A VOICE Out of the WILDERNESS, Crying with many Tears and strong persuasions to the World for REPENTANCE.  
Proving by undeniable Grounds, from the Word of God, that the great DAY of his righteous JUDGEMENT will certainly be in this present Age, namely about the 45th. year after the Ruin of ROME, in 1666.  
Wherein are unfolded many great and wonderful Mysteries of God, foretold in his Word to come to pass unto th' end of the World:  

This work consists of five small Tracts:  
1. To the Church of Rome, printed first in An. 1588.  
2. To Qu. Elizabeth, presented to her in An. 1589.  
3. To the E. of Essex in her days, called, Babylon is fallen  
4. To K. James, being an Exposition on 11. 12, 13. ch. Apoc.  
5. De fide, against Baro, since translated into English.   
By T. L. sometime a Student in the University of Cambridge in the days of Q. Elizabeth.  
LONDON Printed, and are to be sold at the three Bibles in Paul's Churchyard, and at the Crown in Popes-Head-Alley, 1661.   

The Preface to the READER.  
Christian Reader,  
BE pleased to understand, That whereas there have been several Impressions of this Author's Works, formerly published, distinctly and by pieces, according as they were found out, and opportunity served: the first Edition of that, To the Church of Rome, being in the Author's life time, in the year 88 at Frankford in Germany; the next at London, the year following. And th' Exposition of the 11. Chapter of the 4th. of Ezra, entitled, Babylon is fallen, printed at London, in 1610. The Original Copies whereof are yet preserved, and may be produced, if occasion require, to satisfy any that may question, whether they bear so ancient a date. All which being spent, it was thought fit, in respect of the excellency and worth of the matter contained therein, and of that great benefit that Christians may reap thereby, to impart them once more, and expose them to public view  
2. Concerning the Author, and his abilities, it were enough to say, that those excellent endowments, wherewith he was accomplished, especially th●se choice and peculiar gifts and graces, which God did confer upon him, are every where conspicuous, throughout his writings, to the discerning Reader: and do sufficiently demonstrate and testify his preparation by, and Authority from God, in divine and heavenly things.  
3. For the time, wherein he first writ, 'tis evident, it was in the days of Q. Eliz. towards the latter end of her Reign: unto whom he presented the Treatise, entitled, An Advertisement to Q. Eliz. with his own hands, in the mean and obscure habit of a humble Shepherd, which employment for some weighty considerations, he willingly underwent. Neither let any be moved at his low estate: many took offence at Christ for his poverty: Is not this the Carpenter, say they, 
Mar. 6. 3. Joh. 6. 42. 66.  the son of Mary? and they were offended at him. And in another place, Is not this Jesus, the Son of Joseph, whose Father and Mother we know? from that time many of his Disciples went back, and walked no more with him. They were offended at his mean and outward appearance. Others being misled by the Rabbis, and blinded with the glory of the world, expected a Messiah presently to Reign in Majesty, whereas the true Messiah, promised the Fathers, foretold by Moses and the Prophets, was first to do the will of God, and suffer, and undergo the death ●f the Cross, and at length, after the troubles of the Church, and her warfare ended, the full number of Gods elect complete, and the tedious and tyrannous reign of Antichrist past, then to receive his Kingdom, and great power, sit upon the Throne of David, and reign over 
Luk. 1. 32. 33  the house of Jacob forever. The Emperor Domitian, when some of Christ's kindred (whom he suspected) were brought before him, beholding their hands grown hard with labour, and understanding 
Euseb. Hist Eccles. l. 3. c. 17.  their poor estate, despised them, and let them go. But the truly wise will not be offended, or stumble at this Authors low condition and manner of living: considering that many worthy persons, Patriarches, Prophets, and other holy Servants of God, whose memory at this day is precious with all good people, have been exercised in the Shepherd's life.  
4. The first Martyr was a Shepherd: Abel was 
Gen. 4. 2. 3 Gen. 47. 3.  a keeper of sheep, and he brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. Thy Servants are Shepherds, say the Patriarches, the Sons of Jacob, to 
Act. 7. 22. Heb 11. 14.  Pharaoh, King of Egypt, both we and also our Fathers. Moses, learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, refused to be called Son of Pharaohs Daughter, relinquished the pleasures of Pharaohs Court, and become a Shepherd: and leading this contemplative life, God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob appeared to him, while he kept the Flock of Jethro, by the mountain of God, even Horeb. 
Exod. 3. 1.  And in that estate he continued about 40. years: during which time, it is supposed he wrote the Books of Genesis and Job, for the comfort of his afflicted Brethren in Egypt. And thus it pleased God to exercise Moses in a Shepherd's life, that he might thereby be weaned from the pleasures of Egypt, and, as it were renounce the world: and by that pastoral Life, as a kind of introduction, prepared for the Government, which God afterwards laid upon him, as Psal. 77. Thou leddest thy 
Psa 77. 20  people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron. Lastly, That God's power might appear, in raising Moses from this contemptible kind of Life, especially 
Gen. 46. 34.  in the opinion of the Egyptians, who abhorred all keepers of Sheep, to that high place, calling and Authority, to the which he was afterwards advanced.  
5. David, sometime a Shepherd was appointed King over Israel. Thy servant, saith he to King Saul, kept his Father's Sheep, and there came a Lion and 
1 Sam. 17. 34. Psal. 78. 70, 71.  a Bear, etc. He chose David his Servant, and took him from the Sheepfolds: from following the Ewes great with young, he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his Inheritance. Amos that holy Prophet, when Amaziah the Priest of Bethel was angry with him for prophesying, and accused him for conspiring against the King, bidding him be gone, and prophesy no more at Bethel; for, saith he, it is the King's Chapel, & it is the King's Court, 
Amos 7. 13. 14, 15.  thus answered, and said to Amaziah, I was no Prophet neither was I Prophet's Son, but I was an Herdman, and a gatherer of Sycomore fruit, and the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, go prophecy unto my people Israel.  
6. And this renowned Author, upon whom God conferred like Gifts and Graces, as upon the Prophets of old, and raised him up in this last age of the world, that he might be a special instrument of his Glory, and direction to his Church and people, though he were very learned, was not ashamed of this low and contemptible Calling, For he was, in that estate, instructed of God, prepared and fitted for a more excellent work and employment, to feed the flock of God, to comfort and refresh the Souls of repentant Men and Women. He was not troubled at the Glory, nor afraid of the pride and power of Rome, Whose power, saith he, is breath not to be accounted of, nay, 
To the Church of Rome, p. 1.  we are not only ready to give up our bodies, but our souls to be sacrificed, in witness of the cause pleaded before you this day. Or should our voice be ashamed of her preparation? Behold ye scorners, like as a mighty wind that passeth your ear, and bloweth not upon ye, so shall ye hear great things to day, and not be moved therewith. And poor, and slight, and simple as she goeth, she hath authority to give joy to the living, and life unto the dead. And in the Treatise to Q Eliz. thus he writeth, I your Servant cannot but speak the things I know, and testify what I have 
Advertis. to Q. Eliz. p. 41.  seen and heard, what though I be no Minister, nor Son of a Minister; Shepherds and Clowns have been Divines sometimes, and why not I?  
7. But to come nearer the matter chief intended, here we may consider, that when the Assyrian, Chaldean, and Persian Monarchies drew to their fatal end and period; it pleased God to raise up Prophets, holy men, Jonah, Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Ezra, etc. whom he instructed with heavenly wisdom, and furnished with extraordinary gifts, enabling them to foreshow and denounc his Judgements upon the Church's Adversaries, inevitable ruin to their chief Cities, seats of the Empires: and also to admonish the people, and forewarn them of the evils to come, that his Elect might be brought to repentance, and all others, being admonished, left without excuse. So now in this last age, the time of the reign of the 4th. Beast, [the Roman Monarchy] hastening to an end, it cannot be denied, but that God raised up many Prophets, sent divers of his Servants, to detect, oppose, and cry out against th' Abominations, Idolatries, Superstitions, and Delusions of Rome, the Western Babylon, denounc Judgements to his and his people's implacable Enemies; and comfort his chosen and faithful with promises of deliverance and salvation. 
To the Church of Rome, p. 1.  Amongst whom certainly this Author, who ever he was, is not to be accounted the least, Many and sundry voices, saith he, have been heard out of the wilderness in these latter days, whereunto had we given good and diligent ear, we had perhaps discerned the time of our visitation. Nevertheless he that writeth, testifieth, the Kingdom of God is at hand.  
8. Amongst many great and weighty matters which he treateth of, and unfoldeth in his writings, that, concerning the period, and final determination of the reign of Antichrist and his Church Dominion, is one of the most remarkable: at present chief noted, and generally fixed in the minds of the people, in respect of its near approach. He declareth the number of the Beast, viz. the Pope, sole Monarch (as the Jesuits will have it) both spiritual and temporal of the Western Babylon, in manner as Daniel did the hand writing against Belschatzar the last Monarch of the Eastern Babylon. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] Mene, Mene, i. e. Numeravit, Numeravit: which Daniel thus interpreteth, 
Dan. 5. 25. & seq.  Numeravit Deus regnum tuum, & complevit illud. God hath numbered thy Kingdom, and finished it, h. e. God hath finished and ended the days of thy Kingdom: and the end of thy life and the Chaldean Empire is come. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] Thekel, appendit: i. e. Appensus fuisti lancibus, & inventus es minus habens. Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Upharsin, or as after v. 28. 
