A prophesy THAT HATH lain HID, ABOVE THESE 2000 years. WHEREIN IS DECLARED ALL THE MOST PRINCIPAL matters that hath fallen out, in, and about the Civil and Ecclesiastical Monarchy of Rome, from the rising of julius Caesar, to this present: and which are to be done from hence to the destruction of it, and what shall ensue after that. AS The lives and deaths of the Emperors. The rising of the Ecclesiastical Monarchy. The story of the greatest enemies of them both with many other notable accurrences concerning GERMANY, FRANCE, and SPAIN. With the invasion of the Kings of the EAST. LONDON, Printed for NATHANIEL FOSBROOKE, and are to be sold at the West-end of Paul's Near to the Bishop of London's gate, 1610. To the Reader. Dear Christian Reader, think it not strange I pray thee, that Esdras the Scribe and Prophet of the Lord (in the principallest of his books) should be so little regarded: Dani. 12.6.7.8 9.10. for Daniel the Prophet, prophesying of these times, foretelling the wonders that should come to pass in them, sayeth, Esdras 12 37.38 That none of the wicked should have understanding, but the wise shall understand: And therefore was Esdras commanded to wright those vision which he saw in a Book and hide them, & teach them the wise of the people, whose hearts he knew were able to comprehend the ways of the highest: for as god himself doth not show his secrets to the unwise, Psal. 25.14. so no more would he have the wise to whom he showeth them) to teach them but to the wise, lest the unwise, not being capable, should spurn and bark against it: wherefore he sayeth, Math. 7 6. give not holy things to dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before the Swine. etc. And as wisdom is justified of her Children, Math. 11.19. only because it is wisdom, and for no other respect, so the unwise resist it, because their tongues cannot taste it, nor their stomachs digest it, 1. Cor. 2 14.15. it being heavenly and they earthly, who judge things by earthly reason. Therefore hath God seen it good to lock up, and hide his treasures and richest jewels, in most secret places, that the diligent searchers for wisdom might only find them out, and that fools might be fools as they please to be, Prou. 2.3.4.5. though wise in their own conceits. The Book of Wisdom which hath it name according to it nature; who knoweth not with what vehemency it is resisted, although it be the very flood of salomon's wisdom. If john, The greatest that was borne of women, Math. 11 and Christ his Lord the bridegroom, were judged (of the unwise children) to be possessed of devils, what marvel though Solomon and Esdras with other prophets and righteous men, be blasphemously dealt withal? But the principal cause pretended is, for that it was not found compiled with other scriptures in the Hebrew tongue, for which cause they may aswell exclude some part of Daniel, and the greatest part of the new Testament: but they say it is full of lies, and was never canonized: darest thou say so? Because the wisdom of the unwise never cannonized it, did the children of wisdom therefore never approve it? If all be current that hath been canonized, Then many devils shall go to heaven, & much falsehood shall stand for truth: and if all be lies that is not canonized, than much truth shall perish, and many Saints go to hell: For some of the Epistles of the Apostles, As the second Epistle of Peter, and the two last Epistles of john, james, and judes Epistles were for a long time not received generally, and many hundred Saints were never canonized, By the Church of Rome. whereas many unclean liars and murderers were: and darest thou blaspheme the truth and accuse it of lies for these causes? If Charity did rule thy heart, and wisdom govern thy mind, thou wouldst labour to reconcile it with the other scriptures, which, if men be so disposed, they may also cavil against. But let men take heed what they do, let them not condemn that they know not, nor call that a lie which they understand not. If I should say Saint john spoke unadvisedly, when he sayeth, john 21.25. (There are also many things that jesus did, which if they had been all written, I suppose the world could not contain the books) did I not belie the holy Apostle? If time prove that to be of God which I in my ignorant boldness, blaspheme and speak against, shall I escape unpunished by that truth? let me therefore take heed and fear, and as I may not take upon me to affirm that I know not, so let me take heed that I condemn not that which I conceive not; especially such holy writings wherein such great wisdom doth consist, least for a words sake that I understand not, I deprive myself of a great benefit that I might enjoy. For if time prove it to be of God (as sure it will) what shall I then excuse myself withal? was not the Revelation of Saint john doubted of (by many) a great while, & is it not now received as a most divine Prophecy,? So shall it be f●●nd in time, that none of all the Prophets of old, did excel this Prophet Esdras, nor see more secrets, nor prophecy more plainly of jesus Christ, and of the mysteries of the Gospel than he. And also greater wisdom is not to be found in all Salomons writings, then is in the book of Wisdom so much condemned, why should we not justify the truth for it own sake, and not shake it off, and take it up, upon such cold and weak occasions? If the majesty and truth of the other Scriptures did not plead for itself, Time also bringing forth all the Hebrues, Grecians, Latinists, and Cannonisers in the world could never make it good therefore let truth speak, and wisdom utter her voice, and let time bring forth as they have ever done, and forbidden them not, and if thou be one of wisdoms children, receive it. And although there be too many that doth take upon them to discover prophecies, whose falsehoods time will discover, yet there is a work which is of God, and that shall stand maugre the spite of all it enemies: and let them that dare so boldly rage and rail against it, know, that when the day doth declare it, they shall be ashamed, and wish they had held their tongues. Thus I thought good to advertise thee by the way, least at the first sight of envied Esdras, thou shouldst be dismayed: Envied (I say) by envious spirits, but approved of God and of his holy ones. I will say no more for him at this time, he is at hand, let him now speak for himself. FINIS. The contents of the Prophecy. 1 THe lives and deaths of the Emperors. 2. The rising of the Ecclesiastical Monarchy. 3. The story of the greatest enemies of them both, with their principal actions, and of their overthrow and ends. 4. Of the three kingdoms, Germany, France and Spain, Rooms long approoned trusty friends, and their several ends & destruction. 5. And how that Room shall be burnt with fire, and when: 6. The earth refreshed, and Israel restored to life. 7. The coming down of the Turk and his Army upon Christendom, till fire come down from heaven upon them. jerem: 20.10. For I have heard the railings of many, and how they watch for my halting, saying, it may be that he is deceived. A DISCOVERYE OF A prophesy. Esdras 4. Chap 11. Then I saw a dream. Verse. 