture, are reduced under their proper heads, with a brief explication of each. Together with a treatise of types, parables, &c. with an improvement of them parallel-wise. By B. KTroposchēmalogia: Tropes and figures; or, A treatise of the metaphors, allegories, and express similitudes, &c. contained in the Bible of the Old and New Testament To which is prefixed, divers arguments to prove the divine authority of the Holy Scriptures wherein also 'tis largely evinced, that by the great whore, mystery Babylon is meant the Papal hierarchy, or present state and church of Rome. Philologia sacra, the second part. Wherein the schemes, or figures in Scripture, are reduced under their proper heads, with a brief explication of each. Together with a treatise of types, parables, &c. with an improvement of them parallel-wise. By B. K
Benjamin Keach 1640–1704London: printed by John Darby, 1682
[12], xvi, 436, 48, 437-444 p. · 337k words · Wing K101A · ESTC R7039
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.
which doth fully answer to the very Letter of the Text, The Waters which thou sawest, whereon the Whore sitteth, are Peoples, Multitudes, Nations, Tongues.
2. Her making all the European Merchants Rich, that traffic by Sea,1 by the great expense of all Commodities which are swallowed up within her Territories and Dominions. Which could never be effected unless she had Nations and Multitudes to contribute to her great Pride and Luxury.
3. A third Instance is, the numberless number of good Christians which she hath drawn in and murdered, for no other cause than their fearing God, and obeying his Laws by loving Jesus Christ, and following his Example, of which we have a large account in Fox's Acts and Monuments, and other Histories; Upon which we form this Argument.
Arg. If there be no Body of People, professed Church or State in the Christian World (under any single Denomination) that sits upon, commands or bears rule over Peoples, Multitudes, Nations and Tongues, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, doth. Then Rome Papal, or the Church of Rome, is this Babylon treated of.
But there is no Body of People, professed Church or State (under any single Denomination) that sits upon, commands or bears rule over Peoples, Multitudes, Nations, and Tongues, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome doth.
Ergo, &c.
To the establishing this Argument, let it be considered, that the whole State of the Christian World consists of but these two parts, as we showed before, viz. the Church of Rome (considered as Head and Body) and those that dissent from her, and those are so inconsiderable, whether the Waldenses, Albigenses, Huguenots or other parties of Protestants, that no one party of them, nay if we put them all together, can be said to fit upon, command, or bear rule over, Peoples, Multitudes, Nations, and Tongues; to answer the Text, the Waldenses and Huguenots, have been and still are a persecuted People, the Lutherans never got up so high as to command many States, or Kingdoms, or places of many Languages; Great Britain (tho a Protestant State, or Kingdom) comes not near to fulfil the Text, much less the seven Provinces that of late revolted from Spain. So that if Rome Papal hath done so, and no other People that dissent from her could ever yet do the like, then this proves Rome Papal the Whore that sits upon many Waters, &c.
⟨p. 310⟩VII.
which doth fully answer to the very Letter of the Text, The Waters which thou sawest, whereon the Whore sitteth, are Peoples, Multitudes, Nations, Tongues.
2. Her making all the European Merchants Rich, that traffick by Sea,1 by the great expence of all Commodities which are swallowed up within her Territories and Dominions. Which could never be effected unless she had Nations and Multitudes to contribute to her great Pride and Luxury.
3. A third Instance is, the numberless number of good Christians which she hath drawn in and murdered, for no other cause than their fearing God, and obeying his Laws by loving Jesus Christ, and following his Example, of which we have a large account in Fox's Acts and Monuments, and other Histories; Upon which we form this Argument.
Arg. If there be no Body of People, professed Church or State in the Christian World (under any single Denomination) that sits upon, commands or bears rule over Peoples, Multitudes, Nations and Tongues, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, doth. Then Rome Papal, or the Church of Rome, is this Babylon treated of.
But there is no Body of People, professed Church or State (under any single Denomination) that sits upon, commands or bears rule over Peoples, Multitudes, Nations, and Tongues, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome doth.
Ergo, &c.
To the establishing this Argument, let it be considered, that the whole State of the Christian World consists of but these two parts, as we shewed before, viz. the Church of Rome (considered as Head and Body) and those that dissent from her, and those are so inconsiderable, whether the Waldenses, Albigenses, Hugonots or other parties of Protestants, that no one party of them, nay if we put them all together, can be said to fit upon, command, or bear rule over, Peoples, Multitudes, Nations, and Tongues; to answer the Text, the Waldenses and Hugonots, have been and still are a persecuted People, the Lutherans never got up so high as to command many States, or Kingdoms, or places of many Languages; Great Britain (tho a Protestant State, or Kingdom) comes not near to fulfil the Text, much less the seven Provinces that of late revolted from Spain. So that if Rome Papal hath done so, and no other People that dissent from her could ever yet do the like, then this proves Rome Papal the Whore that sits upon many Waters, &c.
⟨p. 310⟩VII.
Mystery Babylon, or the great Whore, is such a Woman, such a City, such a Whore that the Kings and great Men of the Earth have committed Fornication with. See the Text,1 With whom the Kings of ⟨p. 312⟩the Earth have committed Fornication, i. e. Spiritual Fornication, or Fornication in a Mystery, after a mysterious manner,2 such as Jerusalem of old was charged with, which was a following the same Idolatry that this Woman Babylon had set up, and was devoted unto; and so great was her Fornication,3 that 'tis said, she did corrupt the Earth with it. |
VII. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, is such a Woman, such a City of Confusion, such a Whore that the Kings of the Earth have committed Fornication with, and that hath corrupted the Earth with her Fornications, Fornications after a mysterious manner, by following abominable ⟨p. 312⟩Superstition and Idolatry.
1. Hath she adored the Pope as her Lord God, Universal Head, and Bishop infallible, acknowledged above all Laws? so have the Kings, and their misled People, done.
2. Hath she worshipped the Virgin Mary, divers Angels, and many departed Saints? so have the Kings, and their misguided People, done.
3. Hath she adored Images, the Crucifix, and Pictures of pretended Saints? so have the Kings, and their misguided People.
4. Hath she foolishly debased her self with the Adoration of the Relicts of known and unknown Saints? so have the Kings, and their misguided People.
5. Hath she grossly and superstitiously worshipped the true God in a false manner, by crowding in an innumerous Train of Fopperies into his Worship and Service, which he never ordained, as Candlesticks, Altars, Vestments, Spits, Oil, Holy Water, Beads and a World of such like Trumpery? so have the Kings and their misguided People, not only the Emperor of Germany, Kings of France, Spain, Poland, Portugal, that are still under her Influence; but the Kings of England and Scotland too, (before the Reformation got Ground): Upon which we form this Argument.
Arg. If there be no Body of People in the Christian World, pretending a Church-State, that hath set up Idolatry to that Degree, and with whom the Kings of the Earth have complied, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome hath done. Then Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, is the Mysterious Whore of Babylon treated of.
But there is no Body of People in the Christian World, pretending to a Church-State, that hath set up Idolatry to that Degree, and with whom the Kings of the Earth have complied, as Rome Papal, &c. hath done.
Ergo, &c.
To reinforce this Argument, let any Man that will become an Advocate for the Church of Rome, show, that any People called the Reformed (who dissent from the Church of Rome) are guilty of like Idolatry, and that the Kings of the Earth have complied with them in it, as afore-mentioned, and we will acquit this Argument, but if this Character doth more fitly agree to Rome, than to the Reformed, &c. our Argument is good.
⟨p. 311⟩VIII. Babylon is such a Woman, City, and Whore, that hath not only had Kings committing Fornication with her, but hath intoxicated the Minds of Multitudes, and corrupted a great part of the World, or common sort of People, by wicked and false Doctrine, And the Inhabitants of the Earth have been made drunk with the Wine of her Fornication. 1|
VIII. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, is such a Woman, City, and Whore, that hath not only had the Kings of the Earth to commit Fornication with her, in dancing after her Pipes in all her mysterious Allurements; but hath intoxicated the Minds of the Multitude, and corrupted a great part of the World, or common sort of People, by wicked and false Doctrine; As first, that a wicked Man should be appointed of God to be the Vicar of Christ; as if God had no more regard to his own Name, and the Good of his Church, and Honour of his Son, than to institute a Child of the Devil (as every wicked Man is) to be Vice-gerent to the most holy Jesus, in the highest Transactions that relate to Heaven, and the Souls of Men. Surely if God shut Judas out from his Bishopric, because of his Wickedness, tho an Apostle; he is not so far changed since to be fond of a wicked Pope, as to make him immediate Deputy to Christ, and to impose a Wolf, as Shepherd, upon the Universal Church.