Upharsin, & dividentes, i. scindunt. Allusio est ad Persas, qui dicuntur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nam haec dictio est aequivoca, Gemminatio autem ista 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, facta est ad majorem exaggerationem: vel, ut alii volunt, prius significat finem Regni, secundum mortem Regis, & finem vitae ejus. Vatab. Annot. in Dan. 5. 25. Nota, Upharsin verti potest primo, & dividentes, secundo, & Pe●sae. Pharsin enim sunt Persae. Q. d. Persae in stant tibi o Belshazzar, qui cum Medis dividend regnum tuum. Ar. Mont. in Loc.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] Pheres, Divisum est Regnum tuum, & datum est Medis, & Persis. Thy Kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians. In the same night, saith the Prophet, v. 30. was Belschatzar slain, and Darius the Mede took the Kingdom: And then ended the Babylonian Monarchy. So that the number of the Beast, or the number of the man of sin, is nothing else but the period and final determination of the usurped Tyranny and Dominion of Antichrist, (as this Author well 
Expos. Apoc. c. 13. v. 18.  interprets) which the Lord, for the glory of his name, consolation of his Church, and confusion of her Foes, with a mighty and outstretched Arm, will bring to pass in the year 666. viz. in 1666 the Millenary number (for brevity's sake) being omitted, For the time of the Reign of the Beast, and of the Church's sufferings and persecutions, during her abode in the wilderness, is expressly mentioned to be 42 Months, Apoc. 11. 13, 15. a time, times, and half a time, Apoc. 12. 14. 1260 days, v. 6. that is, so many years, a day being put for a year, as Ezek. 4. 6. the beginning of which term, he placeth at the year 406. at what time Innocent the first, then Bishop of Rome, obtained at the hands of the Dragon, priority of place, suffrage and censure over all. Which was effected and brought to pass, when Honorius the Emperor, at th' importunity of the said Bishop, subjected the power of th' East Empire, (which most withstood the West and Roman supremacy) with all other Churches whatsoever, to the Church and Sea of Rome, in the said year, 406.  
9 And then, in that year (saith this Author) 
In Apoc. 13. 18.  my Lord of Rome shall lay down his proud waves, and though he fortify never so strong, and lay his foundation low as Hell, and build his Turrers as high as Heaven, and place his Mitre above the Stars, yet in that day, he shall die the death of the Uncircumcised, and perish like the Amorite, whose fruit is destroyed from above, and root from beneath: and the multitude of his offences, shall consume the multitude of his Forces, and it shal● be more possible for him, and easy to him, to weigh the fire, or measure the wind, or call again the day that is past, or recover the verdure of the withered Grass (as a holy one saith) then to avoid this Council and Decree of his downfall here determined by the Spirit against him, saying, And his number is 666.  
10. And then all Kingdoms and People shall see th' eternity of that 
Amm. Marcel. l. 14. c. 13. & l. 15. c. 17. Aeterna in antiquis inscriptionibus nominatur. Ortel. Thesaur. voc. Roma. In numis antiquis insidens Scuto Roma, victoriam dextrâ, scipionem sinistrâ, gerens, cum hac inscriptione, visitar, Romae aeternae, Martin. Lex. Philolog. voc. Roma.  eternal City (as one of her own calleth it,) and th' immortality of her soul, meaning, the Sovereign power and supremacy of her Caesars and high Priests, to whither, die, and forsake the earth for ever. And as Babylon her Mother left unto her th' inheritance of her pride, and profanations; so shall she also leave unto her, the heritage of her Death and Judgements: for as her glory hath been great, so shall her dishonour, when all her excellency shall be translated into shame and sorrow.  
11. And here by the way, I thought fit to note, and let the Reader know, that it is now well understood, and received as a truth, (as it ought) that the Pope [viz. the succession of Popes, for 1260. years, namely, from the year 406. to 1666.] is the very Antichrist, the Man of sin, foretold in the Scriptures: and Rome, Babylon, signified under the name of Babylon, Apoc. c. 17. & 18. & now denied almost by none, except the blasphemous Sect of the Familists, who violently wrest the Scriptures into senseless Notions, inextricable, monstrous Allegories; pervert, hid and darken their genuine, true, direct meaning, by strange, unheard of Dreams, and Enthusiasms, strains of Philosophical inventions, Exotic, affected terms, barbarous, foreign and Uncouth Language, whereof the writings of Henry Nicholas, Jacob Behmen, Dr. P. and other nameless Impostors of our Age, are ample testimonies. It being the design of the said J. Behmen, with his Translators, and Abettors, as it seemeth by the multitude of irrational, Atheistical Books, which they have lately published, and yet promote, to undermine and subvert the true, Christian, Apostolical Faith, and Doctrine of the Gospel, and knowledge of Christ crucified; and in stead thereof, introduce and spread amongst us the horrible darkness of the Gentiles vain Philosophy; preferring their muddy, poisoned puddles, before the pure wholesome fountain of God's word, their abstruse, perplexed Speculations, before the plain, comfortable, saying doctrine of Christ, his Prophets, and Apostles: that, if it were possible, they might draw in others into the same Condemnation with themselves. Of which I thought fit to admonish the Reader, that he may beware of their train, and avoid the snares, which they have craftily spread throughout our Israel. It being an undoubted truth, that to entertain the doctrines of Familisme, is to renounc the Christian Faith, & leave the way to Life everlasting: because they are altogether repugnant to, and inconsistent with the true estate of a Christian, and means of salvation. For these Familists have arrived to this height of impudence, not to be ashamed to affirm; That perfection may be attained in this life, that there is no Resurrection of the body, but what is passed already; that there is no Judgement to come, but that Christ is now at this present, upon his Throne, and Seat of Judgement, within every one, judging and condemning the world: that there will be no eternal Condemnation, Reward or Punishment, but that all, at last, must go into God, and, as a drop of water falls into the vast Ocean; so all must (as they dream) be swallowed up, and involved in th' immense and boundless Abyss of Eternity etc. From which sad and deadly imaginations the Lord preserve every poor, humble, penitent soul; they being no other, than the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, profunditates, the depths, the profound 
Profunditates Satanae sunt abditae & latentes ejus cogitationes, in speciem bonae & honestae apparentes, quando se in Angelum lucis transformat, 2 Cor. 11. 14. Sed cum Paulus dicat se non ignorare profundas illas Satanae cogitationes, 2 Cor. 2. 11. simplex erit sensus, si profunditates pro sublimioribus quibusdam mysteriis accipiamus. Acsi diceret, qui non cognoverunt errores illos pestiferos, quos ipsi haeretici profunda dei mysteria jactant, cum tamen ex Satanae officina prodierint. Marl. in loc. Adverte non esse hic 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, ut de elatione & superbia accipias, sed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, i. profunditates, quibus versutiae & nequitiae diabolicae fraudis intelliguntur. Zeger. in loc. Impostores [quales hodie sunt Familistae] blasphemias suas vocabant profunditates, seu profunda mysteria & abstrusam sapientiam, longè perfectiorem, quam quae ab Apostolis praedicaretur. Christus concedit esse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, profunditates, sed Satarae, à malo Doemone ex Orco inspiratas, eoque aversandas, exterminandas procul. Par. in Apoc. 2. 24.  wiles and deep delusions of Satan.  
12. And yet some of this Generation have had the face to affirm that this excellent Author was of their mind in this matter; and thereupon have preferred and commended his writings to their Proselytes, as a means to bring them to their principles. Whereas on the contrary, they might, if they would, have understood, what their woeful estate is like to be, and what his mind & thoughts concerning them were, while he ranks them with such as are to be excluded from the holy City, and Land of rest for ever; writing thus, And all those, that so poison, doctrines of death, lifting 
To the Ch. of Rome p. 37.  up their bold and shameless voice, like Cantibanks in market places, avouching the goodness and proofs of oils and ointments, which cannot give a foot to the lame, nor Eye nnto the blind, as Arians, ubiquitists, Libertins, Familists, Coinonists, or any such other Antichrists like to these, shall be cast out, and reap their part with Liars, and Sorcerers, whose worm dyeth not, whose cry is everlasting, and shall not enter into the rest of God for ever, nor see his holy City.  
13. But that these Enemies both of Scripture and reason, may have no colour or occasion to allege, 
Behm. mist. mag. c. 36. n. 15.  I speak without book, I shall declare the matter in their Rabbies own words, as I find them rendered by his Translator, who was best acquainted with them. The Antichrist, saith Behmen, who is the Tower of Babel, viz. the self will of the Ham-like man, domineereth in the Temple of God, and there hath set up himself in the place of the holy Spirit.  
Sect. 16. He tells us, That the temple of God is the form word of the humane languages and tongues, in man's understanding, as it is written, the word is nigh the, namely in thy mouth and heart, and the seat and habitation of the opposite adverse Devil, is the monstrous property out of the dark world.  
Sect. 17. In this form word of divine understanding, the Antichrist, viz. the will of self out of the properties of nature, hath set up himself, with his property of nature, as if he were God.  
Sect. 18. The like we are to understand concerning the Antichristian, Babylonicall beast of reason's self-will, which termeth itself divine, and is only a monster of the true man, which died in Adam, to the holy Image of God's spiritual world,  
Sect. 20. Thus understand us now, what the Antichrist, or the Babylonical Whore, with the Dragon Beast is, as may be seen in the Revelation. Every man which is not born again of God, hath the mark of the Beast, and the false Whore in him.  
Sect. 21. The Beast is the Animal [Natural] earthly Ham-like man, who is from the Lincus of the earth, according to the earthly grossness and malignant malice, which ariseth out of the dark world, and standeth in the curse of God. This Beast did arise in Adam and Eve, when they did imagine after evil and good, and came into its self fullness, away from the divine power and will, and is before God only as a Beast. This Beast the Devil hath infected with his desire, and made it wholly monstrous, so that it only lusteth after vanity, as a Cow doth after Grass.  
And though, Sect. 15. He had discovered Antichrist, to be the self will of the Ham-like man, or the Tower of Babel, yet, Chap. 15. Sect. 44. He tells us, that the judging, censuring and condemning others without God's command, is only the Antichrist both amongst Jews and Christians. Which description of Antichrist he deviseth, of purpose to dete●● his Readers from censuring, and rejecting (as their duty is) his filthy dreams & diabolical dictates. And with like intent, as it seemeth, Dur. Hotham Esq. in the Narrative of his Life, tells a story, from his two Germans, of one, that upon saying, Here lived that Heretic Jacob Behmen, fell down dead.  
14. Where you may note the singular craft and subtlety of the Devil, who would have the cheats and delusions of this Deceiver, pass unreproved. By the same art and method proceeded his Brother-Impostor, Mahomet: who, the better to convey his dreams and imaginary Frenzies down to succeeding Ages, without suspicion of forgery; and procure an awful reverence and respect to his Satanical impostures, as divine, persuaded the poor Arabians, that he received his Law, contained in the Alcoran, from God, by the Angel Gabriel: that it was composed 
Osiand. Epit. Hist. Eccles. Cent. 7. l. 1. c. 15. vid. Postel. de Orb. Conc. l. 2. c. 13.  by the holy Ghost: and that the meaning the reof is only known to God, and the most wise, that wholly believe it: Peccatum maximum & irremissible esse etc. That it is an unpardonable sin to despise or contradict either him or it. Incredulos Alcorano in Inferno, ardente sulphure atque pice etc. that they, who believe it not, shall endure everlasting torments in Hell: and therefore, that they ought to believe and receive whatever is writ therein, without disputing, censuring or enquiring: yea, that it is a wickedness 
Nefas esse quicquam de Alcorano mutare, aut addere, vel etiam quaestionem de eo movere etc. Osiand. ibid. c. 14.  to move any Question about it. & paenam 
Osiand. ibid. c. 16.  gehennae minatur ijs, qui consortium etc. And he threatens Hell to such as have any deal with men, that believe it not &c. Terriculamenta 
Postel. ubi supra.  sunt ista, ne a lege ejus descisceretur. Mere Bugbears contrived to affright from rejecting his blasphemous Law.  