1 AFTER this, the Prophet saw a vision, concerning the beginning, continuance, & fall of th'Empire and supremacy of Rome. And this vision was showed him in the days of Artaxerxes King of Persia, about 400. years before the first stone of her Empire was laid. Iu. Cesar. And behold, there arose from the Sea an Eagle. And there arose among the Nations, the fierce and fearful Kingdom and Empire of Rome, seen in vision by the Prophet Daniel, some few years before. Which had 12. feathered wings. Wherein should arise and reign 12. Emperors, which should spread their power like wings over all the earth, in great fear sitting on it. And it seemed good unto the Prophet to touch by an intellection these 12. only, both for they are a Iewrye sufficient to argue the whole suit of Emperors which did arise & reign in her: as also because they only were native Romans, descended of the julij, Seruij, Saluij, Flavij, etc. unlike therein unto the rest, which were all (or almost all) like changeable stuff of divers colours, so of divers Nations. Their rising, continuance, and end, is touched in their proper place. And three heads. Her three heads are three Kingdoms, foreordained to uphold and maintain the power of her pride, when all her wings and feathers should fail her. And are reserved to execute her last will, and finish her funerals, as shallbe hereafter more at full declared. Verse. 2 And I saw, and behold, she spread her wings over all the earth, & all the winds of the air gathered themselves and blew on her. By the winds, are meant her prosperous and happy success in all her proceed. And of necessity it must go well with her, whom every wind doth blow to good. Witness the limits of her territories, from Ganges to Gades, and from the Scythian Sea unto the Cape of Hope: as testifieth one of her own, which saith: that she extended her tents, to the borders of the Ocean, and the fear of her name unto the heavens. Verse. 3 And I saw, that out of her feathers grew up other contrary feathers, but they became little feathers and small. And the Prophet saw, that among the Princes and governors which ruled in her, there arose and grew up certain Kings, which were contrary unto her, marking such as intended to root up the crown and dignity of her Empire, to plant themselves therein, & their house for ever. But their thoughts prevailed not, for as the verse concludeth, their power waned, and they perished like the rest: what those contrary Kings were; their number, names, attempts and end, shallbe delivered in their place. Verse. 4 But her heads rested, and the head in the midst was greater than th'other heads, yet rested it with them. But the three kingdoms fore-apointed t'accomplish & finish the wickedness of this great City, were quiet and at rest, as not yet (during the reign of her feathers) conceived and brought forth. And the Prophet observed that th'oue of those Kings was greater in power then both his fellows, yet rested it with them. Concerning these three Kings, their names, their greatness, and all that appertaineth, shall be spoken in due place. Verse. 5 Then I saw, and behold, the Eagle flew with her feathers, and reigned upon earth and over them that dwelled therein. Verse. 6 And I saw that all things under heaven were subject unto her, and no man spoke against her, no not one creature upon earth. And the Prophet beheld, that this proud city flew with her Emperors and Legions over all her neighbours, subjecting all the dwellers on earth under her, in such sort, as there was not a Nation or People to be found under heaven, that was not either rooted out by her, or enforced to receive their Governors from her. Verse. 7 And I saw that the Eagle stood up upon her claws, and spoke to her feathers saying: Verse. 8 Watch not altogether, sleep every one in his own place, and watch by course. Verse. 9 But let the heads be preserved for the last. And the Prophet observed, that this powerful City, in the days wherein (overgorged with pride) she stood upon terms of her counsel and arms, took such order (for in evil she was very methodical) that her Kings and Kaysers, should neither sleep nor watch, that is neither perish nor rule all at once, but rise in a successive course, as in the verses following is manifested. And she further commanded that the three last Kingdoms, ordained to conclude the number of her sins, should take their ease and not awake, till their time appointed. Verse. 10 Nevertheless, I saw that the voice went not out of her heads but from the midst of her body. As he that undertakes a dangerous leap doth first retire, the better to advance his strength: so to bond fairly over the dacke understanding of these words, we must of necessity look back & carry before us the true birth and perfect nature of this Empire: which the Prophet Daniel in his vision designeth under the form of a ten-horned beast, signifying thereby, that it should be a power upheld by a succession of many Kings: for the horns betoken Kings, and the number of 10. comprehends all, be they never so many, as all numbers are contained under 10. or made of their reduplication be they never so infinite. And addeth further, that his teeth were of iron, his nails of brass, inferring thereby, the unresistible force of his legions and Leaders. And proceeding saith, that there arose amongst his Kings, one of an exceeding strange nature, signifying by that one, a strange race and succession of Princes, far differing in shape and form of regiment from all their predecessors, obtaining dominion not by iron teeth and brazen nails, as did th' Emperors which arose before them, but by deceit and by a mouth which spoke presumptuous things against the most High, blaspheming his name, his Tabernacle, & them that dwell in heaven, who by a hidden & unknown force, should subdue the third part of the world, meaning, all Europe with her Princes. By which delineation, it is evident, that the holy-Ghost accounteth the challenged prerogative & supremacy of Rome, all one power, all one Empire, whether it obtain the spoil by force, or by fraud, that is, by power of Emperors, or craft of Popes, Cham 7.24 who should be far unlike them, as Daniel himself saith: And he shall be unlike to the first. Meaning in form of claiming, obtaining & maintaining jurisdiction, not in pride, purpose and determination. So as we may behold such an unlikely likeness between them, as was between the two Sisters, of whom it is said, — facies non omnibus una, nec diversa tamen, qualem decet esse Sororum. And thus much concerning the Prophet daniel's description of the Empire of Rome: whence we note, that the same power which Daniel there describeth by a beast with horns, teeth and nails: our Prophet here doth delineate by an Eagle, with wings, feathers and heads: whose imperial wings after they were so clipped, as she could no longer fly over all in her proper colours, and style of Roma triomfante: devised how by deceit she might uphold her throne (for to be high was all her care) and found nothing so fit as to disguise herself, & challenge prelation under the mask of Roma la Santa. And this