⟨p. 313⟩2. Who saith, That he is an infallible Judg to determine Articles of Faith, and impose them upon great Penalties; so that as a Lord he hath Dominion over Mens Faith, and Souls too, which the Apostles disclaimed.
3.
But there is no Body of People in the Christian World, pretending to a Church-State, that hath set up Idolatry to that Degree, and with whom the Kings of the Earth have complyed, as Rome Papal, &c. hath done.
Ergo, &c.
To reinforce this Argument, let any Man that will become an Advocate for the Church of Rome, shew, that any People called the Reformed (who dissent from the Church of Rome) are guilty of like Idolatry, and that the Kings of the Earth have complyed with them in it, as afore-mentioned, and we will acquit this Argument, but if this Character doth more fitly ageee to Rome, than to the Reformed, &c. our Argument is good.
Who saith, The Church cannot err, (tho God and the World knows, there are not such great Errors in Principles, nor such villainous Enormities, cursed Actions, cruel and immoral Practices in the World besides,) which the poor Multitude believes, and kill others that oppose it, and venture Body and Soul upon it.
4. That says, that a Priest (tho he be a treacherous Villain, a Contriver of Murder, an abominable Adulterer) hath Power to absolve his equal and Fellow-Sinner from all his Offences, if he come to Confession, tho the pretended Penitent keep his old Habit of Wickedness still; contrary to what God and Jesus Christ say, That the Dauber with untempered Mortar, and the Daubed; the Layer of the Pillow under sinful Elbows, and the Leaner thereon; the blind Leader, as well as the blind Follower, shall all fall together.
5. That saith, There is a Purgatory, that is no part of Heaven or Hell; and that Men may be redeemed thence for Money: Tho God saith, The Redemption of Mens Souls is precious, and ceaseth for ever, after the Offering of the Body of Jesus once for all; that Redemption is not with corruptible Things, as Silver and Gold, but with the precious Blood of Christ, as a Lamb slain without spot.
6. That saith, That the Hands and Mouth of a filthy unclean Priest, can make not only the Bread and Wine sacred, but turn both into the real Body and Blood of the Son of God, make whole Christ of a pitiful Wafer-Cake, that after it is eaten, turns to Corruption; and before it is eaten, is a fit Feast for Rats and Mice; not only contrary to Reason, but the full Verdict of all our Senses.
7. That saith, That no Person, how good and pious soever he be, can be saved, out of the Pale of their polluted, ungodly, and devilish Church; tho the Scripture plainly affirms, That in every Nation, he that fears God, and worketh Righteousness, is accepted with him.
8. That says, 'Tis no Sin to lie, swear, and forswear, to kill, slay, and murder such as they call Heretics, (tho never so good) if it be for the Cause of the Church, with a thousand Things of the like Import, which the People do verily believe:
Who saith, The Church cannot err, (tho God and the World knows, there are not such great Errors in Principles, nor such villanous Enormities, cursed Actions, cruel and immoral Practices in the World besides,) which the poor Multitude believes, and kill others that oppose it, and venture Body and Soul upon it.
4. That says, that a Priest (tho he be a treacherous Villain, a Contriver of Murther, an abominable Adulterer) hath Power to absolve his equal and Fellow-Sinner from all his Offences, if he come to Confession, tho the pretended Penitent keep his old Habit of Wickedness still; contrary to what God and Jesus Christ say, That the Dauber with untempered Mortar, and the Daubed; the Layer of the Pillow under sinful Elbows, and the Leaner thereon; the blind Leader, as well as the blind Follower, shall all fall together.
5. That saith, There is a Purgatory, that is no part of Heaven or Hell; and that Men may be redeemed thence for Money: Tho God saith, The Redemption of Mens Souls is precious, and ceaseth for ever, after the Offering of the Body of Jesus once for all; that Redemption is not with corruptible Things, as Silver and Gold, but with the precious Blood of Christ, as a Lamb slain without spot.
6. That saith, That the Hands and Mouth of a filthy unclean Priest, can make not only the Bread and Wine sacred, but turn both into the real Body and Blood of the Son of God, make whole Christ of a pitiful Wafer-Cake, that after it is eaten, turns to Corruption; and before it is earen, is a fit Feast for Rats and Mice; not only contrary to Reason, but the full Verdict of all our Senses.
7. That saith, That no Person, how good and pious soever he be, can be saved, out of the Pale of their polluted, ungodly, and devilish Church; tho the Scripture plainly affirms, That in every Nation, he that fears God, and worketh Righteousness, is accepted with him.
8. That says, 'Tis no Sin to lie, swear, and forswear, to kill, slay, and murther such as they call Hereticks, (tho never so good) if it be for the Cause of the Church, with a thousand Things of the like Import, which the People do verily believe:
And as they dare not gainsay upon their Salvation, so will they embrace and use all Opportunities to fight and make Wars, overcome Cities, and lay waste Countries and Kingdoms, to kill and slay, by Massacre, and all manner of murdering ways, all Ranks and Degrees of Men, that oppose the horrid Principles and Practices of those cursed Children. Nay, they will go boldly to their own Death, when convict, and condemned for Villainies, and deny that to day, that they were convicted of but yesterday, and tho never so notoriously guilty, yet will take it upon their Death and Salvation, that they are as innocent as the Child unborn. What can this be, tho they drink it down for most sweet and pleasant Wine, but an Infusion of the rankest and most deadly Poison that the lowest Cellar of the Bottomless Pit can afford, the very Wine of Fornications, and the most dangerous Drunkenness and Intoxication in the World? Which is attended with this Aggravation, that the best prepared Medicines of the wisest Physician will not recover them; for Babylon having made the Multitude drunk with this sort of poisoned Wine, how rare is it to have any come to themselves, to their right Mind again! And to shut up this Head, take this Argument:
Argument. If no People in the Christian World hath made the Multitude, or common Sort of People drunk, corrupted and intoxicated their Minds by wicked Lies and false Doctrine, such as before-mentioned, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, hath done: Then Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, is this Babylon treated of.
But no People in the Christian World hath made the Multitude, or common Sort of People drunk, corrupted and intoxicated their Minds by wicked Lies, and false Doctrine, such as before-mentioned, as Rome hath done.
Ergo, Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, is this Babylon treated of.
IX. Mystery Babylon is such ill Company, as to let Kings be dishonestly familiar with her, and make the lower and ruder Sort of her ⟨p. 314⟩Associates drunk. She is said to sit drunk upon a Scarlet-coloured Beast, and this Beast is full of the Names of Blasphemy:1 And I saw a Woman sit upon a Scarlet-coloured Beast, full of the Names of Blasphemy, &c. So that the Woman and the Beast are distinct; the Woman, the Church; the Beast, the Secular Power, or Civil State. This appears evident from divers Considerations, arising,
1. From other Prophecies relating to the same Thing.
2.
And as they dare not gainsay upon their Salvation, so will they embrace and use all Opportunities to fight and make Wars, overcome Cities, and lay waste Countries and Kingdoms, to kill and slay, by Massacre, and all manner of murthering ways, all Ranks and Degrees of Men, that oppose the horrid Principles and Practices of those cursed Children. Nay, they will go boldly to their own Death, when convict, and condemned for Villanies, and deny that to day, that they were convicted of but yesterday, and tho never so notoriously guilty, yet will take it upon their Death and Salvation, that they are as innocent as the Child unborn. What can this be, tho they drink it down for most sweet and pleasant Wine, but an Infusion of the rankest and most deadly Poyson that the lowest Celler of the Bottomless Pit can afford, the very Wine of Fornications, and the most dangerous Drunkenness and Intoxication in the World? Which is attended with this Aggravation, that the best prepared Medicines of the wisest Physician will not recover them; for Babylon having made the Multitude drunk with this sort of poysoned Wine, how rare is it to have any come to themselves, to their right Mind again! And to shut up this Head, take this Argument:
Argument. If no People in the Christian World hath made the Multitude, or common Sort of People drunk, corrupted and intoxicated their Minds by wicked Lies and false Doctrine, such as before-mentioned, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, hath done: Then Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, is this Babylon treated of.