Sect. 22. This Deluder proceeds, But the whore (saith he) of the beast, is the poor soul, captivated in vanity, which soul had its rise in the form word of the 3. principles, which was God's Image.  
Sect. 23. But now the poor captive soul lieth in this gross Beast, and is captivated in its own self-born will, viz. the whore, etc. and longeth after God from whom it proceeded.  
15. Rejoice ye Romanists, triumph ye Monks and Jesuits, and thou Friar Maluenda, writ no more Books in defence of the Pope of Rome, whose black and notorious spots of Antichristianism, thou, by thy great learning and parts, in two large Volumes, hast endeavoured to hid, and keep close from the world: and instead of him, the very true Antichrist, would craftily impose upon us, a fictitious, counterfeit one, of thine and thy brethren's devising, persuading that he must be a Jew 
Vid. Romae ruinam, c. 7. ubi Antichristi Papicolarum historia fuse narratur. , of the Tribe of Dan, begotten by a Devil, of a Nun etc. for behold, this Monster, your friend, outvies you in craft, obscures your subleties with his diabolical inventions, and frees you from your fears, labouring to persuade the world, that Antichrist, the Beast, and his number, Babylon, Whore and all, are 
Mist. mag. c. 36. ubi supra. & n. 1. & 49. Threefold life of man, c. 11. n. 52. & c. 3. n. 61. 62, 63.  in every one: and would remove all suspicion of Antichrist, his number and mark, far enough from the Pope, and lay the Brat, (the 
Mist. mag. c. 36. n. 24.  Bastard he calls it) at the holy Patriarch jacob's door. Jacob, (saith this Blasphemer) came with 70. souls in all, with all his children, of which 66. were proceeded out of his loins, which went with him, for Joseph had 
Id. ibid. n. 9 10.  begotten two sons in Egypt. This number 66. is a great and mystical number, as also the number 70. which is the number of the great Babel: and the number 66. is the number of the Beast, and of the Whore, etc. with a heap of the like irrational, senseless, absurd, confused stuff, most like the ruins of Babel's Tower: wherewith I shall not any further trouble the Reader, who [ex ungue Leonem,] may guests at the rest by this little. And certainly the discreet, Christian Reader, considering this Impostors writings, from first to last so directly contrary and repugnant to the writings of the Prophets and Apostles, and the comfortable Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; as also the strange and dangerous History of his life, written by Dur. Hotham, and annexed to his Mysterium magnum, by H. B. as himself tells us, wherein is not obscurely signified his acquaintanc with black, diabolical Magic, Necromancy, familiarity with evil Spirits; his commerce with them, and their apparitions to him● I say, who so considereth this, cannot rationally conclude any other, but that the said Jacob Behmen was a man plainly distracted, or at least wholly taken up and possessed with the deep delusions of Satan, who is able to transform himself into an 
2 Cor. 11. 14.  Angel of light, as the Apostle teacheth.  
16. And yet this Monster, for so perhaps you will think he was in shape of body, aswell as atheistical opinions of mind, if you believe the Relater of his life, his dear friend Mr. Dur. Hotham, His stature, saith he, was exceeding little, he had a low forehead, his temples prominent, his Nose large and gibbous; his Eyes grey, and somewhat glistering; his Beard thin, and somewhat short; and his voice low. I say, this notorious Impostor, the said Narrator of his Life, tells us, He doubts not, but his Reader is sufficiently convinced, that he was a Saint: but how to get him a place in the Church Calendar, which is now so thronged, he confesseth, he is to seek. Yea, and the abovesaid H. B. who seems to be perfectly baptised into his [Behmens'] Spirit, (they are his own words) is not afraid to 
H. B. Pref. to the Reader, prefixed to the 4. Tables etc.  write, that he was a deep illuminated man of God: and further, although all wise & sober Christians, the Children of God, may easily discern, that his dictates were not other, than the mere frothy products of his own fancy, vitiated and deluded by th' unclean and lying Spirit: that he was a Man, whose writings, (though not to us made Canonical by miracles) manifestly appear to have been the dictates of God's Spirit, (as he the said H B blasphemously affirms) by divine influence, & (as it is his own expression) out of his three-leaved Book, which the hand of God had opened in him: wherein he found the knowledge, not only of all that Moses, the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles taught in sacred Scripture, but of all Mysteries, as himself affirms, in his Epistles. And further, as he brings 
H. B. ibid.  in his learned Germane, relating it, that God stirred up this our dear Brother, Jacob Behmen, (a plain unlearned Tradesman) and gifted him with such a noble endowment of the universal knowledge of God and Nature, and shown him the Centre of all beings, how all things arise from God originally, consist in God, and again return and flow into him etc. And in conclusion the said H. B. 
H. B. ubi supra.  tells us, that this Deceiver had the knowledge of that wonderful Mystery (containing the secrets of the whole Creation) The Language of Nature, and that in his native tongue, whereby the very name of every thing gave him clear inspection into the nature of it. This knowledge had Adam in his innocency, but lost it by his fall, else it had been understood (saith he) as Behmen affirms, in the language of every Nation. Parallel hereto, is that of Mr. Hotham, in his life, Going abroad (saith he) into the Fields, to a Green before Neys-Gate, at Gorlitts, he there sat down, and viewing the Herbs and Grass of the field, in his inward light, he saw into their Essences, use and properties, which were discovered to him by their Lineaments, Figures and Signatures. But leaving this blind leader of the blind, and his monstrous, horrible notions, and delusions, with his wretched, possessed Disciples, I proceed.  
17. And now let the Familists think of me, and say what they please, I have the testimony of my own conscience, that what I have herein said, hath not been out of disaffection to any of their persons, (though I know divers of them) but only moved with sense of pity to their Souls. For undoubtedly, unless they can now in this day of grace, and time of salvation, hear the voice of God, unharden their hearts, attain repentance and remission of sins, they must, at the second and glorious coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and Resurrection of the dead, at which, (as close as they carry it) they now make a mock, and reject it as a Scarecrow, impudently affirming, that it is passed already, as their predecessors, Hymenaeus, 
Allegoricam quandam Resurrectionem fingebant Hymenaeus & Philetus: quod etiam hac aetate tentarunt impuri quidam Canes. Calv. in loc. Resurrectionem (ut quidam ferunt) appellabant [Hymenaeus & Phil.] successionem illam, quae ex procreatione liberorum fit. Vide autem quot mala oriantur, si dicatur factam esse jam Resurrectiovem. Privamur pr●sentiâ Christi, non est retributio, neque ultio: mentitur qui ista est pollicitus; & multa hujus generis: ut si Resurrectio non est, neque Christus resurrexit, neque Judex erit Vivorum & Mortuorum. Isid. Clar. Annot. ad 2. Tim. 2. 18. apud Crit. Sac. T. 7. Col. 3882. Qui aberrant à salutari doctrina gloriosae Resurrectionis, non retinent fundamentum, quia negata Resurrectione, totus Christianismus negatur, 1 Cor. 15. Tales igitur Apostolus dicit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 1 Tim. 6. 21. h. e. veram doctrinam: Apostolo ipso 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 per 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 exponente, 2 Tim. 2. 18. Scult. in Epist. ad Tim. c. 5. apud Crit. Sac. Tom. 7. Col. 3887. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vid. 1 Cor. 15. 12. Si●ut Philosophis mala vita mors dicitur, ita vita correcta 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. At in Evangelio 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, aut 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tam apertè, & tot locis describitur, ut non possit alia intelligi, quam quae erit post Corporis ab Anima sejunctionem: quae sejunctio vulgari sensu mors dicitur: & certê illa nisi speretur, ne altera quidem illa morum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 talis erit, qualis fuit in Apostolis, & fidelibus Discipulis. Quare istis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sensum maximè necessarium excludentibus, omni modo obsisti debet. Grot. in loc. apud Crit. Sac. Tom. 7. Col. 3896.  Philetus, Saturninus, Basilides, Cerdon, Valentinian, Martion, Apelles, Hiera●, Manes, & of late, amongst others, Tho. Muntzer, David George, Joh. of Leyden, Knipperdoling, Henry 
This H. N. Successor of David George, affirmed, that there is no other Christ but holiness, and no other Antichrist but sin: that the Family of love hath attained the same perfection that Adam had before he fell: that there is no Resurrection of the body: that the day of Judgement is already come, and that this H. N. is the Judge of the world: that there had been Seven great Lights in the world, and that he was the Eighth, and greatest of all: that Angels were born of women; that there was a World before Adam; that in H. N. dwelleth all perfection etc. and other blasphemous matters. He further affirmed, that at last, God would bring all men, nay, the Devils and evil Spirits themselves into perfect happiness. All things that were spoken of Devils, Hell, or evil Angels, and eternal Judgement, he said, were only told by Scripture, to cause fear of civil punishment, and establish right Policy. Anonym. in vit. H. N.  Nicholas, and this new upstart, Jacob Behmen, did, and a rabble of others, their infatuated, stupid followers at this day do, subverting the faith of some, I say, unless they can now attain Repentance and forgiveness of sins, they must then be excluded the holy City; and stand without, and reap their part with the Abominable, Murderers, Whoremongers, Sorcerers, Idolaters, and all lovers and makers of lies, whose worm dyeth not, and torment is everlasting.  