is it which this Verse teacheth, that when the sinful City saw her feathers so plucked, as the fear of her arms and forces, might no longer fly into all kingdoms, commanding them under the pain of Imperium Romanum: Lying by means of this distress, very weak and in danger of falling, her counsel and body politic, devised by lies and witchcraft (wherein was all her pleasure from her youth) to restore the supremacy and honour of her name, under the colour of Ecclesia Dei. Wherein this race of presumptuous horns excelled the sin of all the horns that foretime ruled in her, for they, as in whom Satan dwelled but literally, did but in open hostility fight against the highest, setting before him a god made of a wicked man, whose father's blood crieth out for vengeance night and day, whose bedfellow was & Soror & coniux, and whose wife was id quod dicere nolo. But this race of presumptuous and deceitful Kings, as in whom Satan dwelleth spiritually, in a hidden treasure of blasphemy, sets up the Highest against himself, and under the visar of the Church, and the name of God, blasphemeth his Sanctuary, and the Lord thereof. No marvel then, though she and Zion be at odds, for as gold can body itself with any metal liquifiable, latten excepted, which notwithstanding in outward face and show of all metals is most like unto it: so, no Church is more capital enemy to the true Church, than she, who in outward gesture, grace and countenance, is likest like the chaste and virgin spouse, and is indeed a whore. Verse. 11 Then I numbered her contrary feathers, and behold they were eight of them. In the third verse of this Chapter, the Prophet made mention of these contrary feathers, which in their thoughts conspired to raise their house with the ruins of Rome. And here proceedeth more particularly to declare their number, foretelling there should be eight of them, whom we will here call out by name that if occasion serve, we may the better know them. The first were Mestgothes, under the leading of Alaricus. The second Hunns, whose King was Attalas. The third Vandals, their head, Genserick. The fourth Odoacer. The fift East-gothes, their chief, Theodorick. The sixth Totilas, bred in Spain, with such followers as for those times that Country yielded. The seventh Longobards, with their guide Alboinus. The eight and last, a home conspiracy, more to be feared (as all included diseases are most dangerous) then all the rest. And although many others besides these, as Radagaise, the Alani now called Almans, the Burgonians conducted by Gundibald, the Vngers, Saracens, etc. were all in their time as costly enemies to the Empire as some of these, yet none did humble the great City, the mother of wickedness but these eight only. And therefore the rest may not be allowed to sit at this table, but may serve to justify the judgement of the Beast, which was thus wounded again and stricken of all, as she had wounded and stricken all. And if in reading doubt arise, how these eight feathers may be contrary to the Eagle, that is, resisters of her power and dominion, and yet be feathers of the Eagle, that is, maintainers of the same: The answer is, that they were adversaries and contrary unto her, as she stood upon terms of Imperium orbis terrae: but after she had changed her copy, and claimed supremacy under the cloak of Mater Ecclesia, they were for the most maintainers of her pride, and became drunk also with her worship, as other Kings and Princes of th'earth. And thus much for their number, and names, their several attempts, their prosperities and end, shallbe presented in their place. Verse. 12 After this I saw, and behold upon the right side there arose one feather, and reigned over all the earth. This feather here described is the first of the twelve, namely julius Caesar, who (like an ill interpreter) translated Senatum Populumque Romanum, into Caesarem Augustum. Whose Image, which in this verse is so lively resembled, consisteth of 2. features: the first, showeth the manner of his rising, in these words. And behold, upon the right side there arose one feather. Which serve in stead of art, to discover the very true lines, and cast of his happiness. For the house of Cornelij was as eloquent as he, and Marius doubtless as good a leader as he, and Catiline as nobly borne as he, and all these arose t'invade the commonwealth, and to translate it into a Kingdom as well as he, but none of them rose on the right side but he. And thus much for the manner of this speech; so we take this withal, that these words (right side) in their natural and proper intent, do signify (as through all this Chapter) the surest and strongest side. The second feature in this resemblance to be observed, is his power, set forth in these words. And he reigned over all the earth. For after he had subdued France, broken the heart of Germany, made his name known to England, be returned into Italy, overthrew the great Protector of the liberty Sr. Pompey and his host, in the fields of Pharsalie. And like the fire of heaven (as one of her Pocts saith) with such celerity drew after the relics of that strike faction, both in Africa & Spain, that in two years space he brought to pass, that neither city nor creature durst open against him: which done, he ascended into Italy, and took upon him as Lord thereof, triumphing in the spoils of the world, and the blood of his Country. And knowing that the name of a King (which he so much affected) was odious to the quality and nature of that People: invaded the government under the mask of a perpetual Dictator, preserving thereunder (for he was wise above all the feathers) some hope of recovering their late slain liberty, but indeed establishing a kingdom from which it could never redeem itself again. Verse. 13 And when it had reigned the end of it came, and the place thereof appeared no more. But this new-born prosperity (as is the nature of all this worlds felicity) lasted but a while; for in the third year of his Dictatorship, he was slain in the Senate, by the conspiration of 24. of whom the most both in his own (so dangerous is the name of trust) and other men's opinions, were thought his chiefest friends. And thus was this feather blown away, after it had enjoyed his pleasure 56. years, and reigned 3. A man for letters, arms and counsel, famous far above all his succeeders, and in discreet bounty, and Princely clemency (rare virtues in such a fortune) without controversy, surpassing all Princes made of earth. Verse. 14 So the next stood up and reigned, and it continued a long time, but after it had reigned his end also came, and as the first it appeared no more. Next after him arose Octavius, the adopted son of julius: otherwise also near him in blood, as being the son of his niece Accia, who having taken revenge upon the murderers of his father, and obtained in all his wars, foreign and at home: triumphed Lord over all, adding to his father's pomp (which he had bought so dear) the honours of Parens Patriae, and Augustus. And this feather continued (as the Prophet saw) a long time, for it reigned Triumuir with Anthony and Lepidus two years, and as Duumuir with Anthony alone ten year, and then devouring his fellow in a Sea-fight at Actium, reigned all alone 44. years. But after it had reigned, his end also came, and as the Prophet concludeth) he descended like the first, and appeared no more. For by the treason of Livia his wife, impatient to tarry th'enthronizing of her son (as is the nature of ambition the nearer the goal, the faster it runs) his lingering soul was taken from him at Nola, in the 70. and sixth year of his transgression, when he had reigned 20. less. Verse. 