But no People in the Christian World hath made the Multitude, or common Sort of People drunk, corrupted and intoxicated their Minds by wicked Lies, and false Doctrine, such as before-mentioned, as Rome hath done.
Ergo, Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, is this Babylon treated of.
IX. Mystery Babylon is such ill Company, as to let Kings be dishonestly familiar with her, and make the lower and ruder Sort of her
From the Letter of the Text.
3. From Arguments in Reason.
4. From the Confession of the Woman Babylon, or the Whore her self.
11. From many Prophecies; the latter part of the Image is partly Iron, and partly Clay; two States really distinct, that could never so incorporate as to become one.
2. From the Letter of the Text: I saw a Woman sit upon a Scarlet-coloured Beast, 2full of the Names of Blasphemy. The Colours of the Royal and Imperial Vestments the Angel in the next Words declares distinct, and the Apostle in the Vision beheld them distinct.
3. They appear to be distinct from Arguments in Reason: For (1.) The Beast is in the Masculine, the Whore in the Feminine Gender.3 (2.) The Whore else did sit and ride upon her self; an high Absurdity. (3.) The Horns, being of the Beast, shall hate the Whore: if not distinct, the Whore must hate her self, even to Ruin and Desolation, which is nonsensical. (4.) The Beast shall abide, tho in Captivity, after the Whore is thrown down or destroyed.
4. From the plain Confession of the Woman or Whore her self, who saith, I sit a Queen, I am no Widow. Ergo, she hath a Head or Husband, which is the Beast, little Horn, or Man of Sin, that Paul declared should rise after the removal of the ⟨p. 315⟩then present Power which did let, which the Primitive Fathers, as Tertullian, Cyprian, Jerome, and others, understood to be the Imperial Power, in its pure, civil, iron, or unmixed State.
⟨p. 313⟩IX. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, hath not only been ill Company to the Kings and great Men of the Earth, in drawing them into her Idolatry, Abuse of God, his blessed Son, the Christian ⟨p. 314⟩Religion, and blessed Books of the Old and New Testament; but she hath made the lower and ruder Sort of People drunk too. And 'tis no Wonder, she thinks she may do any thing, having a Dispensation from Heaven, which the Pope keeps the Keys of, and fearing no Power on Earth; for she hath the Beast, the Secular Power under her; she sits upon him, and rides him, and is not only distinct from the Secular Power, but above it; so as what of the Secular Power is still left at Rome, is under the Conduct and Management of the Church: there being no Civil Administration of Justice, or Exercise of Laws, but what is authorized and allowed by his Unholiness, the Head; and the Cardinals, the Shoulders, Breasts, and Arms of the Church, or State Ecclesiastical.
To make this fully evident, the Pope doth not only exercise a Power of appointing Seculars in Rome, and near to it; but he claims the like Supremacy abroad, in the Islands far off. If the Secular Princes fall off from him, or if they will not be reconciled to him, as Head of Holy Church, he will excommunicate and depose them, and dispose of their Crowns, Thrones, and Sceptres from them. That the Pope is a Temporal Prince, as well as an Ecclesiastical Bishop, i. e. makes Laws, exacts Tribute, raises Soldiers, and acts as a Monarch, (which fairly affords him the Title of Beast); that his Royal Robes, Chair he sits in, to his very Hose and Shoes, with the Vestments of Cardinals, is Scarlet, no Man can reasonably doubt: That what the Civil Power claims, and the Ecclesiastical Power exercises, are not incorporated, or entirely mixed; that the Princely Pope is in the Masculine, and his Spouse, the Church, in the Feminine, is owned by all Parties.
That the Church-State doth sit upon, ride, and govern the Secular at Rome, Italy, and all its Territories; that the Church of Rome owns that she is no Widow, but hath a Head, called his Holiness, or Supreme Ruler of the Church, is so evident, that we cannot find them upon any File or Record of Controversy. There remains therefore no more to be done at this time, but to frame our Argument upon the Premises, and leave the Reader to prove the Weight thereof in the Balance.
Argument. If there be no visible State in the Christian World, that doth so ⟨p. 315⟩apparently sit upon, command, and govern the Beast, or a great Secular Power, clothed with Scarlet Vestments, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, doth: Then is Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, the Whore of Babylon here treated of.
But there is no visible State in the Christian World, that doth so apparently sit upon, command, and govern the Beast, or Secular Power, clothed with Scarlet Vestments, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome doth.
Ergo, Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, is the Whore of Babylon here treated of.
To reinforce this Argument, we challenge any profest Papists, Atheist, or any else, to show where any other People or Parties are, to whom these Characters agree; and then we shall be content to let fall our Argument.
X. This Beast that Babylon sits upon, commands, and governs, is not only clothed with Scarlet, but is full of the Names of Blasphemy, &c.
To make this fully evident, the Pope doth not only exercise a Power of appointing Seculars in Rome, and near to it; but he claims the like Supremacy abroad, in the Islands far off. If the Secular Princes fall off from him, or if they will not be reconciled to him, as Head of Holy Church, he will excommunicate and depose them, and dispose of their Crowns, Thrones, and Scepters from them. That the Pope is a Temporal Prince, as well as an Ecclesiastical Bishop, i. e. makes Laws, exacts Tribute, raises Souldiers, and acts as a Monarch, (which fairly affords him the Title of Beast); that his Royal Robes, Chair he sits in, to his very Hose and Shooes, with the Vestments of Cardinals, is Scarlet, no Man can reasonably doubt: That what the Civil Power claims, and the Ecclesiastical Power exercises, are not incorporated, or entirely mix'd; that the Princely Pope is in the Masculine, and his Spouse, the Church, in the Feminine, is owned by all Parties.
That the Church-State doth sit upon, ride, and govern the Secular at Rome, Italy, and all its Territories; that the Church of Rome owns that she is no Widow, but hath a Head, called his Holiness, or Supreme Ruler of the Church, is so evident, that we cannot find them upon any File or Record of Controversy. There remains therefore no more to be done at this time, but to frame our Argument upon the Premises, and leave the Reader to prove the Weight thereof in the Ballance.
