pp. 13–1821 passages
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.
The revelation of Jesus Christ, 1which God gave unto him, for to show unto his servants, things which must shortly come to pass: And he sent and showed by his angel unto his servant John, which bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Happy is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, & keep those things which are written therein. For the time is at hand.
THe reuelatiō of Iesu Christ, 1whiche God gaue vnto him, for to shew vnto his seruauntes, thinges whiche must shortly come to passe: And he sent and shewed by his aungell vnto his seruaunt Iohn, which bare recorde of the word af God, and of the testimony of Iesus Christ, and of all thinges that he sawe. Happy is he that readeth, and they that heare the wordes of the prophecie, & kepe those thinges which are written therin. For the time is at hand.
First is set the Title, or inscription of the whole work, that is, the Apocalypse, or revelation of Jesus Christ, which verily was opened or revealed by Christ Jesus him self.
First is set the Title, or inscription of the whole worke, that is, the Apocalipse, or reuelation of Iesus Christ, whiche verely was opened or reuealed by Christ Iesus him selfe.
This title straightway proveth,1 that this work is no mans invention, but a godly doctrine: As that which was opened by our Lord, king, and priest Jesus Christ, out of heaven, from the right hand of the father, executing there the office of the high Bishop, & as yet teaching us profitable things. and albeit it be called also the revelation of John, yet is it challenged ⟨p. 14⟩to him for none other cause, than for that as scribe he wrote and set it forth.
This title streightway proueth,1 that this worke is no mans inuention, but a godly doctrine: As that whiche was opened by our Lord, kyng, and priest Iesus Christ, out of heauen, from the right hand of the father, executing there the office of the high Byshop, & as yet teaching vs profitable thinges. and albeit it be called also the reuelatiō of Iohn, yet is it chalenged ⟨p. 14⟩to hym for none other cause, than for that as scribe he wrote and set it forth.
1Again it is yet more plainly declared, from whence this Revelation is: Even of God him self. For he sayeth, which God, namely the Father, gave unto him, to wit, to Christ. For in the holy and blessed Trinity, there is a distinction of persons. And albeit that all things of the father, be the sons also: And all things of the son, the fathers likewise: Yet the scripture mentioneth the father to give unto the Son, and the Son to receive of the Father.
1Againe it is yet more playnly declared, from whence this Reuelation is: Euen of God hym selfe. For he saieth, which God, namely the Father, gaue vnto hym, to wytte, to Christ. For in the holy and blessed Trinitie, there is a distinction of persones. And albeit that all thinges of the father, be the sonnes also: And all thynges of the sonne, the fathers lykewyse: Yet the scripture mentioneth the father to geue vnto the Sonne, and the Sonne to receyue of the Father.
Which thing all the ancient writers, have full Godly expounded, to be done by the mystery of dispensation. For the Son received somewhat of the Father, as man which otherwise as the very Son of God sayeth Father,1 glorify thou me with the glory which I had with thee, before this world was.
Whiche thynge all the auncient wryters, haue full Godly expounded, to be done by the mistery of dispensation. For the Sonne receyued somewhat of the Father, as man whiche otherwyse as the very Sonne of God sayeth Father,1 glorifie thou me with the glory which I had with thee, before this worlde was.
Moreover the Son is the wisdom, word, and mouth of the Father, by whom God in times paste and now, spake and speaketh to the Fathers, Prophets, Apostles, and to the universal church. The Father by dispensation gave to his Son this office, that he should be Bishop. For no man hath seen God at any time: The only begotten which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath revealed unto us. Let us know therefore, this same to be a Revelation Divine, which God the Father, loving mankind, hath revealed by the only Bishop Christ unto his Church. And so it joineth together the Father and the Son, that nevertheless the holy distinction of persons remaineth safe.