15 Then there came a voice unto it, and said. Verse. 16 Hear thou that hast kept the earth so long, this I say unto thee, before thou beginst t'appear no more. Verse. 17 There shall none after thee attain unto thy time, nor yet to the half thereof. That we may know there is no God like unto the Highest, who only holdeth the measures and times of all things in his hand, the Prophet foreshoweth, that none of the twelve should continue like to Octavius, nor yet attain unto half his time: which according to the word of the Lord was accomplisbed: for his son Tiberius of all the rest reigned longest, and longer by eight years then any of the rest, and yet could not attain to half the time of his father, which descended before him. That God only might be honoured in all his works, and justified when he speaketh. Verse. 18 Then arose the third, and reigned as th'other afore, and it appeared no more also. Then stepped up Tiberius, and reigned in great abomination, as did his fathers before him, but after a while he descended also, and appeared no more. He all his skill in sortilege and wisdom mathematical, whereunto he had sold himself from his youth, could either foretell or forewarn him of Caius his nephew, by whom he was poisoned, in the 70. and 8. year of his mortality, and three and twentieth of his reign. Verse. 19 And so came it to all th'others, one after an other, so that every one reigned, and then appeared no more. In like sort (saith the Prophet) did all the rest which of the 12. remained, successively rise, reign, and perish. Of whom the first, Caligula. in blasphemy excelling, was murdered by the Captain of his guard, after he had sat in the chair of the scornful 29. years, and in the throne of his fathers almost 4. The second, only wise in evil, Claudius. was poisoned by his incestuous wife his niece Agrippina, in the 64. year of his filthiness, and 14. of his reign. The third, Nero. a monster, deformed in life, in marriage, and end: his life scornful to the height of his fathers, his marriage thrice more detestable, his end more unnatural than any of theirs: for after he had reigned in sin fourteen years, and sin in him eighteen more, fell by his own sword into the grave of his fathers, and in him descended the house of the julij. The fourth was of an other extraction, Galba. but not of a better, descended of the ancient family of the Sulpitij, rose up late, but perished early: for he was 60. and 3. years old before he tasted the Empire, which he got and lost in 7. months. The fifth likewise of a new house, Otho. but of the old building, got possession by the blood of his Predecessor, and by spilling his own in three months and odd days, lost it again, after he had walked in the abomination of his fathers, eight and thirty years. The sixth also, Vitellius. was new and old, in nothing (save gluttony) excelling his fellows, in life and death like filthy: descended in the eight month of his tyranny, after he had wearied himself in the pleasures of Caprineum (where first his youth was branded) 7. and 50. years. After him arose the seventh, Vespasian. who bought the crown with the blood of his M. and ware it in base covetousness ten years, but then was likewise blown down, having fulfilled the pleasures of 59 more. The eight was he which executed the vengeance due to the great murderers, Titus. the earthly Jerusalem: who in the 40. year of his pleasure, after he had reigned 2. years and so many months, was also blown down, not without the suspected treason of his brother, and successor. The ninth and last, Domitian and (if it were possible) the worst of all, who after he had reigned in the lust of his Fathers 15. years, and lived therein 30. more, was murdered by the Gentlemen of his chamber, and beaten down after the rest which descended before him. So that every one of them (as this verse Prophesied) reigned, and then appeared no more. Verse. 20 Then I looked and behold in process of time, the feathers that followed stood up on the right side, that they might rule also, & some of them ruled, but within a while they appeared no more. And the Prophet observed and saw (after the twelve were descended) the Emperors that followed to rise, that they might rule also; and as many of them as rose on the right side, that is: in the strength and power of the twelve, did in their place (according to the proclamation published in the eight verse) spread their wings and reign also, as Nerua. trajan. Adrian. Antoninus. Marcus. Commodus. Pertinax. julian. Severus. Caracalla. Macrinus. Heliogabalus. Alexander. Maximinus. And the rest, to the third Valentinian. In whose days, the power of the Eagle was so wounded, by th'incursion and saccage of the two first contrary feathers, that she could never after recure herself again but lay sick and kept the chamber some ten generations, which also lasted but twice so many years, to the rising of Momillus in whom descended all that was left of the Empire, name, and tittle for ever. So that all the feathers which the Prophet beheld in process of time to follow the 12. and in their strength, their sin and cruelty, to defile the earth: namely from Domitian, to the third Valentinian, were 50. and 3. Kings. All which in a while (as this verse concludeth) vanished like the 12. and appeared no more. Verse. 21 And some of them were set up, but ruled not. As, Vindex. Piscenius Niger. Albinus. Diadumenus. Maximus. Balbinus. 30. tyrants. Firmus. Saturninus. Proculus. Bonosus. Aper. Eugenius. Quintillus. Rufinus. Constantinus non Magnus. Heraclianus, and others, as in the description of times, may more plainly appear. Verse. 22 After this I looked, and behold, the twelve feathers appeared no more. Under the 12. wings or feathers (for both betoken one) are comprehended by an intellection (as in the first verse) all, which in the strength of the twelve followed, from Domitian to the third Valentinian, who perished in the year 455. after he had reigned 30. and lived 5. more. And thus according to promise made in the first verse, is presented a tragical succession of all the eagle's wings, from her first feather jul. Caesar, in whom the power of her pride began, to the third Valentinian, with whom it ended: who after they had showed themselves, and trodden down the earth 500 & 30. years, they departed for ever the stage of this world, and all their pomp and glory descended, and appeared no more. And here my pen like to the earth which being delivered from her oppressors, did thirst to be refreshed: so having overcome this part of her task, did think to and some ease, but in their hopes they are both deceived, for after the eagle's feathers descended, the sorrows of the earth increased more and more, and there arose (as seldom comes the better) a race of Sodomitical, and unnatural Kings, who under the visar of Successors to Peter, and vicar's to the Lamb, so far excelled the whoredoms of their fathers the Emperors (whose Vicars and Successors indeed they are) that they enforced the Highest, to pour his determined vengeance, upon the children of men. Who according to the judgement fore-denounced by his servant john, Revel. 