Argument. If there be no visible State in the Christian World, that doth so
Which may be taken in a threefold Sense: (1.) For reproaching the Name of God. (2.) For telling Lies in Divine Things. (3.) For ascribing that to Creatures which belongs to God. And tho we will not excuse the Beast from the two former, yet for brevity's sake we shall take the latter, viz. the ascribing that to Creatures, which belongs to Him, that saith, I am God, and my Glory will I not give to another. |
X. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, sits upon, commands, and governs that Beast, or Scarlet Power, that is not only clothed with Scarlet Vestments, but is full of the Names of Blasphemy, which appears by his receiving, allowing, and encouraging the ascribing that to Creatures, which belongs to God, and to his Son, of which we give you but these Instances: (1.) When this human, sinful, and wicked Head, is called our Lord God the Pope, whether this is not Blasphemy against God? (2.) When he is called, Universal Head of the Catholic Church, which none is but Christ. (3.) When he is called the Lamb of God, the Light of the World, the Root of David, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, whether this is not Blasphemy against the Son of God? (4.) Whether when the Orders of the Church, Oral Tradition, the Decrees of Councils, are said to be of greater Authority than the Scriptures, which they call a Nose of Wax, the Heretics Ink-Rule, are perniciously mischievous to the People; whether this be not Blasphemy against God that spake, and the Word of God spoken? (5.) When Angels, the Virgin Mary, and other unknown Saints, shall be invocated with Addresses only becoming the Divine Majesty; as if these Creatures were infinite, and could hear us at so great a distance as is Earth from Heaven, which they could not do, if perpendicularly over us▪ much less from all parts of the World, over which they cannot be; whether this ascribing Infiniteness and Adoration to the Creature, that is only due to the Creator, who is over all, God blessed for ever, be not Blasphemy? (6.) To conclude, Whether making a God of a piece of Bread, and calling the profane Priest the Maker of the Creature, be not ascribing that to the Creature, which only belongs to God? Is not this the vilest Blasphemy in the World, worse (if possible) than Atheism it self? For as Philosophers observe, 'tis better having no Opinion of God, than such an one as is unworthy of Him;
Which may be taken in a threefold Sense: (1.) For reproaching the Name of God. (2.) For telling Lies in Divine Things. (3.) For ascribing that to Creatures which belongs to God. And tho we will not excuse the Beast from the two former, yet for brevity's sake we shall take the latter, viz. the ascribing that to Creatures, which belongs to Him, that saith, I am God, and my Glory will I not give to another. |
X. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, sits upon, commands, and governs that Beast, or Scarlet Power, that is not only cloathed with Scarlet Vestments, but is full of the Names of Blasphemy, which appears by his receiving, allowing, and encouraging the ascribing that to Creatures, which belongs to God, and to his Son, of which we give you but these Instances: (1.) When this human, sinful, and wicked Head, is called our Lord God the Pope, whether this is not Blasphemy against God? (2.) When he is called, Universal Head of the Catholick Church, which none is but Christ. (3.) When he is called the Lamb of God, the Light of the World, the Root of David, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, whether this is not Blasphemy against the Son of God? (4.) Whether when the Orders of the Church, Oral Tradition, the Decrees of Councils, are said to be of greater Authority than the Scriptures, which they call a Nose of Wax, the Hereticks Ink-Rule, are perniciously mischievous to the People; whether this be not Blasphemy against God that spake, and the Word of God spoken? (5.) When Angels, the Virgin Mary, and other unknown Saints, shall be invocated with Addresses only becoming the Divine Majesty; as if these Creatures were infinite, and could hear us at so great a distance as is Earth from Heaven, which they could not do, if perpendicularly over us much less from all parts of the World, over which they cannot be; whether this ascribing Infiniteness and Adoration to the Creature, that is only due to the Creator, who is over all, God blessed for ever, be not Blasphemy? (6.) To conclude, Whether making a God of a piece of Bread, and calling the prophane Priest the Maker of the Creature, be not ascribing that to the Creature, which only belongs to God? Is not this the vilest Blasphemy in the World, worse (if possible) than Atheism it self? For as Philosophers observe, 'tis better having no Opinion of God, than such an one as is unworthy of Him;
which we shall close with this Argument.
Arg. If no People in the Christian World are born up and supported by a Beast full of Names, full of such Names or Inscriptions of Blasphemy, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome is: Then Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, must be this Babylon treated of.
But there is no People in the Christian World born up and supported by such a blasphemous Beast, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome is.
Ergo, &c.
⟨p. 316⟩To reinforce this Argument, let it be considered, that none can pretend to fix this Character or Mark upon any Protestant Dissenters from the Church of Rome, called Heretics, who have no such Beast to support them, nor ascribe such blasphemous Titles, or Adoration to any Creature in Heaven or Earth: For they acknowledge the one God, the Object of Divine Worship; one Mediator between God and Man, the Lord Jesus; and God's sacred Truth to be the only Rule; disowning all Principles and Practices contradictory thereunto: Ergo, 'Tis not the Protestant Dissenters from the Church of Rome that are here meant.
XI. Babylon, that sits upon a Scarlet-coloured and blasphemous Beast, is adorned with great Pomp, and outward Glory, very well fitting that Spirit that delights in Grandeur:1 And the Woman was arrayed in Purple and Scarlet, and decked with Gold, and precious Stones, and Pearl, having a Golden Cup in her hand, full of Abomination, and Filthiness of her Fornication. Which must be such as none of her Neighbours can match her in, else no Note of Distinction. |
XI. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, doth not only sit upon a Scarlet-coloured and blasphemous Beast, but she is beautified and adorned with great Pomp and outward Glory, by which she commends her self to that part of the World that delights in her Gaudery, being a Woman whose Worship is filled with detestable Doctrine, which she holds forth to them with Pictures and Gallantry of all sorts. (1.) Look into the holy Patrimony of consecrated Saints, there you find Riches and Honour, tho not durable Riches, and Righteousness. (2.) Look unto their Garbs and Vestments, there you shall find Cardinals like splendid Princes, Heads of Parties and Provinces in such Habiliments, that for Riches might have become the highest Order of the Jewish Priesthood. (3.)
which we shall close with this Argument.
Arg. If no People in the Christian World are born up and supported by a Beast full of Names, full of such Names or Inscriptions of Blasphemy, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome is: Then Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, must be this Babylon treated of.
But there is no People in the Christian World born up and supported by such a blasphemous Beast, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome is.
Ergo, &c.
Look into the Instruments, and Mode of their Worship, and there you shall find the Altar and Candlesticks, the Vessels for Oil, and Pots of Purification, as if their Predecessors had been at Solomon's Temple, and had brought a Pattern from thence; and yet in this Golden Cup, or framed Piece of Gallantry, there is nothing to be found, but foul and adulterated Wine, most fitly to be called by the Angel, Abomination, and Filthiness, and the Wine of Fornication: Which we conclude with this Argument:
Arg. If no People in the Christian World hath such Riches and Splendour, such Pomp and Gallantry in the Maintenance and Management of their Worship, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome hath: Then Rome Papal must be this gaudy Harlot, or Whore of Babylon.
But there is no People in the Christian World that hath such Riches and Splendour, such Pomp and Gallantry in the Maintenance and Management of Religious Worship, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome hath.
Ergo, Rome Papal, or Church of Rome must be this Whore, or well-favoured Harlot treated of.
The Argument is full and clear, and so well fortified, that we think it needs no Rear-guard to enforce it; and therefore, tho it be short, and low of Stature, we shall leave it amongst our Infantry, and draw up our right and left Wings, yet further to assault Babylon.
XII. This Woman or City, that is thus adorned with outward Pomp and Glory, hath upon her Forehead a Name written, MYSTERY, 1BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Which may be true ⟨p. 317⟩both in a Literal and Mystical Sense, the Breeder of Misses, Concubines, and Whores, to gratify the Sensual Appetites of her Lecherous Sons; but chiefly in a Mystical Sense, she Breeds, and brings forth Spiritual Harlots, viz. Unclean Communities. |
XII. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, if she be not concerned here, we will acquit her of being Mystery Babylon.
1. Here is a Name written in Capital Letters, and written so as to be read publicly too. 'Tis not written upon any part of the Woman, that may be hid or covered with a Garment, but on that part which is kept bare, and is easiest to be seen, her Forehead, her public, visible, and known Parts.
⟨p. 317⟩(2.) Here is Babylon, or Confusion, a mixed Body, that is far from that good and pure Order, which in Words she pretends.
(3.)
Here is Mystery in the case, and a great Mystery to a Wonderment, even to the surprising of every wise and thinking Man, ver. 6.
(4.) Here is a Mother, a Mother of a very spurious Illegitimate and unclean Off-spring, Harlots, and Abominations, many Abominations, and great and reigning too, Abominations of the Earth, i. e. that large Part of the Earth, where she is situate, and doth reside. A little unto each or these, as the Time and Space we are limited to will allow.
A Name upon the Forehead] if this were no• to be read and seen by most Christians and Professors, it would not much concern the Christian World for whom it must be calculated; for others that own not the Christian Religion, are not in a Capacity to make a Judgment upon the Case: for if this Book of the Revelations were not written for the Christian World, it leaves us not any Certainty where the case is to be considered, and the Matter to be judged. Now if it be calculated for the Christian World, then it must be upon such a People, that is most public and visible, and apparent, which agrees to none so fitly as to the Church of Rome: which, by their own Confession, is the most potent and visible in the Christian World, for where have the inconsiderable Heretics (so called) whose Beings are in Corners, such a Name, as may be read or known by all, or the principal part of the Christian World? Now to clear these poor innocent (so called Heretics, from being concerned in this Character, we imagine at least it cannot refer to them:
1. Because they have no Forehead so broad to bear the Inscription, which we will engage to make good against any Romanist in the World.
2. Because they are so plain and honest a People, and their Principles so easily and well known, that it is wild and ridiculous to call them Mystery Babylon, there neither being any hellish depth nor confusion in what they profess, as might be fully evinced by unquestionable Instances; for what confusion or hidden thing can be in this, that there is one God the Object of Worship, one Holy Book called the Bible, the Rule of Worship, one blessed Kingdom, Heaven, or World to come, the Reward of Worship; and all that act Faith, Hope and Charity, upon these three great Fundamental Principles, shall inherit that blessed Kingdom, or World to come?