18. Thus you may see, by what is premised, how the Familists have not been wanting to do service to Satan, in concealing Antichrist, all they could, from the world, as others before them, at his instigation, have done; the cause whereof, I shall now a little inquire into. When this unwearied Enemy of mankind, after whose ruin he thirsteth, perceived, that by means of the wonders, lies, and delusions of Antichrist, a great multitude, even the third part of the sons of men, were to be 
Apoc. 9 18.  subdued and invassaled to him, and so perish; he took care to conceal him, and give in a wrong and false information of him to the world: well knowing, that many would follow him headlong to destruction, &, being partakers of his sins, must also partake of his misery and judgements, who otherwise, had they understood who he was, might have been ware of his Deceits, and escaped. Wherefore he craftily infused into men's minds, a false notion of Antichrist, setting him out in counterfeit, lying colours, one while persuading the world that he must be a Spirit,; otherwhile, that he should be Nero, who in th' end of the world, a little before the Day of judgement, should be raised up, to torment th' inhabitants of the Earth. And then, which most prevailed, that he must be a Jew, of the Tribe of Dan: and at 30. years old, appear with a vast Army, and in three civil years and an half, overrun and subdue all the Kingdoms of Europe, and bring in subjection most of th' other habitable parts of the Earth, as it is written, Power was given to him over all kindreds, tongues and Nations; and that he should be a most potent Monarch, 
Apoc. 13. 7.  far exceeding all that were before him, and reign from sea to sea, and from the River to th' ends of the Earth; and that he must reign in Jerusalem, and kill Enoch and Elias; and at last, mount Olive● cleaving asunder, be there swallowed up, and sink down quick into Hell, with divers other such Legendary fancies, as our 
In Apoc. 13. 18.  Author noteth, never meant, not sent from God. And all this hath been chief managed and carried on, by th' art and contrivance of Friars, Monks, Jesuits, and others, sworn Vassals of the Beast, on design & purpose thereby to raise a dust, and cause a mist to darken the truth, & divert the world's eye from beholding the great and very Antichrist, sitting at Rome, and domineering in the Church of God, unto a fictitious, imaginary one, that must never come.  
19 But all these proving forgeries and devises, and the Romanists case being grown desperate, and past recovery, they are at last befriended by the subtle Familists, who have the forehead to affirm, in their canting language, that Antichrist is the Tower of Babel, or the self-will of the Ham-like man, etc. and that the Babylonish Whore is Sin, or the Soul captivated in vanity, or the self-born will etc. with other like idle, ridiculous fancies, absurd inventions, as you may see in Behmens Mysterium magnum, and the rest of his monstrous writings. And herein, whether the very Jesuits, and other learned writers of the Church of Rome, have not been far more honest and ingenuous, I refer myself to th' impartial Reader. For they being convinced and overborne by the light of truth, and many direct, evident places of Scripture, do, in their Commentaries on the Revelation, and other writings, confess the matter, and plainly tell us, that by Babylon in the Apocalypse, is to be understood no other than the very City of Rome in Italy, where the Pope now reigns; and which, they also grant and affirm, must be burnt with fire, and utterly laid waist before th' end of the world, by the Kings of the Earth, who formerly had given their power to the Beast. Two or three of the chief whereof, for the Readers satisfaction, and to put the matter out of doubt, I shall here produce, and cite their very words, as they fairly lie in their own writings.  
20. And first, let Ribera the Jesuit speak, Scriptores, qui aliter interpretati fuerant, veritate coguntur nobis favere, Romam esse hanc urbem fornicariam, vastandam, etc. The writers, Saith 
Ribera, Com. in Apoc. 17. n. 20. 22.  he, who did otherwise interpret, are forced by the truth, to yield to us, that this whorish City, to be destroyed, and laid waist, is Rome. Et verba praecedentia, Deus dedit in corda eorum, ad desolationem & incendium Romae pertinent etc. And the following words, God hath put into their hearts, have respect, saith he, to the desolation and burning of Rome etc. And 
Id. in Apoc. 14. n. 39  elsewhere he writeth, That under the name of Babylon, is to be understood Rome, [non solum qualis sub ethnicis Imperatoribus olim fuit, sed etiam qualis in fine Seculi futura est] not only as it was under the heathen Emperors; but as it shall be towards th' end of the world. Again, whereas she saith in her heart, I 〈◊〉 a Queen, and am no Widow etc. he clearly alludes, saith 
Id, in Apoc. 18. n. 18. 19  he, to the words of Isaiah, c. 47. concerning the Chaldean Babylon, which was a figure of this second Babylon etc. And (he addeth) concerning her punishment, he likewise saith, These two things shall come upon thee in one day, loss of Children, and Widowhood. But the words of John, saith he, are not to be taken, as spoken of Rome, when the Apostle lived, but they are to be understood of the latter age of the world, when the servants of God are commanded to departed out of her, lest they be punished with her etc. Thus Ribera.  
To him consents Viega, of the same Society.  intelligeremus, saith 
Blas. de Vieg. in Apoc. 17. Com. 1. Sect. 3. n. 5.  he, sermonem esse de urbe Romana etc. That we may understand that the words are concerning Rome, the Angel concludeth, And the woman, that thou sawest, is the great City, that reigns over the Kings of the earth. For in St. John's time the City of Rome had command over almost all the Kings of the earth. Again, Cum fidelibus 
Id. in Apoc. 18. Com. 1. Sect. 1. n. 16.  praecipitur etc. When the faithful are commanded to departed out of Rome, lest they be involved in her calamity, 'tis thence evident, saith he, that not only Ethnic Rome is there by ment, but that, which shall flourish in the latter end of the world.  
With them accords Cornelius a Lapide: Dico Babylonem, saith 
Cornel. à Lap. in Apoc. 17. 1.  he, hic & Capite sequenti, est Roma, etc. I affirm, that Babylon both here, and in the following Chapter is Rome, as it was in the time of St. John, and as it will again ●e in the time of Antichrist. In another place thus he 
Id. in. Apoc. 18. 4.  writes, Audivi aliam vocem è coelo dicentem, etc. I heard a voice from heaven, saying, depart out of her my people. He warns the Christians, saith he, to flee out of Rome heathenish in th' end of the world, when it is to be destroyed. Again, he 
Id. in Apoc. 17.  writes, Cum liber signatus, puta Apocalypsis, sit prophetia de futuris in fine mundi etc. Seeing the Book of the Revelation is a prophecy of things to be done in th' end of the world, under Antichrist, it follows, that these things are to be understood of the City of Rome, which shall be towards th' end of the world, & consequently, saith he, Rome must return to her pristine splendour & Idolatry etc. And further, Hii odient fornicariam etc. these shall hate the Whore, that is, Babylon, i. e. Rome, saith this Jesuit.  
To them subscribes Suarez, and confirms it in these words, Sub 
Suar. T. 2. Qu. 59 Disput. 56. Sect. 2.  aenigmate purpuratae Meretricis, Apoc. 17. exprimitur Roma etc. Under the figure of Babylon, Apoc. 17. is represented Rome, as 'tis manifest from the last words of the Chapter, And the woman that thou sawest, is the great City that reigns over the Kings of the earth; for no other City had then universal dominion, besides Rome. And concerning her ruin, thus he 
Idem contra Praef. monit. Doctis. Regis Jacobi. l. 5. c. 7.  writes, Desolatio Romae, quae praedicitur, Apoc. 18. erit sempiterna etc. The desolation of Rome, foretold, Apoc. 18. will be perpetual, therefore 'tis certain that this prophecy was not fulfilled in any of the former destructions, or calamities, that befell Rome. Thus Suarez, one of the chiefest late Writers of that side.  
To these I might add Lessius, Salmeron, Tirinus, Estius, Malvenda, Alcazar, with their two Cardinals, Baronius, their Annalist, and Bellarmine, their Golia●, to make up the Jury full: who all unanimously agree, and give up their verdict, that Rome is signified and figured under the name of Babylon: yea, and divers of them affirm, that she, being guilty of the blood of the Saints, and Martyrs of Jesus, must be burnt with fire, and made desolate, by the Kings of the Earth, (who formerly had given their power & strength unto the Beast) before th' end of the world. But their words at present I omit, and refer the Reader to their Writings and Commentaries on the Thess. Apoc. and other Scriptures, relating to this particular: or to the Treatise, entitled, Romae Ruina finalis, An. D. 1666. c. 4. where he may find them and others, with their words and judgements in this matter, cited and produced at large. And now I submit it to the judgement of the Reader, to determine, whether of the twain, have dealt more fair, and honest, in this particular, the deluded Jesuits, or blasphemous, horrible Familists; and resume the consideration of this excellent Author, & his incomparable writings.  
21. After he had laid before Q Eliz. the absolute necessity of Repentance, and shown what graces she must attain, and way, she must walk in, to obtain that everlasting Crown, and Inheritance promised the Fathers, and all their faithful Seed, he thus 
Advert. to Q. Eliz. p. 51. & 52.  concludeth, And this is the generation of the Counsel & wisdom of God, & the true description of all her Children; which if you understand, and do thereafter, then shall you discern those reprobate times, and save yourself from the visitation to come. What man is he that travelling by desert places, and seeing the day at his going down, hasteth not to recover his Inn, for fear le●t the night leave him in distress. Hasten then after the Counsel and Correction of God, while yet the Day lasteth; for behold the Night cometh.  
And these are all, which I advertise you, few as they be, and simple as they go, yet (if truth deceive me not) their right understanding is far finer Gold, then is your Sceptre, and much more honourable than your Father's House. And this shall be for a SIGN, that I speak not of myself: Behold the Mountain, which you fear so much, I mean the Beast, the Man of sin, Lucifer, son of the morning, the Horn, that hath so many hundred years, blasphemed Heaven, and oppressed Earth, behold, I say, though now he be so great, as that he makes the Earth to tremble, and shake, with a word only, the very roots of Kingdoms, the time hasteth, and is at hand, wherein he shall be made so little, as neither name, nor remnant of him, nor son, nor sons son, shall be found upon the Earth. For his days are numbered, signed and sealed up in the Book of God, and yet Seaventy and seven 
Viz. 77. years: which added to 1589. the year, wherein this Author writ that Treatise, reacheth to the year 1666.  days, and his number 666. shall be fulfilled. And all his Princes, his Sorcerers, and multitudes of People, which now rejoice and clap their hands, drunken with the whordoms and prosperity of Babel, shall then lie comfortless, and wring their hands as fast: for Beltis their God is dead. And the death of Babylon shall be the life of Zion etc.  