16. Poured out his wrath upon the Sea, that it became like to the blood of the dead: that is to say, upon the great City and Empress of the world, by scourge after scourge (as how often and grievous in the view of her contrary feathers may appear) so at the the full avenging himself, that there was not a drop of Roman blood to be found on earth, these many hundredth years. And as the defection and uncleanness was general, so was the punishment: for (as the Apostle in the same chapter prophesieth) The wrath of the highest, Revel. 16 was poured out upon the rivers and fountains likewise, and they were turned into blood also, that is: upon all People and Nations whatsoever, in such sort, as there is not a kingdom this day on earth to be found, that hath not been (since the rising of the beast) cut down by sword, and yielded her stock to strange griffes, as by the bloody Registers of every particular Nation doth so clearly appear, as if it were written with the beams of the Sun. And as the days were evil above measure, so they exceeded in darkness & ignorance: that my pen hath no less trouble, to be delivered of the rest of her labour, than had the then-dwellers onearth, to endure the pains of their oppression and travel: but to take into my way again, the Prophet addeth. Nor the two wings. Figuring by the two wings, the two first contrary feathers, Alaricus, and Attalas. The first arose in the 19 of Honorius, predecessor to the third Valentinian: And was the first that slew the great City, the murderers of all the world, measuring her by famine, sword, and fire: according to the square whereby she had judged others almost 12. hundredth years. Which woeful end (or rather beginning of her woeful end) made a certain ancient friend of hers, bewailing the night wherein she was smitten, to cry, Hierom. Nocte Moab capta est, nocte cecidit murus eius, quis cladem illius noctis, quis funera fando explicet? And when this feather had thus trodden down the pride of the Eagle, in the year 410. a 1157. years after Romulus had raised her walls, with the blood of his brother: proceeded to rip up her bowels, spoiling and burning her principal parts, Latium, Campania, Apulia, Lucania, Calabria, where raging in his highest thoughts, devising now to spread his glory over all, was by sudden death blown away, and his place appeared no more. Th'other arose in the 27. of the third Valentinian, in greater fear than did the first, devouring at his entrance all that rest of Italy which Alaricus had left uneaten, Aquileia, Verona, Mantua, Cremona, Brixia, Concordia, with all the now territory of Venice: but by the cunning dealing of the deceitful King, whose name was then Pope Leo, was entreated to sell the great City, and to departed Italy, which he left as a waist, stinking in her fiery ruins, & so repassing the Danube, returned into his Scythia again: where the year following in top of his fullness, was in a night found strangled in his own blood, whereinto he was dissolved, by the intemperate use of a wedding feast, and a new spouse. And thus perished this son of Mundzuccus, the scourge of God, and terror of men (for so he called himself) and which not only the fires of Italy, but his very shape may well justify: for he is described a man of little stature, square set, great head, little eyes, thin haired, thinner bearded, a nose great and prominent, his colour foul and gypson-like. Verse. 23 And there was no more upon the eagle's body, but two heads that rested and six wings. And there were no more triumphing feathers to be found on her, for all her glorious power was descended to two weak and feeble heads, which for they reigned not in the strength of their predecessors, the Prophet daineth not to call ruling feathers, but resting heads. Martian. Th'one slept in th'east at Constantinople, whom Genserick the third contrary feather, not long before had dishonourably taken prisoner. Valentin. Th'other in the west at Ravenna, taken with such a Lethargy, that he neither heard nor felt the Massacre of Vngarie, committed by Hunns: nor the loud and pitiful cry of his chiefest Provinces, Spain and Africa, devoured by Goths and Vandals; nor the tears and deep lament of Gaul and Brittany, overflown with Franks and Angles, people from beyond the Rhine, who not only with their blood and posterity, but with their name also have stained both kingdoms to this day. So as the Prophet well concludeth, there was no more to be found upon the eagle's body, but these two drowsy heads, which refted, and six contrary feathers, viz. Genserique. 1 Odoacer. 2 Theodorick. 3 Totilas. 4 The Longobards. 5 And th' intestine faction. 6 of which, in the verses following. Verse. 24 Then saw I also, the two wings divided themselves from the six, and remained under the head that was upon the right side, but the four continued in their place. And the Prophet saw, that two of the six divided themselves in counsel & manner of proceeding, from th'other four: for whereas the four sought to be Lords of Rome in fee, resolving in their thoughts, t'extinguish the name and majesty of her Empire for ever, these 2. were of an other mind, for they agreed to remain under the countenance and favour of the Eagles right head, contented to wear a crown though with leave of it: meaning by the right head th'east Empire, so called, in regard it was far stronger in power then the west: whose broad-spreading honour (as in the verse foregoing) was now become a starveling, only his name and appellation continued some ten successions, viz. 1 Valentinian. 2 Maximus. 3 Auitus. 4 Maiorianus. 5 Severus. 6 Anthemius. 7 Olybrius. 8 Glycerius. 9 julius Nepos. 10 Momyllus. Which all also vanished (as before is touched) in 20. years. And the eagle's pomp which was at full in Augustus, was interred with Augustulus (for so was Momyllus called) and with him descended the name and title of Imperium Romanum for ever. And the two wings thus divided in policy from the four, were Genserick and Theodorick. Of which the first, trained into Italy by treason of the Empress, entered Rome 43. years after she had been humbled by the Goths, and led into captivity all her treasure, and (as is the fatal reward of such offenders (the traitress also herself. And after 14. days thus loaden, departed into his Africa again: wher-over he reigned in peace and pleasure 51. years. Th'other, having obtained of th'East-head the sceptre of Italy, according to his patent proceeded, and got it by Conquest from Odoacer. But after he had reigned thereover 30. years, descended also, leaving his fame and kingdom to his posterity, having fulfilled his pleasures two and forty more. But this counsel pleased not th'other 4. for as the verse concludeth, they remained in other thoughts: drifting in their place to rise and reign, without leave or licence of any. Verse. 