3.
Here is Mystery in the case, and a great Mystery to a Wonderment, even to the surprizing of every wise and thinking Man, ver. 6.
(4.) Here is a Mother, a Mother of a very spurious Illegitimate and unclean Off-spring, Harlots, and Abominations, many Abominations, and great and reigning too, Abominations of the Earth, i. e. that large Part of the Earth, where she is situate, and doth reside. A little unto each or these, as the Time and Space we are limited to will allow.
A Name upon the Forehead] if this were no to be read and seen by most Christians and Professors, it would not much concern the Christian World for whom it must be calculated; for others that own not the Christian Religion, are not in a Capacity to make a Judgment upon the Case: for if this Book of the Revelations were not written for the Christian World, it leaves us not any Certainty where the case is to be considered, and the Matter to be judged. Now if it be calculated for the Christian World, then it must be upon such a People, that is most publick and visible, and apparent, which agrees to none so fitly as to the Church of Rome: which, by their own Confession, is the most potent and visible in the Christian World, for where have the inconsiderable Hereticks (so called) whose Beings are in Corners, such a Name, as may be read or known by all, or the principal part of the Christian World? Now to clear these poor innocent (so called Hereticks, from being concerned in this Character, we imagine at least it cannot refer to them:
1. Because they have no Forehead so broad to bear the Inscription, which we will engage to make good against any Romanist in the World.
2. Because they are so plain and honest a People, and their Principles so easily and well known, that it is wild and ridiculous to call them Mystery Babylon, there neither being any hellish depth nor confusion in what they profess, as might be fully evinced by unquestionable Instances; for what confusion or hidden thing can be in this, that there is one God the Object of Worship, one Holy Book called the Bible, the Rule of Worship, one blessed Kingdom, Heaven, or World to come, the Reward of Worship; and all that act Faith, Hope and Charity, upon these three great Fundamental Principles, shall inherit that blessed Kingdom, or World to come?
3.
Because they are so retired and private, that had they a Forehead broad enough for the Inscription aforesaid, yet they sit so low that Nations cannot easily read it; and if we acquit the poor innocent Protestants, who must we fix these Characters upon? If all Dissenters from the Church of Rome be clear, then it must unavoidably be fixed upon Rome her self: if any demand for what Reason, the Answer is,
First, Because when the Protestants are exempted, then there is none left to bear the Inscription, but the Church of Rome.
2. She hath a Forehead broad enough to bear Mystery and Confusion, for there is not a greater hellish depth and Confusion to be found upon any People, than upon the Church of Rome, as will appear in its place.
3. Because the Dissenters, with respect to Appearance, and the exercise of Power, are very small and inconsiderable, in comparison of that overgrown monstrous Body of the Church of Rome; for to call the Dissenters great, and the Church of Rome small, is as congruous, as to call the Ocean a little Spring, and the smallest Brook the Ocean.
Secondly, Babylon, Confusion, or a mixed Body, is far from that pure Order, which in Words Rome pretends unto, and can by no means agree to the Protestants; for they are so strict in their Discipline, that they admit of no such mixture that deserves the Name of Confusion, they will receive none into their Communion without much Caution and Satisfaction; and when received, keep them no longer than they appear to walk strictly and holily, according to the Principles upon which they first received them; and as for their Officers they are soon summed up, being no more than Bishops, or Elders, and Deacons. But the Roman Church may be called Babylon, or the City ⟨p. 318⟩of Confusion very reasonably, because she so fitly answers literal Babylon of old, that was her Type, and from whence she derives her Name.
1. In setting up another way for Men to go to Heaven by, than what God hath ordained and appointed, (viz.) a Tower of their own making.
2. In having so many Languages amongst them, which is like the Confusion of Babel.
3. In bearing the Glory and Sway over the Kingdoms and Countries of the chiefest part of the World, therefore called the Lady of Kingdoms, which is no way applicable to the poor Dissenters.
4.
Because they are so retired and private, that had they a Forehead broad enough for the Inscription aforesaid, yet they sit so low that Nations cannot easily read it; and if we acquit the poor innocent Protestants, who must we fix these Characters upon? If all Dissenters from the Church of Rome be clear, then it must unavoidably be fixed upon Rome her self: if any demand for what Reason, the Answer is,
First, Because when the Protestants are exempted, then there is none left to bear the Inscription, but the Church of Rome.
2. She hath a Forehead broad enough to bear Mystery and Confusion, for there is not a greater hellish depth and Confusion to be found upon any People, than upon the Church of Rome, as will appear in its place.
3. Because the Dissenters, with respect to Appearance, and the exercise of Power, are very small and inconsiderable, in comparison of that overgrown monstrous Body of the Church of Rome; for to call the Dissenters great, and the Church of Rome small, is as congruous, as to call the Ocean a little Spring, and the smallest Brook the Ocean.
Secondly, Babylon, Confusion, or a mixt Body, is far from that pure Order, which in Words Rome pretends unto, and can by no means agree to the Protestants; for they are so strict in their Discipline, that they admit of no such mixture that deserves the Name of Confusion, they will receive none into their Communion without much Caution and Satisfaction; and when received, keep them no longer than they appear to walk strictly and holily, according to the Principles upon which they first received them; and as for their Officers they are soon summed up, being no more than Bishops, or Elders, and Deacons. But the Roman Church may be called Babylon, or the City
In plucking up, or razing out the true Worship of God, which was settled at Jerusalem, and setting up Idolatry in the room of it.
5. In Captivating God's People, who were carried away into literal Babylon.
6. In their Doctrines, Principles, and Modes of Worship, which is such a jumble, mixture, and heap of Things, that may go for Confusion it self.
7. In their Orders, Diversity, and long Muster-Roll of Officers, that are so numerous, as well as unscriptural, that if Mixture and Confusion may be thought to be any where, 'tis to be found in this Church, where you have, Popes, Cardinals, Arch-Bishops, Abbots, Provincials, Heads of Fraternities, Priests, Monks, Fryers, Followers of Dominick, St. Francis, Jansenius, Augustine, Capuchins, &c. and what not? All which is many times more like to be Babylon, Mixture, or Confusion, than the Dissenters from the Romish Church.
Thirdly, For [Mystery] which is in the Description, it no where agrees to them, whom they call Heretics, but agrees very well to the Church of Rome, in four Things.
1. In calling themselves the Church of God, and yet are the Synagogue of Satan, that's a Mystery.
2. In calling themselves the pure Spouse of Christ, and yet an abominable Whore; that's a Mystery.
3. In pretending to be the Mother of Peace, Purity, and Charity, and yet the Breeder, Bringer forth, and Cherisher of Division, Falsehood, most bloody Butcheries, and barbarous Cruelties, this is a Mystery.
4. In being Queen Regent, riding upon the Beast in State, and yet being that good Woman that fled into the Wilderness, and abides there in a suffering Condition all the time of the Beast's Reign, this is a Mystery. See our fourth Argument: One Proof of their Church is visibility; yet it is evident the true Church for the space of 260 Years was to be in the Wilderness, or in an obscure Condition, &c.
Fourthly, [Mother of Harlots, and Abominations] better agrees to the Church of Rome, than to Protestants.
'Tis against the Principles of Protestants, to allow Fornication or Adultery, in Persons of any Rank whatsoever, maintaining constantly, that Marriage is honourable, but Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judg; whereas Rome gives public toleration to notorious Whoredoms, and the most shameless and unnatural Bestialities, as the whole World knows.
In plucking up, or razing out the true Worship of God, which was setled at Jerusalem, and setting up Idolatry in the room of it.
5. In Captivating God's People, who were carried away into literal Babylon.
6. In their Doctrines, Principles, and Modes of Worship, which is such a jumble, mixture, and heap of Things, that may go for Confusion it self.
7. In their Orders, Diversity, and long Muster-Roll of Officers, that are so numerous, as well as unscriptural, that if Mixture and Confusion may be thought to be any where, 'tis to be found in this Church, where you have, Popes, Cardinals, Arch-Bishops, Abbots, Provincials, Heads of Fraternities, Priests, Monks, Fryers, Followers of Dominick, St. Francis, Jansenius, Augustine, Caphucins, &c. and what not? All which is many times more like to be Babylon, Mixture, or Confusion, than the Dissenters from the Romish Church.