Moreouer the Sonne is the wysdome, word, and mouth of the Father, by whome God in tymes paste and nowe, spake and speaketh to the Fathers, Prophetes, Apostles, and to the vniuersall churche. The Father by dispensation gaue to his Sonne this office, that he should be Byshop. For no man hath sene God at any tyme: The only begotten whiche is in the bosome of the Father, he hath reuealed vnto vs. Let vs knowe therfore, this same to be a Reuelation Diuine, whiche God the Father, louynge mankynde, hath reuealed by the only Byshop Christ vnto hys Churche. And so it ioyneth together the Father and the Sonne, that neuerthelesse the holy distinction of persones remayneth safe.
1Now also is added, to what end God the Father hath revealed, or given the gift of revealing, to wit, the office of priesthood, to his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: to the intent verily that the same being revealed, he might show it, and as it were set it before the eyes of his servants, to wit, his worshippers, and Christians, which are called the servants of God for their willing obedience. And as the servant of a Lord is a servant, and oweth to his Lord all that he hath, or is worth: So we owe unto God our selves whole, and all ours, or else we be free, and not bound.
1Nowe also is added, to what ende God the Father hath reuealed, or geuen the gyft of reuealing, to wytte, the office of priesthod, to his Sonne, our Lorde Iesus Christ: to the intent verely that the same beyng reuealed, he myght shewe it, and as it were set it before the eyes of his seruauntes, to wytte, his worshippers, and Christians, which are called the seruauntes of God for theyr wyllyng obedience. And as the seruaunt of a Lorde is a seruaunt, and oweth to his Lord all that he hath, or is worth: So we owe vnto God our selues whole, and all ours, or els we be free, and not bounde.
Here is also declared, unto whom this revelation is opened:1 To all the servants of God. If therefore thou be glad to be called the servant of God, hear this book, and remember it: And know that this book is prepared for thee of God.
Here is also declared, vnto whom this reuelation is opened:1 To all the seruauntes of God. If therfore thou be glad to be called the seruaunt of God, heare this boke, and remember it: And knowe that this boke is prepared for thee of God.
After he compriseth in few words,1 what Christ revealed to John, things that must shortly come to pass. The destinies therefore of the Church are recited, what good and evil things shall happen to the Godly, and likewise what punishments must be inflicted to the wicked.
After he compryseth in fewe wordes,1 what Christe reuealed to Iohn, thynges that must shortly come to passe. The destenies therfore of the Churche are recited, what good and euyll thynges shall happen to the Godly, and lykewyse what punysshementes must be inflicted to the wicked.
And let no man gather of this word, must, necessity, as though God wrought not freely:1 Or that the wicked did evil, not through their own fault, but by Gods compulsion. Good things must be done, because God willingly binding him self to us by his promise, can not but do that he doeth and promiseth: Nevertheless he worketh freely.
And let no man gather of this woorde, must, necessitie, as though God wrought not freely:1 Or that the wycked dyd euyll, not through their owne faulte, but by Gods compulsion. Good thynges must be done, bycause God wyllyngly byndyng hym selfe to vs by hys promesse, can not but doe that he doeth and promyseth: Neuerthelesse he worketh frely.
Good things must be done in the Godly, for because the nature of grace and faith is such, like as the property of ungodliness is to contemn and transgress. Wherefore they must also be punished. And because the world is such, as it is, there must needs be Heresies and calamities innumerable. And he sayeth these things must shortly be done that are revealed, for because certain things began in the very time of S. John. And although many things are found to be done a thousand years after,1 yet sayeth the Apostle saint Peter. A thousand years before the Lord, be as it were yesterday. Therefore this Revelation appertaineth to the times of the primitive and last Church: And declareth what things so ever shall happen unto it till the last judgement. Yea and how it shall reign for ever.
Good thynges must be done in the Godly, for bycause the nature of grace and faith is suche, lyke as the propertie of vngodlines is to contemne and transgresse. Wherfore they must also be punysshed. And bycause the worlde is suche, as it is, there must needes bee Heresies and calamities innumerable. And he sayeth these thynges must shortly be done that are reuealed, for bycause certen thynges began in the very tyme of S. Iohn. And although many thynges are founde to be doone a thousande yeares after,1 yet sayeth the Apostle saynt Peter. A thousande yeares before the Lorde, be as it were yesterday. Therfore this Reuelation apperteyneth to the tymes of the primatiue and last Churche: And declareth what thynges so euer shal happen vnto it tyll the last iudgement. Yea and howe it shall reigne for euer.