22. In which passage this is remarkable, that he gives this for a SIGN, that he speaks not of himself, namely, the destruction of Rome in 1666. By which 'tis clear, that he puts the credit and truth of those other great and weighty matters, throughout his writings, concerning the Principles of the doctrine of Christ, regeneration, & way to salvation, (so much now questioned and gainsaid) upon this conclusion, that is to say, to be received as the very truth, if that come to pass; but rejected, if not: as if he had said, If i● come not to pass, that Rome, the Seat of Antichrist, be destroyed, and burnt with fire, by the Kings of the earth, that formerly had given their power and strength to the Beast) at th' end of 77 years, after this, viz. in the year 
Apoc. 17.  666. then look upon my writings, as no other than my own private conclusions. But, if you see the judgement foretold, executed on that great City, in that year, 666. then receive what I have writ, as the truth, concerning those other things, far more excellent, & of greater concernment than this. But hitherto his writings have been by all sober, discerning Christians, that have seen them, received and embraced as a great Treasure, containing in them most spiritual and heavenly truths, consonant and agreeable to the doctrine of Christ, his Prophets, and Apostles. And p. 32. To the Church of Rome, he saith, And this is the high and holy one, 
To the Church of Rome, p. 32.  that beareth record with his poor Servant that wrote these things: and we know, that his record is true, thereunto bearing witness thousand sighs and tears. And that it might be confirmed under three, the love of God diffused in his heart, the garment dipped in the blood of the Lamb, cryeth out vuto you, testifying with him these things are true. And p. 19 he asks his Adversaries, Which of you reproveth him, that writeth of a lie? And yet none of them, ever answered, or convinced him of a lie: though divers (whereof some now living) have in vain attempted it, to their shame and loss.  
23. But if any doubt arise, how the overthrow of Rome, could be a Sign to the Queen, that he spoke not of himself, seeing it was to be 77 years after that time, and she died long before: The Reader is to note, that he doth not say, This shall be for a Sign unto you, o Queen, but, This shall be for a Sign, that I speak not of myself. A Sign to the world: that is to say, a sure sign, an evident, undoubted token, an undeniable, firm, insoluble Argument, to the succeeding age, the following Generation, viz. to the People, that should be living in 666. and see Rome, the habitation of Antichrist, laid even with the ground: a clear, convincing Sign and demonstration to them, that he spoke not of himself, but as a humble Servant of God, guided and directed by his holy Spirit, that revealeth secrets, and giveth wisdom and understanding, and leadeth into all truth. Wherefore, it is written, Apoc. 13. 18. Here is wisdom, let him that 
Apoc. 13. 18.  hath understanding, count the number of the Beast, etc. as intending, or pointing at the very man, (as one well observeth) whom God foreknew, and had determined first of all, to give that special gift of wisdom & understanding unto: it being the great secret, on which the knowledge of that other greater secret, concerning the year of th' end of the world, depended, as Daniel declareth, Chap. 12. 11, 12, 13. Which undoubtedly was 
Dan. 12. 11, 12, 13.  no other, than the Author of this ensuing Treatise, he being the first discoverer of that great secret of the number of the Beast, i. e. of th'end and determination of the reign of the Beast, as above is noted.  
24. Agreeable to this, namely, that a Sign, for assurance of a truth affirmed, or confirmation of a thing promised, doth not always necessarily come to pass in the life time of him or her, to whom, the promise is made, or truth declared; but may be for posterities sake, and be accomplished and fulfilled long after, for their establishment, and confirmation; an eminent Example we have in Abraham, Gen. 15. When God had promised him the Land of Canaan, to inherit it, 
Gen. 15. 8.  Lord God, saith he, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] In quo i. e. unde, quanam re, qua ratione, ut Vatablus, Mercerus, Pareus, & alii: viz. By what means, token, or Sign, shall I know, etc. The answer is: Know of a surety, that thy Seed shall be a stranger in a Land which is not theirs, and shall serve them, and they shall afflict them 400. years, and thou shalt go to thy Fathers in peace, and be buried in a good old age: but in the 4 th'. Generation they shall come hither again, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] For the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full, v. 13. 15, 16. Which Sign came not to pass in Abraham's days, but long after, in the fourth generation, after 400. 
Munst. Clar. & Caiet. in Gen. 15. 13 Musc. in loc. Q. 3 p. 375. Zeg. in Act. 7. 6. Riu. in Ex. 12. 40  years: that is to say, at th'end of 430. years, from the promise first made to Abraham, Gen. 12. in the 70. 
Musc. ubi suprà, Q. 2. p. 373 P. Mart. in Gen. 15. 13 Bibliand. in Tab. 3. Chron. Capel. in an. Abr. 70 Tremel. in Gen. 11. & Exod. 12. 40. Codom. Chron. l. 1. c. 3. Mercer. in. Gen. 15. 13. D. Ed. Sims Chron. ad an. Mundi, 2077. Abr. 70. Vid. Scal. in Can. Isagog. 322. & Drus. in Act. 7. 6 apud Crit. Sac. T. 7. Col. 2204.  year of his age, when he went out of Chaldaea to go into Canaan: And it came to pass at th' end of 430. years, even the self same day it came to pass, that all the Hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. It is a night to be much observed unto the Lord, for bringing them out from the Land of Egypt. Exod. 12. 41. 42. And thereby Moses, & all the faithful posterity of Abraham, were comforted, 
Hoc expetiverat [Abram] cupiens promissionem illam possessionis terrae Chanaan insigni aliquo foedere & notabili signo confirmari, ad roborandam posterorum suorum fidem & fiduciam. Perer. in Gen. 15. 9 & post, Videlicet id facere Deus voluit, [de foedere cum Abramo firmato agit] ad ingenerandum animis posterorum Abrae certam ejus terrae possidendae atque obtinendae fiduciam. Id. ibid. v. 18. Hoc quidem partim Abrahae causâ testatum est oportuit; sed maxime ejus posteros spectavit Dominus, ne in suis aerumnis deficerent, quorum exitum fore laetum & faelicem Dominus promiserat, praesertim cum ipsa diu●u●nitas ingenti taedio non careret. Calvin. in loc. Nec dubium est, quin Abraham hoc posteris suis assiduis concionibus inclucarit & commendarit, ne fracti calamitatibus cederent, sed urgerent firmà fide, & in concussâ spe promissionem terrae Chanaan, & liberationem. Luther. in loc. Quemadmodum legimus Joseph hujus rei certissimum fuisse, cum de ossibus suis mandavit fratribus. Marlorat. in loc. Hoc in Abrahami & Israelitarum ejus posterorum consolationem est scriptum: nec dubium quin diligenter à majoribus Mosis, literis consignatum in posterorum consolationem. Vnde & fideliter à Mose relatum, ut Israelitae, quibus tunc haec scribebat in Aegypto, vel in Deserto, cum essent mo● in terram Chanaan introducendi, animum in tam gravi servitute non desponderent, sed scirent praestitutum esse afflictionibus tempus, post quod, eorum persecutores, poenas darent, & ipsi liberarentur gloriosè, Mercer. Praelect. in Gen. 15. 13, 14.  confirmed and ascertained of the truth of God's promise, made to that Patriarch, renewed to Isaac, Gen. 26. 3, 4, 5. and to Jacob, Gen. 28. 14. 15. & 35. 11. 12. namely, that they should inherit the Land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, as it is written, Gen. 17. 8. In Abraham's time, the iniquity of the Amorites was not full, and so the punishment was deferred till after four Generations, viz. 400. years, when they were ripe for Judgement. And when this Author writ, the sins of the Romanists, the wickedness and impieties of the Western Babylon were not full: but when the measure of her iniquity is filled up, and her sins shall have reached unto Heaven, Apoc. 18 5. when her unjust dealing is ascended unto the most High, and her pride to the Almighty, 4 Esd. 11. 43. then will God remember her iniquity and violence done unto Zion, and visit her transgressions in his wrath, and vex her, lay her waist, and make her utterly desolate in his sore displeasure. For after 77. years, [viz. after the said year 1589.] when her wickedness & blasphemies are arrived to the height, when there is no remedy nor healing, when she is ripe for punishment, then shall the Judgement, that hath so long attended for her, at length lay hold upon her. Behold, saith he, thus saith the truth, in the year, which shall be 1666. the judgement, 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 & cruel Claws shall be consumed, & brought to nought. And in that day, thy vain Body shall be burnt with fire, and shall be so clean cut off from the Land of the living, that neither Son, nor Nephew, as the Prophet speaketh, nor branch, nor remnant of thy name, shall be found upon the Earth. For as it is purposed, so shall it come to pass, &, as it is consulted, it shall stand. Isaiah c. 14. v. 22. 24.  
25. After th' Abomination of Rome is passed, there will be but a few years, namely 45. to th' end of this present, evil, corrupt World, as Daniel foretold, Chap. 12. 
Dan. 12. 11, 12, 13.  from the time, that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and th' abomination, that maketh desolate, set up, there shall be a 1290. days. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the 1335. days, But go thou thy way till the end be, for thou shalt rest, and stand up in the lot at the end of the days: viz. of the 1335 days above mentioned, that is, in the general Resurrection, & end of this world, when Daniel, and all the dead must rise, as it is at large else where 
Rom. Ru. c. 6.  declared. And then at length will the Lord return to reign with his Servants, the holy Patriarches, Prophets, Apostles, and all the Elect, both of Jews and Gentiles, ●hat were in all ages of the world, as it is written, The Lord will give him the Throne of his Father David, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Dominion there shall be no end. According as he had spoken by all the holy Prophets, & as it is, Psal. 2. Ask of me, and I will give thee the Heathen 
Psal. 2. 8.  for thine Inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession. & Psal. 72. He shall have Dominion also 
Psa. 72. 8. & seq.  from Sea to Sea, & from the River to th' ends of the earth. They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him, & his Enemies shall lick the dust. The Kings of Tarshish, and of the Isles shall bring presents, the Kings of Sheba and Saba shall offer gifts. Yea, all Kings shall fall down before him, all Nations shall serve him. His name shall endure for ever, his name shall be continued as long as the Sun, and men shall be blessed in him, all Nations shall call him blessed. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doth wondrous things, & blessed be his glorious name for ever, and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen & Amen. And then all Israel shall be saved, as St. Paul saith, Rom. 11. And blessed and happy, & only 
Rom. 11. 26.  happy are they, that are regenerate here, and born again, and overcome their corrupt and evil desires, and are mortified to this sinful world, and live unto God, by faith, which is the first Resurrection: blessed & holy 
Apoc. 20. 6 Psal. 37. 18. 19  are they that have part therein, for on such the second death hath no power, for they are made unto God, Kings and Priests, and shall reign upon the earth, and dwell therein forever, with their Lord and Redeemer in that world, which is to come, when all things, upon which the curse came, shall be restored & renewed, & wherein righteousness & peace shall dwell & flourish for ever, as it was foretold and declared by all the Prophets and Apostles.  