Thirdly, For [Mystery] which is in the Description, it no where agrees to them, whom they call Hereticks, but agrees very well to the Church of Rome, in four Things.
1. In calling themselves the Church of God, and yet are the Synagogue of Satan, that's a Mystery.
2. In calling themselves the pure Spouse of Christ, and yet an abominable Whore; that's a Mystery.
3. In pretending to be the Mother of Peace, Purity, and Charity, and yet the Breeder, Bringer forth, and Cherisher of Division, Falshood, most bloody Butcheries, and barbarous Cruelties, this is a Mystery.
4. In being Queen Regent, riding upon the Beast in State, and yet being that good Woman that fled into the Wilderness, and abides there in a suffering Condition all the time of the Beast's Reign, this is a Mystery. See our fourth Argument: One Proof of their Church is visibility; yet it is evident the true Church for the space of 260 Years was to be in the Wilderness, or in an obscure Condition, &c.
Fourthly, [Mother of Harlots, and Abominations] better agrees to the Church of Rome, than to Protestants.
'Tis against the Principles of Protestants, to allow Fornication or Adultery, in Persons of any Rank whatsoever, maintaining constantly, that Marriage is honourable, but Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judg; whereas Rome gives publick toleration to notorious Whoredoms, and the most shameless and unnatural Beastialities, as the whole World knows.
Fifthly, [For Mother of Harlots] in a Spiritual Sense, she is owned by all her Children to be the Mother-Church. And
1. Therefore Protestants are exhorted to return into the Bosom of their Mother.
2. All polluted and National Churches in the European Kingdoms, sprang from her, as the Churches of France, Spain, Portugal, &c.
3. All Corruption in Doctrine and Discipline may call her Mother, that is to say, the false Titles and Errors following, viz. Universal, Supreme, Infallible Head, Holy Father the Pope, His Holiness in the Abstract — Our Lord God the Pope, unerring Church, Priestly Absolution, Selling of Pardons, Indulgences, Dispensations, adoring the Crucifix, worshipping of Images, foolish Crossings, Anointings, and Sprinkling with Holy Water, the adoration of the Mass, and many such things, which from the beginning was not so.
4. For Personal Vices: from whence come horrid Oaths and Blasphemies, most astonishing Perjury, and subtle Equivocations, and Hypocrisies, all manner of Uncleannesses, Lying, and Adulteries, Covenant-breaking, and Bloody-mindedness: is this allowed and practised by the Protestants? No, No, they are the Brats and Offspring of this lewd and filthy Mother, who indulgeth those abominable pernicious Practices, for which she is rightly called Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots, and Abominations of the Earth. Which we conclude with this Argument.
⟨p. 319⟩Arg. If this Name Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots, and Abominations of the Earth; doth not so fully and fitly agree to the Protestants, nor any other People, as it doth to Rome Papal, or Church of Rome. Then Rome Papal, or Church of Rome (and not the Protestants, &c.) is Mystery Babylon, the Mother of Harlots.
But this Name Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots, and Abominations of the Earth, doth not so fully and fitly agree to the Protestants, &c. as it doth to Rome Papal, or Church of Rome.
Ergo, Rome Papal (and not the Protestants) is Mystery Babylon, the Mother of Harlots.
XIII. This Mystery Babylon, Mother of Harlots, and Abominations of the Earth, is very drunken Company; for she not only makes others drunk with the Wine of her Fornication, and commits Adultery her self;
Fifthly, [For Mother of Harlots] in a Spiritual Sense, she is owned by all her Children to be the Mother-Church. And
1. Therefore Protestants are exhorted to return into the Bosom of their Mother.
2. All polluted and National Churches in the European Kingdoms, sprang from her, as the Churches of France, Spain, Portugal, &c.
3. All Corruption in Doctrine and Discipline may call her Mother, that is to say, the false Titles and Errours following, viz. Universal, Supream, Infallible Head, Holy Father the Pope, His Holiness in the Abstract — Our Lord God the Pope, unerring Church, Priestly Absolution, Selling of Pardons, Indulgences, Dispensations, adoring the Crucifix, worshipping of Images, foolish Crossings, Anointings, and Sprinkling with Holy Water, the adoration of the Mass, and many such things, which from the beginning was not so.
4. For Personal Vices: from whence come horrid Oaths and Blasphemies, most astonishing Perjury, and subtile Equivocations, and Hypocrisies, all manner of Uncleannesses, Lying, and Adulteries, Covenant-breaking, and Bloody-mindedness: is this allowed and practised by the Protestants? No, No, they are the Brats and Offspring of this lewd and filthy Mother, who indulgeth those abominable pernicious Practices, for which she is rightly called Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots, and Abominations of the Earth. Which we conclude with this Argument.
but she is a Beastly drunken Whore, that makes her self drunk after the worst manner of Drunkenness, which is, to be drunk with Blood, the best Blood, the Blood of the Saints and Martyrs of Jesus Christ;1 And I saw a Woman drunk with the Blood of the Saints, and the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus, and I wondered with great Admiration. |
XIII. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, if she be guilty here, it is enough to make not only good Men, but even Angels wonder, to see a Woman pretending to be nobly descended, the Daughter to the great King of Heaven, the Spouse of the Lamb, the Mother of all Peace, Purity, Holiness, Innocency, Charity and Chastity; I say, to see a Woman by Profession, such a drunken beastly Strumpet in Works and Actions: and if Rome Papal, or Church of Rome be guilty in this point, she is the unhappiest Church in the World; for she then gives cause to every good Man in the World to abhor her, and indeed she hath very good luck if she scape this Charge; for if she be Mystery Babylon, the Mother of false Churches, and Abominations of the Earth, there is no avoiding, but she must be this drunken Strumpet. But because it is never safe judging a Cause before Trial and Examination of Witnesses, we will,
1. Consider what it is to be drunk.
2. What things do necessarily contribute to it.
3. The true and proper Signs of it.
4. Whether such things can be fixed upon Rome Papal, or Church of Rome? And then conclude this Head.
1. To be Drunk, is an excessive taking in of such Things, as disorder Nature in its Course and Operations. This we take to be a general Definition of it, including the Proper and Metaphorical Notations thereof.
2. Such things as necessarily contribute to it; are, (1.) Great and vehement Thirst: (2.) Plenty of the thing thirsted after. (3.) The greedy taking their fill of it.
3. The Signs of Drunkenness are. (1.) When the Faculties are so disordered, that they will not submit to the best Reason that can be given them. (2.) When they will abuse those whom they are most obliged to love and respect. (3.) When they have cast off all consideration of their own and others Good, and forbear no Mischief but what they are restrained from by force.
4. That these things are evident in the Church of Rome, and cannot be so fairly fixed upon her Opposites, or supposed Heretics, appears:
1.
but she is a Beastly drunken Whore, that makes her self drunk after the worst manner of Drunkenness, which is, to be drunk with Blood, the best Blood, the Blood of the Saints and Martyrs of Jesus Christ;
Because she hath shed a Mass, a very great Mass of Blood upon the account of Religion, (all which was unlawfully shed) of this the whole Christian World is a Witness.
2. To clear her supposed Heretics from this red and bloody Crime.
(1.) It is against their Principle to kill Men for Religion, and this they do avowedly profess, pleading for Liberty of Conscience, in Matters purely Religious in all places.
(2.) They have wanted Power to do it, in case they had been for it in Principle, all Power being in the Hands of Papists before the Reformation.
⟨p. 320⟩(3.) Where there hath since been a Protestant Seat or Kingdom, governed by Laws different from that of the Popish Countries, yet they have not made use of their Power and Laws, to take away the Lives of Papists merely for Religion; and if it hath happened at any time, that some Ecclesiastical Persons have been put to Death by Protestants; it has been but very rare and seldom, and the Cause not for their Religion, but for Sedition, Rebellion and Treason: otherwise they have lived peaceably under Protestant Governors, enjoying their Civil Right in Common with other Men. And for the confirming of this, we make a Challenge to all Christendom to come forth and make it appear, Where England, Scotland, and Ireland, the United Provinces, &c. since the Reformation, have, by Massacres, Murders, or Martyrdom, put one thousand, nay one hundred to Death of Men, Women and Children, only because they professed the Romish Religion, or any Religion different from theirs: so far have they been from making themselves Drunk with the Blood of Saints, and Religious Men. And if this cannot be done, then having brought our Character within the Confines of the Christian World, we must necessarily charge this Drunkenness, by Blood, upon the Church of Rome.