25 So I looked, and behold, the under-winges thought to set up themselves, and to have the rule. And as the Prophet beheld the four contrary feathers which were left, he saw how they also strove in their hearts to establish themselves, but like a dream their purpose vanished, in the next immediate verses following. Verse. 26 Then was there one set up, but shortly it appeared no more. Then arose Odoacer, the first of the four: leading a people begotten in the bowels and inmost parts of the North, who hearing of the divided and weak estate of the Empire, was encouraged to move from beyond the Danube, in much fear and blood descended into Italy, slew her last Lord and Emperor Momyllus Augustulus, destroyed the name of her Consuler dignity, and blotted out for ever the memory of her holy Senate, the murderer of Romulus their first King, and julius their first kaiser: And not daring as base begotten, to put on the presence and style of an Emperor (which name this feather fatally resisted) contented himself with the title of King of Italy. But his glory endured not, for after he had reigned eighteen years, Theodorick (as in the 24. verse) took his kingdom from him by force, and his life by fraud: and he descended, and appeared no more. Verse. 27 And the second, was sooner gone then the first. After him arose Totilas the second feather of the four, by birth a Spaniard, by blood a West-gothe, (whose fearful fires burn in Rome to this day) but these days were more in trouble, and (as the Prophet foresaw) in number fewer than Odoacers: from his first rising always in arms, and after many hopes and as many despairs, was at last put to flight by Narses, whom the East head had made governor of Italy, and flying was wounded so deadly, that assoon as he got his Inn he lost his life, after he had worn the crown (if to fight for a crown be to wear a crown) 11. years. Verse. 28 Then I beheld, and lo the two that remained, did think also in themselves to reign. So as of all th'eight, there remained but the Longobards, and th' intestine faction: which thought also in themselves to reign. The first inflamed by the letters of Narses, and with the goodness of Italy, left their northern dens, and like a fearful storm fell down upon it, and in two years overthrew it, crowning their leader Alboinus, King thereof at Milan: who after he had spread himself over the great City, and over all her Italy three years and a half, was murdered by the treason of Rosimond his wife, leaving his kingdom but not his honour to his successors, who possessed it for 24. generations. The eight and last, and of all other the most dangerous, was a home conspiracy, plotting to raise from the dead, the ancient long-before buried government of Rome, te re-edify her S.P.Q.R. And to root out the Priestly pre-eminence and Church-superiority, which had so cunningly eaten and destroyed the secular: Which faction after it had taken fire in the hearts of many, and secretly burned a long time, at length broke out, like the fury and violence of a risen stream, so as it might not be quenched, but with much blood and exceeding labour, as in the one & thirtieth verse appeareth. Verse. 29 But whilst they so thought, behold there awaked one of the heads that were at rest, which was in the midst, for that was greater than the two And whilst they thus thought, behold there awaked one of the three Kingdoms, appointed to finish and end the wickedness of the Eagle, figuring by this resting head, the new West-Empire, which title of supremacy the Beast bestowed (as hath been always his practice to run with the strongest) upon Charles King of France, and son to Pepin the traitor. This head is said to be awaked, when it was first raised, which was in the year 801. wherein it received his augustal rob his crown, and style, viz. Carolo Augusto a Deo coronato, magno & pijssimo Imperatori Romanorum, vita & victoria. And the title of dignity Imperial, which had lain dead above 300. years, was in this year on Christmas day, thus raised up to life again, to the end it might defend the proceed of the great adulteres and murtheres of the earth, as by the form of oath exhibited at his consecration appeareth: In nomine Christi spondeo, atque polliceor ego A. Imperator, coram Deo & beato Petro Apostolo, me protectorem, ac defensorem fore huius Sanctae Rom. Ecclesiae, in omnibus utilitatibus, quatinus divino fultus fuero adiutorio, pro-ut sciero, poteroque. In that this head is said to be in the midst, is meant, that it should be chosen from among the Nations and Kingdoms of the earth, as by experience hath been proved: first from France, then from divers kingdoms and parts of Germany, where it still remaineth. And that the fear and power of this head hath been greater, than any other Christian King or Kingdom whatsoever, is it not sufficiently read in the particular registers of every Nation? Verse. 30 And I saw, that the two heads were joined therewith. By the two heads, are shadowed the two Kingdoms of France and Spain, whose unhallowed league the Prophet foreseeing saith: they should be joined with this middle-head, and like three parts in one, accord and agree together, to humble themselves, their authority, and power before the Beast, and for their Idol-shepheard should fight against the Highest, till by the breath of his mouth they be scattered, like the dust which the wind disperseth. And these are the 3. heads mentioned in the first, fourth, and ninth verses of this chapter: and are therefore said to finish and determine the last end and wickedness of the whore, because though all other Kingdoms hate her and make her desolate and naked, and eat her flesh, as England, and others have done: yet these three heads shall love her still, and to their dying day shall burn in delight with her, but when those three and every of them, shall also forsake her, there shall not be found either kingdom or creature under heaven, that shall fall down and worship her. Verse. 