Moreover the manner of revealing is also touched.1 For Christ revealed those things, sending by his Angel, or his Angel sent forth, unto whom he gave in commandment what he should say and do. Whereupon this Angel is after also called Christ, because he represented the person of Christ. Therefore must not the Angel in this book, but Christ always be considered, the true Author of all these things. And in deed the Divinity ⟨p. 16⟩of Christ is here commended unto us, what time we hea• that Christ is the Lord of angels. Whereof S. Paul to the Hebrews hath reasoned more at large.2 Moses in the .xii.• Numbers setteth forth chiefly three manners of prophesying or revelation.3 First by vision, of the which sort many are • scribed to Daniel, one notable to S. Peter in the .x. of th• Acts, and likewise to S. Paul. And into this form Infer also the Apocalypse. Secondly by dream: of the which sort were those of Pharaoh and Nabuchodonozer kings whereof Joseph and Daniel were interpreters.4 The Prophet Joel in the second chapter, mentioneth of visions and dreams. For in the new Testament also there be very many holy and prophetical dreams. Last of all Moses rehe• seth a skilful exposition, as many were made to Moses▪ to the Apostles. Into whose fellowship the Apocalypse cometh after a sort also, where visions are openly expounde• Here appeareth the unspeakable goodness of God, which […] many ways procureth and worketh our salvation, and s• pleasantly prepared offereth it unto us to enjoy. Unhappy is he, that knoweth not these things.
Moreouer the maner of reuealyng is also touched.
1Besides this, much mention is made unto whom Chris• hath opened this divine and most excellent revelation, eu• to John. He commendeth him, that is himself (for so was i• expedient for the confuting of his adversaries, seeing that Pau• also many times maintained his authority against the fal• Apostles) by four Epithets. For first he calleth himself th• servant of Christ. This is the eldest and noblest title, which the fathers, Prophets, and Apostles have used. For they b• addict and consecrate to God. Secondly John testified th• word of God amongst the Apostles, most expressly declaring the divinity of Christ, especially where he testified & said In the beginning was the word.2 &c. Moreover he testifie• the witness of Jesus Christ: Under the which name the Lord• himself in the Gospel, and S. John in the .xii. chapt. of his Gospel, comprised the whole Evangelical doctrine. And was a seeing witness of all these things. For in the first Chapter we have seen, saith he, his glory. And in the .xix. Chapter he saw water and blood gush out of the Lords side. In his Epistle,3 that we have seen, saith he, and have heard. &c.
1Besides this, much mencion is made vnto whome Chris• hath opened this diuine and most excellent reuelation, eu• to Iohn. He commendeth hym, that is himself (for so was i• expedient for the confuting of his aduersaries, seing yt Pau• also many tymes mainteined his authoritie against the fal• Apostles) by foure Epithetes. For first he calleth himself th seruaunt of Christ. This is the eldest and noblest title, whic the fathers, Prophetes, and Apostles haue vsed. For they b addicte and consecrate to God. Secondly Iohn testified th worde of God amongst the Apostles, most expressely declaring ye diuinitie of Christ, especially where he testified & said In the beginning was the worde.
Aretas noteth, that in certain Greek copies is added, that which is had also in the Greek copy of Spain. And what things soever he hath heard, and what so ever be, and what so ever must be done after this.
Aretas noteth, that in certen Greke copies is added, that whiche is had also in the Greke copie of Spayne. And what thinges soeuer he hath heard, and what so euer be, and what so euer must be done after this.
That same John therefore is author of this book,1 which as he saw the Lord in flesh upon earth, so he saw the same in spirit revealing these things in heaven: and propoundeth to the church sights most certain and sure. This John was that beloved disciple of the Lord, which in the last supper, rested upon his breast, unto whom in his last will he bequeathed his mother on the cross, one virgin to another.