26. But that time, between the Ruin of Rome, and end of the World (which will not exceed 45. years) although it will be joyful to the faithful and chosen of God, in respect of the near approach of the Lord, & of those graces & comforts, which God will give them to enjoy: yet it will be very toublesome & heavy upon the world, upon all the dwellers upon earth, who have their conversation below; & especially (in respect of outward troubles & fears) the more Northern parts of the world; for then, viz. about 30. years after the fall of Rome, as may be gathered from the Scriptures, will Gog and Magog, with their numerous Armies, viz. the Turks, Tartars, Armenians, Persians, Arabians, and other barbarous Nations, spread themselves upon the Mountains of Israel, i. e. will come down, in great & vast multitudes, upon the plains of Germany, and other parts of the Empire, with intent to swallow up, & overwhelm the Christians, and endeavour to extirpate and blot out the name of Christ from under heaven, and subject all Europe to the Ottoman yoke, and blasphemous Law of Mahomet. And will thus continue war upon them, till fire from God, out of heaven, devour them, as it is written, Apoc. 20. and as the Lord, by Ezekiel, doth declare, saying, And I will rain upon him, & upon his bands, and 
Apoc. 20. 9  upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire and brimstone. 
Ezek. 30. 22.   
27. To conclude, as concerning this Author's name, we have, at present, nothing of certainty, more than from himself, in that Treatise to Q. Eliz. p. 52 where he thus writeth, J. T. L. testify those things, with my own ●and, in sober humbleness, commending them to your Majesty, only in 
Advertis. to Q. Eliz. p 52.  regard of my duty, and for no other reward. Give your promotions to those sons of Beor, that rise so early, & sidle their Asses to post after them: For I your Servant have bread & water enough, thanks be to my God, & am therewith as well content, as if my Lands were as large, as are the Royalties of the little Bird, that possesseth all the Fields, over which it flieth.  
Finally, The premises being considered, I make bold, and am no whit ashamed, to affirm, (though the world will not bear it) that this Author was a most choice & special Servant of God, immediately guided & directed by his holy & ever blessed Spirit, as the holy Prophets & Apostles were: & raised up by God in this last Age, to show these great things, & th' end of this World, to this Generation, & to call for, & exhort to Repentance, 120. years before hand; as Noah was, to foreshow th'end of the old World, by the Flood, & exhort the Nations to Repentance, 120. years, before it came. Therefore, commending his writings (so many of them as could be found) here presented together in the following Treatise, to all well disposed, humble Christians, who have their hope, not only in this 
1 Cor. 15. 19  life, but in that, which is to come, (for so are the Apostles words to be understood, contrary to the false, Atheistical gloss of the 
Note Reader, that in discourse with a chief Rabbi amongst the Familists, when I alleged St. Paul's words, 1 Cor. 15. 19 [If only in this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all Men most miserable] to prove the Resurrection, and his assured hope of Salvation in the world to come; he denied it, in hearing of divers, saying, that, the Apostles meaning was, if we had only hope in this life, & not the thing hoped for, we were most miserable; but now (saith he) we have both the hope, & the thing hoped for, the promise, & the thing promised, all that may be expected, we have in this life; as he affirmed, agreeable to the rest of their blasphemous Principles.  Familists) then to receive and enjoy eternal rest, & an Inheritance amongst God's Elect, the faithful jews & Gentiles, in that Land promised the Fathers; I say, commending his writings, as a most inestimable Treasure, to all sober Christians, hoping that themselves may see and find, that they are undoubtedly the very truth, as in due time will appear: & desiring them, as they tender and value their own everlasting peace, and happiness, & as they must certainly answer it, at the great Day of the coming of Christ, & Resurrection of the dead, that they would, above all things, take heed of, and avoid the horrible infatuations, the pernicious, poisonous Doctrines, & Principles of the shameless, blasphemous Familists, so directly contrary to, so wholly & absolutely inconsistent with the grace of God, and state of Salvation: I take my leave, and rest their  
Christian Friend, J. W. Lond. Apr. 15. 1661.   

A VOICE Out of the WILDERNESS CRYING, With many Tears and strong persuasions to the World for REPENTANCE.  
Proving by undeniable Grounds from the Word of God, that the great Day of his righteous Judgement shall certainly be in this present Age, before 61. Years after this present Year 1651. shall be expired.  
And unfolding many great and wonderful Mysteries of God, forespoken in his word, to come to pass and be fulfilled, from the rising of Julius Caesar, first Emperor of ROME, to this present time, and from hence to that Great Day of the Lord.  
Things that were never discovered by any Writer before this known; and such as greatly concern the Church and Chosen of God, in this last time.  
Expressed in a very high Prophetical stile, and clear evidence of the Spirit, and of Power from above, which the judicious Christian Reader may well perceive.  
LONDON, Printed by M. S. 1651.   

TO THE CHURCH OF ROME.  
MANY and sundry voices have been heard out of the Wilderness in these latter days, whereunto had we given good and diligent ear, we had perhaps discerned the time of our visitation; nevertheless, he that writeth testifieth, the Kingdom of God is at hand.  
WHat neighbour or friend is he, who seeing his next or beloved in danger, doth not cry, ●ake heed? and though such one may be found, yet cannot we hold our peace: Generations sinful and adulterous, why should we fear or shame, to speak ●mongst ye? your number? and hath it not been always the complaint of the holy Ghost, in the days of the Prophets, Apostles, and to this hour? Lord who hath believed our say? and to whom is thy arm revealed? your nostrils? whose power is breath not to be counted of? nay, we are not only ready to give up our bodies, but our souls to be sacrificed, in witness of the cause pleaded before ye this day; or should our voice be ashamed of her preparation? behold ye scorners, like as a mighty wind, that pasteth your ear, and bloweth not upon ye; so shall ye hear great things to day, and not be moved ●herewith; and poor, and slight, and simple as she goeth, she hath authority to give joy to the living, and life unto the dead. Amongst whom liest thou buried, rotten, and past rising up again: thou, that sittest careless, like a Queen in pleasure, and glorifien th● sel●e, saying in thy heart, I am alone, and besides me is no other, I may not be widow, or desolate for ever, a●d, like a fool, hast not considered, th'older thou art, the nigher to thy grave. But thou sayest, tush, am I not great? Where dwelleth then the power that may do all these things? Wherefore thus saith the truth, although thou be now so high, as that the word forespoken is fulfiled in thee, And who is like unto the beast? or who may war with him? behold the day hasteth, and is at hand, wherein th●u shalt be made so little, that thy name and remnant shall not be found upon the earth; and all thy many horns, and multitude of Witches, (whose arm and counsel have been thy help and treasure from thy youth,) shall fall and perish, as fire consumeth straw, and not be able to deliver thee any more; for thy days are numbered, and yet two Months, two Weeks, two days and a half, and thy number six hundred sixty six shall be fulfiled: Happy man that liveth to see that day, and behold there be living that shall see it.  
And Tyre and Sydon, with all thy Cedars, though now they surfeit in wealth, in pride, and pleasure, shall then lie comfortless and wring their hands, for Babylon their Lord is dead. And thy death shall be the life of Israel but his light may not long endure (as test●fieth the Prophet.) And then, and in those days shall be fullfi●●'d the great mystery of God, prophesied by the mighty Angel, who set his right foot on the Sea, and left upon the Land, and lifting up his strongest arm to Heaven, swore by him that liveth for ever and e●er, There shall be time no more.  
He that blasphemeth, let him blaspheme still; and he that liveth at ease, take his pleasure still, nevertheless the special day is at the door, to give to every one according to his ways. And yet thou sayest, I am his house, his sanctuary, and place of his dwelling: wherefore (Discoursers) 〈◊〉 once shall be wrought in your eye to day, all the gate● of his City shall be laid open before ye, and none of ye shall enter into it.  
All are wise, and every one shall give account according to that he hath received; I ask then, and have not all received? yes verily, the voice of God is written up, and placed in th'eyes or heart's of all, as it is wirtten, Their sound is gone forth over all the earth, and their words unto the world's end. But all have nor obeyed, as test●fieth the Prophet; and therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a Field containing Corn and Weeds: to a Net. enclosing fish of all sorts, good and bad: to a Wedding, whereunto all were bidden, those that refused, those that came prepared, and those that came and were 〈◊〉 apparelled: to Servants, good, diligent, faithful, bad, slow, and unprofitable: to Virgins, some wise whose lamps did watch while they slept, 〈◊〉 foolish whose lamps did sleep with them: to a house, of great and large receit● garnished with v●ssells of gold and silver, of wood and clay, then and in that day to be employed to their use of honour and dishonour, when he shall come in glory, to judge and reward the world, separate the stranger from the child, the goa● from the sheep, the sinner from the just: and this is the Kingdom whereof it is written, Many are called  
Lords of Sodom, may it then plea●e your dead and dry eyes to consider, that in this great company of hearers, two special differing companies are commended unto ye: th'one that hearing the voice, obeyeth and doth it; th'other, that hearing transgresseth, and doth not; called in Scripture, Ha●ed, bond, forsaken, cast out, children of evil, vessels of wrath, and such like: compared to a Man, who built a house, and laid no foundation, and when the day of reckoning, the day of tempest came, the building fell, and the fall thereof was great, and lamentable for ever. But they that hea●ing the Commandments of God, observe and do them, are called in Scripture, beloved, free, chosen, beautiful, children of promise, vessels of mercy, Israel, Jacob, his people, his heritage, a holy Nation, a holy City, a kingly & holy Priesthood, his house, his Temple, his Tabernacle, Saints, Zion, Jerusalem from above, the pillar and upholder of truth, his vine, his Church, his Body, his Spouse, and such like: compared to a Builder, that digged deep, and laid his foundation on the Rock, whose work endured the day to come, and gave glory to the worker: to a Grain of Mustardseed, whose great increase for his little body, is marvellous compared with other herbs; to Leaven, which seasoneth the whole wherein it is hid; to a Pearl of price, for which the Jeweller adventureth by Sea, by Land, by fire, by water to attain; to a Field wherein lieth hidden a treasure of such quality, that the possessor selleth all he hath, to make a purchase thereof: to a Seed, prospering from Blade to stalk, from stalk to head, the Lord of the ground neither sleeping nor waking knowing how: And this is the generation of them that seek him, the portion and Kingdom whereof it is written, But few are chosen. And of this company and no other, speaketh the Scripture, which saith: Where two or three be gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. And again: And behold I am with you from day to ever, even to the world's end. And again, Fear not little flock, for it hath pleased your Father to give you a Kingdom. And again, And I will entreat the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, who shall remain with you for ever. And again, But when the Spirit of truth cometh, he shall lead you into all truth. And this is the City and house spiritual, built upon the head of the corner, which through the strength and glory of the foundation, remaineth and liveth for ever, as it is written, And upon this Rock will I build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against her. And this is the Church and Sanctuary of God, the stones of life and glory everlasting, disdained and trodden under of worldly bvilders, prepared notwithstanding from above, and appointed to serve for his Tabernacle and place of his dwelling: for he that is highest, dwelleth not in Temples made with hands, as testifieth the Prophet. Heaven is my seat, and earth is my footstool, what place of rest will ye build unto me (saith the Lord) O house of Israel? These things had ye understood, then had ye been wise and learned Scribes, and like unto the householder, which bringeth forth of his store and provision, as time and occasion serveth old and new.  