This Head we will conclude with the following Argument.
If no Sect of People in the Christian World be guilty of so much Blood, drunk with Blood, innocent Blood, Blood of Saints, as the Church of Rome is. Then the Church of Rome is this Woman, that St. John saw, to his great astonishment, Drunk, with the Blood of the Saints, and the Martyrs of Jesus.
But there is no Sect of People, &c. guilty of so much Blood, or Drunk with the Blood of Saints, &c.
Ergo, The Church of Rome is this Woman, &c.
⟨p. 320⟩XIV.
Because she hath shed a Mass, a very great Mass of Blood upon the account of Religion, (all which was unlawfully shed) of this the whole Christian World is a Witness.
2. To clear her supposed Hereticks from this red and bloody Crime.
(1.) It is against their Principle to kill Men for Religion, and this they do avowedly profess, pleading for Liberty of Conscience, in Matters purely Religious in all places.
(2.) They have wanted Power to do it, in case they had been for it in Principle, all Power being in the Hands of Papists before the Reformation.
Mystery Babylon, or the great Whore, is such a Woman, such a City, such a Whore that the Kings and great Men of the Earth have committed Fornication with. See the Text,1 With whom the Kings of ⟨p. 312⟩the Earth have committed Fornication, i. e. Spiritual Fornication, or Fornication in a Mystery, after a mysterious manner,2 such as Jerusalem of old was charged with, which was a following the same Idolatry that this Woman Babylon had set up, and was devoted unto; and so great was her Fornication,3 that 'tis said, she did corrupt the Earth with it. |
VII. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, is such a Woman, such a City of Confusion, such a Whore that the Kings of the Earth have committed Fornication with, and that hath corrupted the Earth with her Fornications, Fornications after a mysterious manner, by following abominable ⟨p. 312⟩Superstition and Idolatry.
1. Hath she adored the Pope as her Lord God, Universal Head, and Bishop infallible, acknowledged above all Laws? so have the Kings, and their misled People, done.
2. Hath she worshipped the Virgin Mary, divers Angels, and many departed Saints? so have the Kings, and their misguided People, done.
3. Hath she adored Images, the Crucifix, and Pictures of pretended Saints? so have the Kings, and their misguided People.
4. Hath she foolishly debased her self with the Adoration of the Relicts of known and unknown Saints? so have the Kings, and their misguided People.
5. Hath she grosly and superstitiously worshipped the true God in a false manner, by crowding in an innumerous Train of Fopperies into his Worship and Service, which he never ordained, as Candlesticks, Altars, Vestments, Spits, Oyl, Holy Water, Beads and a World of such like Trumpery? so have the Kings and their misguided People, not only the Emperour of Germany, Kings of France, Spain, Poland, Portugal, that are still under her Influence; but the Kings of England and Scotland too, (before the Reformation got Ground): Upon which we form this Argument.
Arg. If there be no Body of People in the Christian World, pretending a Church-State, that hath set up Idolatry to that Degree, and with whom the Kings of the Earth have complied, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome hath done. Then Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, is the Mysterious Whore of Babylon treated of.
VIII. Babylon is such a Woman, City, and Whore, that hath not only had Kings committing Fornication with her, but hath intoxicated the Minds of Multitudes, and corrupted a great part of the World, or common sort of People, by wicked and false Doctrine, And the Inhabitants of the Earth have been made drunk with the Wine of her Fornication.
|
VIII. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, is such a Woman, City, and Whore, that hath not only had the Kings of the Earth to commit Fornication with her, in dancing after her Pipes in all her mysterious Allurements; but hath intoxicated the Minds of the Multitude, and corrupted a great part of the World, or common sort of People, by wicked and false Doctrine; As first, that a wicked Man should be appointed of God to be the Vicar of Christ; as if God had no more regard to his own Name, and the Good of his Church, and Honour of his Son, than to institute a Child of the Devil (as every wicked Man is) to be Vice-gerent to the most holy Jesus, in the highest Transactions that relate to Heaven, and the Souls of Men. Surely if God shut Judas out from his Bishoprick, because of his Wickedness, tho an Apostle; he is not so far changed since to be fond of a wicked Pope, as to make him immediate Deputy to Christ, and to impose a Wolf, as Shepherd, upon the Universal Church.
⟨p. 313⟩
2. Who saith, That he is an infallible Judg to determine Articles of Faith, and impose them upon great Penalties; so that as a Lord he hath Dominion over Mens Faith, and Souls too, which the Apostles disclaimed.
3.
And I saw a Woman sit upon a Scarlet-coloured Beast, full of the Names of Blasphemy, &c. So that the Woman and the Beast are distinct; the Woman, the Church; the Beast, the Secular Power, or Civil State. This appears evident from divers Considerations, arising,
1. From other Prophecies relating to the same Thing.
2.
From the Letter of the Text.
3. From Arguments in Reason.
4. From the Confession of the Woman Babylon, or the Whore her self.
11. From many Prophecies; the latter part of the Image is partly Iron, and partly Clay; two States really distinct, that could never so incorporate as to become one.
2. From the Letter of the Text: I saw a Woman sit upon a Scarlet-coloured Beast, 2full of the Names of Blasphemy. The Colours of the Royal and Imperial Vestments the Angel in the next Words declares distinct, and the Apostle in the Vision beheld them distinct.
3. They appear to be distinct from Arguments in Reason: For (1.) The Beast is in the Masculine, the Whore in the Feminine Gender.3 (2.) The Whore else did sit and ride upon her self; an high Absurdity. (3.) The Horns, being of the Beast, shall hate the Whore: if not distinct, the Whore must hate her self, even to Ruine and Desolation, which is nonsensical. (4.) The Beast shall abide, tho in Captivity, after the Whore is thrown down or destroyed.
4. From the plain Confession of the Woman or Whore her self, who saith, I sit a Queen, I am no Widow. Ergo, she hath a Head or Husband, which is the Beast, little Horn, or Man of Sin, that Paul declared should rise after the removal of the ⟨p. 315⟩then present Power which did lett, which the Primitive Fathers, as Tertullian, Cyprian, Jerome, and others, understood to be the Imperial Power, in its pure, civil, iron, or unmixed State.
⟨p. 313⟩IX. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, hath not only been ill Company to the Kings and great Men of the Earth, in drawing them into her Idol•try, Abuse of God, his blessed Son, the Christian ⟨p. 314⟩Religion, and blessed Books of the Old and New Testament; but she hath made the lower and ruder Sort of People drunk too. And 'tis no Wonder, she thinks she may do any thing, having a Dispensation from Heaven, which the Pope keeps the Keys of, and fearing no Power on Earth; for she hath the Beast, the Secular Power under her; she sits upon him, and rides him, and is not only distinct from the Secular Power, but above it; so as what of the Secular Power is still left at Rome, is under the Conduct and Management of the Church: there being no Civil Administration of Justice, or Exercise of Laws, but what is authorized and allowed by his Unholiness, the Head; and the Cardinals, the Shoulders, Breasts, and Arms of the Church, or State Ecclesiastical.
apparently sit upon, command, and govern the Beast, or a great Secular Power, cloathed with Scarlet Vestments, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, doth: Then is Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, the Whore of Babylon here treated of.
But there is no visible State in the Christian World, that doth so apparently sit upon, command, and govern the Beast, or Secular Power, cloathed with Scarlet Vestments, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome doth.
Ergo, Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, is the Whore of Babylon here treated of.
To reinforce this Argument, we challenge any profest Papists, Atheist, or any else, to shew where any other People or Parties are, to whom these Characters agree; and then we shall be content to let fall our Argument.
X. This Beast that Babylon sits upon, commands, and governs, is not only cloathed with Scarlet, but is full of the Names of Blasphemy, &c.