31 And behold, the middle head was turned with them that were turned with it, and did eat up the two under wings which thought to reign. And the Prophet saw this middle head (the head of evil,) impart his fellowship to all Princes and Kingdoms, which desired to be in league with it. But my task which hasteth to an end, will not suffer me now, and here, to sound this gulf of Santa Liega sufficeth that for Zion's sake the Prophet passing by, doth point thereat. And the Prophet beheld, that this middle head did devour & eat up the under wings, namely, the power of the Longobards and the intestine faction, which thought also to reign. The first by the sword of Charles, surnamed (for his exceeding power) the great, who at the command of Babylon his god, ascended into Italy, took her King Desiderius prisoner, and led him capture into France, and gave his Kingdom to an other. And thus vanished this seventh contrary feather, after it had humbled the whore, and spread itself over all her quarters 200. and 4. years, and the fear thereof descended, and it appeared no more. Th'other, first began in the days of Cono the Emperor, who having an action of contrary opinion, against Gregory the second (for so the Beast was then called) followed it so hotly, that he brought his holiness into such disgrace, as that he kindled a desire in the hearts of many, to change their Prelate for a Prince, and to edify their first and ancient form of government again. This desire thus begun, by time (as naturally all conspiration doth) gathered strength, and adventured (but somewhat to young) to check the Beast, who by reason he was so well guarded by his foresaid head and champion Charles, easily necked it. Notwithstanding some 100 and 50. years after, this uleer now grown to a riper head, under the practice of one Alberique and Octavian his son, broke out a new, and charged the Beast in so sharp a manner, as without doubt he had received the mate, had not his head in the midst avoided it once again, whose name was now changed from Charles the great, to Otho the great: who as being by oath devoted, came to Rome, banished her new risen Consuls, hanged her tribunes, and mounted her Prefectus urbis, Mr. of misrule, naked on an Ass, crowned and attended through the city with great derision: from thence committed to prison, and there executed with exquisite torments. And by this means, the heat of this defection was so assuaged, that it appeared not for 7. years after: but then (under the leading of one Cincius) flamed out a new, in so furious a sort, as it had doubtless fired the Beast out of all his holds: had not his middle head (Otho the second) hasted into Italy to quench the same: who (knowing how much it imported to punish exemplarly so dangerous an evil) prepared in the Vatican a sumptuous feast, invited thereto all the nobility and chief of the city: when all were come, saluted and set: caused forthwith to be proclaimed, that no man on pain of death, should either speak or move at any thing that should be seen or heard: presently entered armed men and compassed the place round where the guests were: whereat whilst every one amazed, doubting what this first course ment, this middle head drew forth a paper, and whose names were therein written, commanded to be drawn from the table, and in presence of all there to be slain. The rest were courteously entertained, and were as merry as the fear of so cruel a feast would give them leave. Ne yet for all this the fever so left these patients, but that they fell some 162. years after into relapse again, but Frederique the first (for so was now this head called) with the blood of a 1000 and the wounds and imprisonment of as many more, so branded this Hydra, which had been so often headed, as it could never after recover head again, but her breath departed, and her purpose vanished, and appeared no more. Verse. 32 And this head did put the whole earth in fear, and ruled therein, and over the dwellers thereof, with much labour; and it held the government of the world more, than all the wings that had been. That this head and his fellows, have more maintained & advanced the rage and blasphemy of the Beast, than all the feathers that arose before them, and made more diligent and cunning inquisition after the blood of Zion than they, is it not eternally chronicled in the registers of every particular Nation? And therefore they are called the heads of the Eagle, and who knoweth not that heads are more able in evil than feathers? And the Prophet beheld that this head continued longer, and held the government of the world more than all the feathers that had been, for from the rising of the first feather julius Caesar, to the end and expiration of Momyllus Augustulus the last, were not 560. years, whereas this head arose in the year 801. and hath already continued above 800. and yet still continueth, and shall, till he that now is be taken away. Verse. 33 And after this I saw, and behold, this middle head suddenly vanished as did the wings. In that the Prophet saw this middle head suddenly vanish, as did the wings, he signifieth that it shall not be rooted out by force or sword of any, but depart quietly, and die as it were in bed: but yet (as the truth foresaith in the chapter following) not without pain: meaning, that the Electors shall not choose to the liking of the Beast, nor the Beast consecrate to the liken of them. And in this difference this head shall die, ne shall this difference be exempted from pain. Verse. 34 But the two heads remained, which also reigned over the earth, and over the inhabitants thereof. And when the power of this great head, (which is now so little) like a tale that's told shallbe clean ended: yet the fear of th'other two shall still remain, and have dominion over the earth, and those that dwell therein, till the fullness of their malice and tyranny be accomplished also: which may not long be un-fulfild, for behold, in the very next verse their destruction cometh. Verse. 35 And I saw, and beheld, whilst the head on the right side, devoured that which was on the left. By the right head is meant (as through all this prophesy) the strongest; so as the Prophet implieth, that the sword of Spain, shall divide the strength of France, that her pride, by division made less, may at the last (as every divided kingdom doth) return to nothing. Nether shall the prosperity of this right-head, be long free from like retaliation, but as the truth foresaith. Esd. 4.12 He that divideth with the sword, shall perish by the sword. For how may the sword for ever escape him, whom heaven hateth, and earth doth persecute? and of whom may be truly said, which was spoken of Ishmael, Manus corum contra omnes, & omnium contra illos. And thus shall these heads perish, and hast the faster to their end, because the judgement of the Beast is nigh, in the very next verses attending to come in. Verse. 36 Then I heard a voice, which said, look before thee, and consider the things which thou seest. Verse. 37 So I saw, and behold, as it were a Lion came hastily out of the wood, roaring; and I saw that he sent out a man's voice unto the Eagle, and spoke, saying: Verse. 38 Hear thou and I shall tell thee what the most High doth say unto thee. The roaring of the Lion is the breath of the Highest, which shall rebuke th'eagle for her unrighteousness, and cast before her all her spoils, and set her alive in judgement, and with the spirit of his mouth rise up against her, and lay unto her charge, as in the text followeth. Verse. 39 Art not thou he which of the four Beasts remainest, whom I made to reign in my world, that by them th'end of things might come? Verse. 40 And the fourth is come, and hath overcome all the Beasts that were passed, and obtained power over the world with great fearfulness, and over the whole compass of the earth with extreme oppression, and hath possessed so long time, all the world, with deceit. Verse. 41 For thou hast not judged the earth with truth. Verse. 