And this is she which erreth not, dissenteth not, for all her Children are endued with a tongue and taster of truth: all are prepared with one and selfsame water: all are purged by one and selfsame fire: all are Servants to one and self same Lord, who by the sweet and accepted Sacrifice of his own body hath sanctified, and made them of sinners. Sons of God, as it is written: He that sanctifieth, and they which are sanctified, are all of one.  
And this is she which prepareth herself for the Wedding, arrayed in a white and righteous garment, which her Lord the Bridegroom giveth her with Lamp watching night and day, waiteth and attendeth his coming, whose modest countenance, whose chaste and comely steps, walk in our streets, and the world regardeth not; for her name is hidden, written in the heart, not in the skin, and the light of her beauty is in the spirit within, not in the 〈◊〉 without, whose praise is not of men, but of God. And yet thou sayest, let me see her: behold, he that writeth testifieth before the Throne of God and all his holy Angels, that he knoweth not any one this day, after the flesh, that taketh part with him: what then, shall I say I am left alone? God forbidden, for I see and hear with th'ears and eyes of my soul, the groans, the chains and tears of seven thousand, whose obedience is greater than mine, and of which number I am the least, and as a poor, and miserable, and borne out of time, am not worthy to be one of them.  
And this is she who once (Balaam) walked in thy streets, and all th' earth was filled with her beauty, until thy Father lifted up his saucy head, pursuing her blood and generation: for there is enmity between him and her, her seed and his for ever, but she laid her Babe before the Throne of God, whose eye defended it from all his teeth and fury. And in those days, her Lord the Bridegroom gave her two wings, whose Feathers were made of the word of truth, and she flew into the Wilderness, where she had a rest provided from the face and fear of her enemy, a time, and times, and half a time; and there remaineth she, her hour, her day, her month, and her year, eating no other thing then that which God giveth her. And thy Father fell heavy, exceeding wroth thereat: and sat him down by the Sea side, in a Throne newly erected to th'honour of his name, mourning and pining, that the woman with her Boy had 'scaped his hands so. And calling his powers and counsel about him, devising, found out a way t'appease his wrath, namely to be revenged but on the remnant of her seed which she left behind: and while he sat in Consistory, seeking best means t'accomplish his purpose, thou liftedst up thy Nose out of the many waters, and presently his dump was turned to a dance, thy heads and horns were so like his own, that he rejoiced wholly to see thy unhappy day, and having nothing greater to show his love, parted with thee his Kingdoms, and glory thereof, planted thee in his old and ancient Throne, where once his name was honoured, and gave into thy hand his great power, and chiefest of his host, Wonders, Lies, Murder, and bade thee war and have no fear, for it was appointed, the third borne among the Sons of men, should be subdued unto thee. And it pleased the Lamb to give thee leave among the rest, to bid battle to the seed and remainder of his handmaid, and to give up their blood to the pleasure of thy Swords, during the thousand two hundred and sixty, the days of relegation: but when those two and forty months shall be expired, thou shalt lay down thy proud waves, and he that is highest, shall set thee alive in judgement, and the earth shall accuse thee of deceit, the Heavens of blasphemy, and thou shalt be divided, and cut out in pieces, for thou hast troubled the meek, and him that pursued peace, hast loved liars, destroyed the true and fruitful branch, and overthrown the walls of such as mourned, and did thee no harm. And in that day, thy Crowns shall be turned to baldness, thy silk to nakedness, thy sweet and pleasing voices to howling, thy lights to darkness, and the blood of his servants shall he weigh before thee, and value it unto thee, and thy parts shall burn until thou pay the price thereof. And that judgement may even now begin to take hold of thy bones, it shall be showed thee this day, what manner of men they are, which hear, and do the Commandments of God, their breadth, their length, their height, their depth, their name and their countenance, shall be laid before thee, and thou, thy Prophets and Children, shall see, and wonder, and die.  
All are learned, all have knowledge, and the covenant of death was written in our hearts, when we were yet but tender, lodged and sleeping in the loins of Adam, wrapped us up in our sins, and transgressions, like as the Spider in his toil the silly Fly, against the day of slaughter. But he that is highest, pitying the world which he loved so, in the riches of his benignity, devised a way, to set free again the work of his hand, which law through sin had embondaged to death, and made a testament of life and peace, in the blood and mediation of his Son, the price and redemption of that which was lost, and wrote inheritors of his merciful Covenant, all and as many as believed in the Mediator thereof. And unto Adam, his lost Child, gave it he, saying; The seed of the woman shall bruise the Serpent's head, and all the Children of Promise took hold thereon, embracing the seed which by the death of death, delivered the sinner: And unto Abraham his Servant renewed he his Covenants; Cast me out Agar with her Son (quoth he) for that which is borne after flesh is bond, and shall not inherit with the free. And remembering his mercy, promised in his time to visit Sara, and to raise unto him a seed, which should be the joy of many Nations: and Abraham believed, and got a grave and honourable name above all his Brethren, namely, to be the Father of all those many Nations, that were to inherit the Covenant and Testament of promise. And by the hand of Moses his faithful, calling Israel unto him in the Wilderness, before the fearful Mount, gave unto them the Covenant of captivity once for all, written down by the hand of his Angel, in two Tables of stone, commanding it to be set up in the eye of Israel, that they might see and read their wounds and transgressions, which had subdued them to death, and calling to mind his Testament of mercy, wherein from beginning his soul delighted, promised by the same Moses, to raise them up a Prophet from among their Brethren, like unto him, and every soul that would inherit his favour and Covenant of promise, should hear him. And Moses calling Israel together, testified unto them that day, heaven and earth bearing witness, he had set life and death, curse and blessing, to wit, the Covenants of works and faith, of Law and grace before them. But Israel's heart was fat, and understood not all these things, and seeking the inheritance by the Law of works which had concluded them being yet unborn under curse and reproof, fell out, and lost the way which led to the blessing and land of the Fathers covenanted by promise; but by David his Boy, whom his heart approved, calleth them back again, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (saith he) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, giving them to understand the table of Sina, whereon they thought to save themselves; justified to their face, all their do were abominable, as it is written: The Lord looked down from heaven upon the Sons of men, to see if there were any that understood and sought after God. But behold, they are all gone astray, all are become abominable, there is not one that doth good, no not one. There is not a godly to be found on earth: not a righteous amongst the sons of men, all lie in wait for blood, and every man hunteth his neighbour as with a net: he that is best is but a briar, and he that is most righteous as a thorn. And ever and anon remembering his mercy, testified by the same David, that if they would attain the Land and Inheritance promised the Fathers, they should not offer him his beasts or his birds to eat, but unharden their hearts, and hear his voice that day, that then it should come to pass, they should enter into his repose, and Canaan spiritual, into the which their Fathers could not for their unbelief. All the Prophets bearing witness thereunto, that look how high the heavens were distant from the earth, so far were his offerings differing from theirs: for all their ways and thoughts were spotted like to the garment of a Tiger, transgressors of his fiery Covenant which he strake with their Fathers in Horeb, as it is written, And the testament which I gave them they kept not, and my soul despised them (saith the Lord) And still and evermore remembering his mercy, commended unto them the day to come, wherein he would strike a new and an everlasting Commandment with the house of Israel, not like to that he covenanted in the Wilderness, which neither they nor their Fathers were able to bear, but his new Covenant should be a Covenant of mercy and love, and no man should be able t'attain it, by rending his Garment, by Rams, or streams of Oil, but by rending his heart, by hearing and believing the redemption which should be set in Zion: for he had said, and would not repent for ever, The just shall live by faith. But Israel was hard, and evermore in heart turned back into the Wilderness, choosing rather to be the Sons of Agar, inhabitants of Sina, which engendereth to death, than children of promise, Citizens of Jerusalem from above, which begetteth to life: refused his Law and Testament of grace, so often covenanted and commended unto them: which he notwithstanding in fullness of time performed unto Jacob, sending down out of his bosom the Mediator thereof, apparelled in blood, mounted on his little hill in his city of peace, with promise, that every sinner should be delivered from shame, that putteth trust in him. And when the time came, was found walking in the streets of Jerusalem, his steps beautiful, as are the steps of God: the flames and Angels of heaven, ascending and descending at his commandment; and it was fulfilled which was spoken, In Jury is God known, great is his name in Israel: and opening his mouth taught them, and marvellous gracious and true were the words which proceeded from him: told them their Fathers were wonderfully indeed fed and clothed in the Wilderness, and yet were dead, because they were not fed nor clothed with him, who feedeth and arrayeth to life everlasting: and the food and raiment which he gave, was his blood, and they that are fed and apparelled therewith, are those that believe in him: commanded them not to work as did their Fathers in the Wilderness, but as did Abraham, whose Children they pretended to be and were not, for he believed in him, being yet but promised, whom they refused, now performed, and witnessed plainly in their ears that day, there were no other works but these alone, that led from the rod of th'oppressor to the Land of promise, saying, This is to do the work and commandment of God, to believe in him whom God hath sent. Which thing your Fathers the Pharisees denying to do, evermore seeking (after their hard and brazen progenitors) t'establish a righteousness and justice of their own, to work the works and Commandments of God, according to their way and meaning, by doing, refusing the justice appointed by God, to work his works and Commandments according to his way & meaning, by believing: rushed against the square, approved, precious stone which was set up in Zion, and were bruised and broken to death everlasting.  