▪
⟨p. 316⟩
To reinforce this Argument, let it be considered, that none can pretend to fix this Character or Mark upon any Protestant Dissenters from the Church of Rome, called Hereticks, who have no such Beast to support them, nor ascribe such blasphemous Titles, or Adoration to any Creature in Heaven or Earth: For they acknowledg the one God, the Object of Divine Worship; one Mediator between God and Man, the Lord Jesus; and God's sacred Truth to be the only Rule; disowning all Principles and Practices contradictory thereunto: Ergo, 'Tis not the Protestant Dissenters from the Church of Rome that are here meant.
XI. Babylon, that sits upon a Scarlet-coloured and blasphemous Beast, is adorned with great Pomp, and outward Glory, very well fitting that Spirit that delights in Grandure:
And the Woman was arrayed in Purple and Scarlet, and deck'd with Gold, and precious Stones, and Pearl, having a Golden Cup in her hand, full of Abomination, and Filthiness of her Fornication. Which must be such as none of her Neighbours can match her in, else no Note of Distinction. |
XI. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, doth not only sit upon a Scarlet-coloured and blasphemous Beast, but she is beautified and adorned with great Pomp and outward Glory, by which she commends her self to that part of the World that delights in her Gaudery, being a Woman whose Worship is filled with detestable Doctrine, which she holds forth to them with Pictures and Gallantry of all sorts. (1.) Look into the holy Patrimony of consecrated Saints, there you find Riches and Honour, tho not durable Riches, and Righteousness. (2.) Look unto their Garbs and Vestments, there you shall find Cardinals like splendid Princes, Heads of Parties and Provinces in such Habiliments, that for Riches might have become the highest Order of the Jewish Priesthood. (3.)
Look into the Instruments, and Mode of their Worship, and there you shall find the Altar and Candlesticks, the Vessels for Oil, and Pots of Purification, as if their Predecessors had been at Solomon's Temple, and had brought a Pattern from thence; and yet in this G•lden Cup, or framed Piece of Gallantry, there is nothing to be found, but foul and adulterated Wine, most fitly to be called by the Angel, Abomination, and Filthiness, and the Wine of Fornication: Which we conclude with this Argument:
Arg. If no People in the Christian World hath such Riches and Splendor, such Pomp and Gallantry in the Maintenance and Management of their Worship, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome hath: Then Rome Papal must be this gawdy Harlot, or Whore of Babylon.
But there is no People in the Christian World that hath such Riches and Splendor, such Pomp and Gallantry in the Maintenance and Management of Religious Worship, as Rome Papal, or Church of Rome hath.
Ergo, Rome Papal, or Church of Rome must be this Whore, or well-favoured Harlot treated of.
The Argument is full and clear, and so well fortified, that we think it needs no Rere-guard to enforce it; and therefore, tho it be short, and low of Stature, we shall leave it amongst our Infantry, and draw up our right and left Wings, yet further to assault Babylon.
XII. This Woman or City, that is thus adorned with outward Pomp and Glory, hath upon her Forehead a Name written, MYSTERY,
BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Which may be true
⟨p. 317⟩
both in a Literal and Mystical Sense, the Breeder of Misses, Concubines, and Whores, to gratify the Sensual Appetites of her Letcherous Sons; but chiefly in a Mystical Sense, she Breeds, and brings forth Spiritual Harlots, viz. Unclean Communities. |
XII. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, if she be not concerned here, we will acquit her of being Mystery Babylon.
1. Here is a Name written in Capital Letters, and written so as to be read publickly too. 'Tis not written upon any part of the Woman, that may be hid or covered with a Garment, but on that part which is kept bare, and is easiest to be seen, her Forehead, her publick, visible, and known Parts.
⟨p. 317⟩
(2.) Here is Babylon, or Confusion, a mixt Body, that is far from that good and pure Order, which in Words she pretends.
(3.)
of Confusion very reasonably, because she so fitly answers literal Babylon of old, that was her Type, and from whence she derives her Name.
1. In setting up another way for Men to go to Heaven by, than what God hath ordained and appointed, (viz.) a Tower of their own making.
2. In having so many Languages amongst them, which is like the Confusion of Babel.
3. In bearing the Glory and Sway over the Kingdoms and Countries of the chiefest part of the World, therefore called the Lady of Kingdoms, which is no way applicable to the poor Dissenters.
4.
⟨p. 319⟩
Arg. If this Name Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots, and Abominations of the Earth; doth not so fully and fitly agree to the Protestants, nor any other People, as it doth to Rome Papal, or Church of Rome. Then Rome Papal, or Church of Rome (and not the Protestants, &c.) is Mystery Babylon, the Mother of Harlots.
But this Name Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots, and Abominations of the Earth, doth not so fully and fitly agree to the Protestants, &c. as it doth to Rome Papal, or Church of Rome.
Ergo, Rome Papal (and not the Protestants) is Mystery Babylon, the Mother of Harlots.
XIII. This Mystery Babylon, Mother of Harlots, and Abominations of the Earth, is very drunken Company; for she not only makes others drunk with the Wine of her Fornication, and commits Adultery her self;
And I saw a Woman drunk with the Blood of the Saints, and the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus, and I wondred with great Admiration. |
XIII. Rome Papal, or Church of Rome, if she be guilty here, it is enough to make not only good Men, but even Angels wonder, to see a Woman pretending to be nobly descended, the Daughter to the great King of Heaven, the Spouse of the Lamb, the Mother of all Peace, Purity, Holiness, Innocency, Charity and Chastity; I say, to see a Woman by Profession, such a drunken beastly Strumpet in Works and Actions: and if Rome Papal, or Church of Rome be guilty in this point, she is the unhappiest Church in the World; for she then gives cause to every good Man in the World to abhor her, and indeed she hath very good luck if she scape this Charge; for if she be Mystery Babylon, the Mother of false Churches, and Abominations of the Earth, there is no avoiding, but she must be this drunken Strumpet. But because it is never safe judging a Cause before Trial and Examination of Witnesses, we will,
1. Consider what it is to be drunk.
2. What things do necessarily contribute to it.
3. The true and proper Signs of it.
4. Whether such things can be fixed upon Rome Papal, or Church of Rome? And then conclude this Head.
1. To be Drunk, is an excessive taking in of such Things, as disorder Nature in its Course and Operations. This we take to be a general Definition of it, including the Proper and Metaphorical Notations thereof.
2. Such things as necessarily contribute to it; are, (1.) Great and vehement Thirst: (2.) Plenty of the thing thirsted after. (3.) The greedy taking their fill of it.
3. The Signs of Drunkenness are. (1.) When the Faculties are so disordered, that they will not submit to the best Reason that can be given them. (2.) When they will abuse those whom they are most obliged to love and respect. (3.) When they have cast off all consideration of their own and others Good, and forbear no Mischief but what they are restrained from by force.
4. That these things are evident in the Church of Rome, and cannot be so fairly fixed upon her Opposites, or supposed Hereticks, appears:
1.
(3.) Where there hath since been a Protestant Seate or Kingdom, governed by Laws different from that of the Popish Countries, yet they have not made use of their Power and Laws, to take away the Lives of Papists meerly for Religion; and if it hath happened at any time, that some Ecclesiastical Persons have been put to Death by Protestants; it has been but very rare and seldom, and the Cause not for their Religion, but for Sedition, Rebellion and Treason: otherwise they have lived peaceably under Protestant Governours, enjoying their Civil Right in Common with other Men. And for the confirming of this, we make a Challenge to all Christendom to come forth and make it appear, Where England, Scotland, and Ireland, the Ʋnited Provinces, &c. since the Reformation, have, by Massacres, Murders, or Martyrdom, put one thousand, nay one hundred to Death of Men, Women and Children, only because they professed the Romish Religion, or any Religion different from theirs: so far have they been from making themselves Drunk with the Blood of Saints, and Religious Men. And if this cannot be done, then having brought our Character within the Confines of the Christian World, we must necessarily charge this Drunkenness, by Blood, upon the Church of Rome.
This Head we will conclude with the following Argument.
If no Sect of People in the Christian World be guilty of so much Blood, drunk with Blood, innocent Blood, Blood of Saints, as the Church of Rome is. Then the Church of Rome is this Woman, that St. John saw, to his great astonishment, Drunk, with the Blood of the Saints, and the Martyrs of Jesus.
But there is no Sect of People, &c. guilty of so much Blood, or Drunk with the Blood of Saints, &c.
Ergo, The Church of Rome is this Woman, &c.