42 But hast troubled the meek and hurt the peaceful, and thou hast loved liars, and destroyed the dwellings of them which brought forth fruit, and hast cast down the walls of such as did thee no harm. Verse. 43 So as thy unjust dealing is ascended to the most High, and thy pride unto the mighty. Verse. 44 And therefore he that is Highest, hath beheld the proud times, and behold they are ended, and their abominations are finished. And if thou plead not guilty hereunto, behold, a thousand witnesses shall rise up against thee, and prove th'indictment true: that the just judgement which hath so long attended for thee, may at the length be pronounced against thee, in form as in the text followeth. Verse. 45 Therefore appear no more thou Egle, nor thy fearful wings, nor thy wicked feathers, nor thy malicious heads, nor thy cruel claws, nor thy vain body. And least in thy drunkenness thou mayst think, thy sin may over-shoot this judgement to come, and in thy madness glorify thy self as thou hast ever done, persuading thyself thou shalt ever be, because thou hast been king long, and like a fool hast not considered; the more thy years the nigher thy grave, & behold, thus saith the truth: in the year which shallbe 1666. Revel. 13 18. this judgement here pronounced shall lay hands on thee. And as all thy fearful wings, and feathers, be already descended and blown down; so before that day (which is so nigh at hand) the tyranny of thy malicious heads and cruel claws, shallbe consumed and brought to nought. And in that day, thy vain body shall be burnt with fire, and shall so clean be cut of from the land of the living, that neither son nor nephew (as the Prophet saith) Esay. 14.22. nor branch nor remnant of thy name, shall be found upon the earth. For as it is purposed, Esay. 14.24. so shall it come to pass: and as it is consulted, it shall stand. Go to now, take counsel of thy Seers, and call thy enchanters about thee: build thy devices as high as heaven, & lay their foundations low as hell, yet shall they not deliver thee from the day appointed: but as Salmanazar. destroyed Beth-arbel in the day of battle, wherein the mother with the children was dashed in pieces: or like the millstone, which the mighty Angel did cast into the Sea, with such violence shalt thou be thrown down, and be found no more. And all hell shallbe moved at thy coming and prepare itself, and raise by all her dead against that day to meet thee, and all the Princes and Kings of Nations, whom thou hast slain with the cup of thy fornication, shall rise out of their torments against thy coming, and at thy sight shall wonder, and cry, Esay. 14.10. and say unto thee. Art thou become weak also as we? art thou become like one of us? Is thy pomp bowed down unto the grave? and are thy pleasures departed like ours? and is the worm spread under thee, and do the worms cover thee also? how art thou fallen from heaven O Lucifer, son of the morning, which hast cast lots upon the Nations? and saidst in thine heart: I will ascend into heaven, and exalt my throne above, besides the stars of God, and I will sit upon the mount, even the holy mount of his Sanctuary, and Congregation: I will ascend above the height of the clouds, and will be like the most High. And all hell, which once did wonder, worship and kiss thy feet, beholding now thy nakedness, thy shame and judgement, shall die for grief of mind, Esay. 14. and dying shall say. Is this the man that made the earth to tremble? and with his word did shake the Kingdoms? that made the world a wilderness, and a waist of the Cities thereof? Then shalt thou lying in torment, death gnawing on thee, answer Wisd. 5. them and say. We have erred from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness hath not shined upon us, nor hath the Son of understanding risen over us. We have wearied our selves in the wates of wickedness, and we have gone through dangerous paths, but the way of the Lord we have not known. What hath pride profited us? or what profit hath the pomp of riches brought us? all these things are vanished like a shadow and as a post that passeth by. And casting up thy eye to heaven, shalt see the righteous stand in great boldness before thee, and before the face of such as tormented them, and took away their labours, and thou shalt ware exceedingly at the sight of them, and be amazed at their wonderful deliverance, and die for grief of mind, and dying shalt say. Wisd. 5. These are they whom we sometime had in derision, and in a parable of reproach: we fools thought their life madness, and their end without honour, But how are they counted among the children of God, and their portion among the Saints? Verse. 46 That all the earth may be refreshed, and come again, as one delivered from thy violence, that she may hope for the judgement & mercy of him that made her. And thy death shall comfort and refresh the earth, and deliver Zion from her great and violent oppression: but their prosperities may not longendure, as testifieth the Prophet Daniel. Chap. 12.12. For may Israel dwell safe, and the Kings of th'east not know it? Nay verily, they shall arise, Ezec. 39 and come down like a storm, and like a cloud shall cover the earth, and compass round the tents of the Saints, Revel. 20.9. and the beloved City, till fire disceud from God out of heaven (as it is written) and devout them. And in those days shall be finished the mystery of God, fore-declared to his servants the Prophets, and witnessed by the mighty Angel which came down from heaven, and stood upon the Sea, and upon the earth, and raised up his hand and voice to heaven, and swore by him that liveth for ever and ever. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Revel. 10. Behold it is come, and it is done saith the Lord, Ezec. 39 this is the day whereof I have spoken. For the hope of which day, the stones of Zion die day by day: though little esteeming seven thousand deaths, in regard of the preeious assurance engraven in their breasts, that they shall then and in that day, behold the Lo●● hath so mercifully gathered them from among the Nations: That hath so wonderfully preserved them, from the sorcery of Babylon, which hath destroyed all the earth. That daily leadeth them in and out, before the scorners, the covetous, and foolishwise of this world, so prudently, and so invisibly, that they seeing are not seen, and living are not known. That hath bestowed on them, a thousand treasures more than these, so secretly, as no man suspecteth but they that have them. That hath so surely and fully persuaded them, that though they now go on their way weeping, yet they shall then return again with joy, and bring the sheaves with them: and all the earth shall then know, which now is hid, how much the Lord their Redeemer loved them, and night and day, shall praise and magnify the just judgement and mercy of him, that hath done all things for them. Which day in due time, He that is Highest, shall manifest to all, He that is Prince an 〈…〉 ●boue all, who only hath immo●●●● 〈…〉 kelleth in the light, which none 〈…〉, whom no man ever saw, nor can see: unto whom be all ho●●ur and power everlasting. Amen. Zachar. Save thyself O Zion, thou that dwellest with the daughter of Sebel.