That same Iohn therfore is authour of this boke,1 whiche as he sawe the Lorde in flesh vpon earth, so he sawe the same in spirite reuealing these thinges in heauen: and propoundeth to the churche sightes most certen and sure. This Iohn was that beloued disciple of the Lord, whiche in the last supper, rested vpon his breste, vnto whom in his last will he bequeathed his mother on the crosse, one virgin to another.
He alone stood by at the altar of the cross when Christ died: witness of the true death, and of our purification. He lived till the time of the Emperor Trajan, which thing Eusebius in his chronicles citeth out of Ireney, in the noting of the year from the birth of Christ an hundred and three. Dorotheus a most ancient writer, affirmeth ye John lived .vi. score years.
He alone stode by at the aultar of the crosse whē Christ died: witnes of the true death, and of our purification. He lyued til the tyme of the Emperour Traiane, which thing Eusebius in his cronicles citeth out of Ireney, in the noting of ye yeare from the birth of Christ an hondreth and thre. Dorotheus a most aūcient wryter, affirmeth ye Iohn liued .vi. score yeares.
Last is touched also the profit of this godly work or revelation,1 that hereby the readers and hearers might be provoked to diligence. Where this book is called also a prophecy. For this book by reason of the telling before of things to come, is the prophecy, of the new Testament: Moreover a prophecy, that is an exposition,2 which openeth and and expoundeth the old Prophets. And promiseth blessedness to the readers, hearers, and keepers of the things that are written in this book. Blessedness comprehendeth the benefits of the life present, so far forth as the Lord permitteth them to the godly: but chiefly of the life to come. If the profit of this book hath been also spoken before in the first Sermon. And mark, that it is not enough to read or hear this book. It must be performed in deed, and kept diligently.
Last is touched also the profit of this godly worke or reuelation,1 that hereby the readers and hearers might be prouoked to diligence. Where this boke is called also a prophecie. For this boke by reason of the telling before of thinges to come, is the prophecie, of the newe Testament: Moreouer a prophecie, that is an exposition,2 whiche openeth and and expoundeth the olde Prophetes. And promiseth blessednes to the readers, hearers, and kepers of the things that are wrytten in this boke. Blessednes comprehendeth the benefites of the life present, so farre forth as the Lorde permitteth them to the godly: but chiefly of the lyfe to come. If the profit of this boke hath bene also spoken before in the first Sermon. And marke, that it is not enough to reade or heare this boke. It must be perfourmed in dede, and kept dilligently.
For the Lord said also in the Gospel: Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it. They therefore that shall frame their life after this book, are happy. For both they fly the seducing of Antichrist, abide in the faith of Christ, & live for ever more. &c.
For the Lord sayd also in the Gospell: Blessed are they that heare the word of God and kepe it. They therfore that shall frame their lyfe after this boke, are happie. For both they flie the seducing of Antichriste, abide in the faith of Christ, & liue for euer more. &c.
And he finisheth the Title with an acclamation, by the which he moveth the hearers exceedingly: For the time is at hand, as though he should say: Let no man think here, ⟨p. 18⟩that strange things, and the which concern him noth•• are told here, which shall come to pass at length after ma• worlds, they belong to every one of us. For they be wr• ten of matters that chiefly concern us, and even of our o• affairs. So showeth he that this book is profitable for a worlds, men, & ages. God the father by his Son teach• profitable things, and admonishing time enough and dew season, be praised world without end. Amen.
And he finisheth the Title with an acclamation, by the whiche he moueth the hearers exceadingly: For the tyme is at hande, as thouge he should saie: Let no man thinke here, ⟨p. 18⟩that straunge thinges, and the which concerne him noth•• are tolde here, which shal come to passe at length after ma• worldes, they belong to euery one of vs. For they be wr• ten of matters that chiefly concerne vs, and euen of our o• affaires. So sheweth he that this booke is profitable for a worldes, men, & ages. God the father by his sonne teach• profitable thinges, and admonishing tyme enough and dewe season, be praysed worlde without end. Amen.