And dost thou know (Balaam) what it is to believe in him whom God hath sent? We speak the things we know, and testify what we have seen and learned: That which is borne from below is flesh, subdued unto sin, embondaged to death, and cannot see th'inheritance and Kingdom of God; wherefore it was requisite a new birth to be established, subduing the flesh unto the spirit, delivering from the power of sin, and breaking the chains of death. Without the which, vain and impossible is the Commandment, to believe in him whom God hath sent: as it is written, Unless a man be begotten by water and by the holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.  
So many Baalists heaped on another, at your conspiracy he●d at Trent, against God, and his anointed, and knew not what it is to be borne of water and of the holy Ghost? have ye indeed so planed the c●●atures of God, wrought in them a belief, ye are successors and dispensers in heavenly things, and understand not earthly?  
There was a man sent from God, his name was John, your Fathers ran out in troops to see him, a strange and sour fellow, was not lodged like a Prince, nor clothed like a Courtier, neither wine nor water drank he, no other drink but ●ears, and in his mouth never entered bread.  
Murderers, how chanceth it, that hanging up his dead body in your Courts and Caves, drawing it through your streets once a year at the least, denying it the natural courtesy of burial, you have not considered that he was appointed from heaven, the Minister of the Baptism of water? as of himself he testifieth in a place, saying: He that sent me to baptise with water said unto me, on whom thou seest the Spirit descend and tarry he it is that baptizeth with the holy Ghost. Do ye know wherefore his Lord gave him that honourable testimony? namely, that he was more than a Prophet, and that among all the sons of women, there was none to be found his greater? because, who so is not prepared by him, which was appointed the Minister of the baptism of water, shall never be purged by his Lord which comes after, who sanctifieth with fire and with the holy Ghost: for this was the Angel, appointed to go before the face of the great Dominator, and teach the Children that sat in Prison, in darkness, and shadow of death, that if they would be Sons of the Fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, they should prepare their hearts by water, as did the Fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And therefore his Lord in parable calleth him the Mourner, wots ye why? because who so sorroweth not with him, shall never rejoice with the Bridegroom, shall never see the birth of the holy Ghost, the faith which believeth in him which God hath sent.  
The poor woman which entered into the house of Simon the Pharisee, where her Lord was at meat, and falling downwashed & kissed his feet, how cometh it to pass, (ye wise) that nailing up her dead body in your Groves and Temples to the view, ye have not considered her tears and her love, preaching and crying so many hundred years, the birth of water▪ of the holy Ghost? but ye say, when Elias cometh he shall restore all! Murderers, and do ye indeed lie in wait for another Elias? behold the first came, and had not his God delivered him from your hands by wonder, sending down his Chariot and Horsemen of fire, ye had slain him with the rest of his Prophets, for ye sought his life also: and the second came, a righteous and holy man, and behold, as innocent as ye pretend to be, his righteous blood shall be found in your Courts, and his holy head in one of your vessels: and do ye yet more attend a third Elias, like to your stiff reproved brethren, which walk stinking in your streets to day, gaping the coming of a second Messiah? wherefore thus saith the truth, there shall no Elias come: and he that reading, considereth the dwelling, the fare, and raiment of the second Elias, how read and swollen were his eyes with tears, how dry his lips with sighs, and doth not weep and wail with him, if seven thousand Mourners should rise from the dead, they cannot make that man to sorrow. This was the voice, who in the days of his flesh, called unto Israel from out of the Wilderness, crying that if the would be sons and daughters of God, they should not look up unto their parentage, boasting their pedigree, fetched from the loins of Abraham, but should take up the true and perfect sorrow for their sin, and th' unspeakable de●i●e to be reconciled to God, as did his servant Abraham: that then the God of Abraham would turn to th● Children, a● he did unto the Fathers, writ his Laws ●n their hearts, cover their offences, and be unto them a God, and a Father, and they to him sons and daughters: and every one which was to receive the light that followed, in whose hand was the power to make of a ●●nner a Son unto God, harkened to the Mourner of Israel, sat down, and sorrowed with him.  
And he that sorrowed, sorrowed indeed, his eye refused sleep, his mouth dened t'eate, lost and dead was his cheer, his mirth was t●●n'd to sadness, and if an asked what ill he had; seight, and could not speak, so great was his sorrow: and walking all alone, sought for the night to cover him; and ever as he went, wrote up with tears, the day was not made for him, that is in sorrow: and in the night as dark as 'twas, his eye which now had clean forgotten rest, beheld as in a table painted out, his wounds and transgressions, and fear, and judgement: the Arrows of the Highest pierced him so, that he besought the day to wake, for help and ease of sorrow; but when the day arose, the Sun discovered his filthiness, drew him forth naked before the light and Throne of God, laying truly to his charge, it was he that had polluted th'earth: and what pen may tell his fear? or who may conceive his sorrow? Like as the Hart chased with Hound, recovering in going down of his strength some little advantage, standeth, hearing the cry of them that trace his blood so truly, feeling the strength of his legs departed, looketh about for the water brook to recover his force a new, and finding not, panteth and shutteth oft his fearful eye, ready to give up the living breath which holdeth his silly bones together: so trembleth this guilty soul, and finding the pleasure of his pleasures past, departed like friends in adversity, that knew him now no more, would feign look up to heaven, as to the water brook, but durst not, for he had sinned against it, and before him that sitteth thereon, fell down, and broken to water, washed with tears the day wherein he was borne, and charged it with cruelty, to call him out of his mother's womb, when there was no need of him. Alas, might not the Sun have gone his course (quoth he) though I had never been? or had the Covenant of night and day been lost, and if my mother's womb had been my grave (quoth he?) and seeing his fear so multiplied, he might no longer live, wrote up with tears his last complaint, and laid it before the Throne of God, confessed he was nothing worth, beseeched him to remember the Testament of his mercy, the delight and pleasure of his soul, before the foundations of creatures were laid, in it, to pity and call again, the poor and lost work of his hand, which sin and filthiness had led away to death.  
And this is he, that is poor, and bruised, that laboureth and is heavy laden, sick, lost, dead, and liveth now no more: this is he that traveleth▪ like a woman, that laboureth, that weepeth while the world sporteth, devising pleasantly to pass the time away. And this is he that is turned, begotten by water, prepared by the Mourner, and unto whom God hath sworn by the honour of his name, He shall not die.  
Murderers, stand forth, tell me, may ye set your penance by this man's repentance? behold this man, of a hill, is become a valley: of a flint, soft and tender as water: of a prudent and wise, become a babe: and like unto the little one, which holding on his mother's breasts, cryeth, and feareth the regard of a stranger: so weepeth he if sin do but see him: Thou, standing on the tops, despisest him that lieth below, judgest him a fool, and one that knows not to use the time, and after thy heart hard as Adamant, subdued to filthiness, despairing of a better promise, canst not go down and sit, and tell tears with him: bearing thyself aloft, movest like an Oracle, fairest, but thou art wise: and like a fool, hast not considered the word that solloweth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
O just and righteous judgement of God, which by a low and simple word, hath sealed to reprove the wisdom of the world, and hidden from her proud and prudent Children, the knowledge of his truth and heavenly things, and shown it to babes: for even so it pleaseth him.  
Murderers, may your penance yield such fruit as bringeth forth this man's repentance? behold this man hath lost his taste, and relish in sin for ever, and in the ways wherein his soul delighted once, and took his course with pleasure, now grieveth, feareth, bewaileth ●he day that ever he walked therein: what wilt thou minister to this man, to recover him to joy again? oil? corn? wine? youth? strength? beauty? the world and glory thereof? nay, he sigheth, and cannot find his help in them: his stripe is of that quality, as nothing can heal, but the favour and countenance of him, whom he hath offended: and ●urning his eve unto the wall, covereth his head with deu● and heaviness, weepeth and will not be comforted, until he find the thing his soul so desireth: peace, love, and reconciliation with God.  
I call ye all before the judgement seat of God this day, and lay unto your charge, ye have not known nor learned these things, and are nevertheless the worthy fruits, which the preparer of Israel hath cried out unto ye, these many hundred years to bring forth.  
Reproved and unbaptised hearts and ears, like to your fathers, which evermore resisted the holy Ghost, so do ye: what hath he at any time written with tears, and ye not opened and read laughing? when hath he commended ye his orders in grave and funeral robes, and ye not reproved, saying, his humour is to melancholy? what voice hath he sent in low and servants tyre, and ye not despised, and said, his invention is simple? when hath he encountered those barred and bolted hearts of yours, with great and strong cries, and ye not blasphemed, and told him he's mad? and how may he cook or spice his Commandments, to have them approved of your mouths, so wayward and out of taste? Children of go to death, which of you reproveth him that writeth of a lie? wherefore thus saith the truth, poor Sodom shall rise in that day, and lift up their bloubred heads out of their dark dwelling, and the eye of the Judge shall pity their captivity in respect of yours; for had they heard the Mourners song as you have heard to day, the light of their repentance had shined amongst us even to this hour: but this is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 poured out upon ye, such a botch, such a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the day shall come, that among all the sinful generations of men, no one may be found so adulterous, that will approve there had been on earth at any time, a race so stiff and cast away, as hearing all these things, would notwithstanding worship Bel. And he that is highest, shall show his name, in getting honour over ye, and because ye would not learn and walk in his ways, shall give ye up unto your own, in blindness, l●ke Sodomites, groping after, and pursuing the blood of his Testament, till ye fall headlong down into the deep, where Pharaoh and his men of war do lie: and all the World shall know and fear the holy one, the Redeemer of Israel, the Lord of Hosts, who hath justified the judgements of his Servants upon ye. But we will cast ye aside a while, and return to the poor and broken soul, whom we have left in travel, and guard and watch him day & night: behold and learn his end, he that is wise will mark his deliverance, and happy man that can tell his tears, and sit and sorrow with him.  
To this man maketh God answer, early or late delivereth him: and how much the longer withholdeth his countenance, retiring as it were his pity from him, so much the more intendeth t'advance his love and mercy towards him, to make him great and a pillar in his house a comforter of the weak and broken knees of others, and in his time sendeth down his promise, the rich and hidden treasure which from the beginning dwelled with himself, and with his holy one, who day by day laboureth, washeth, and bindeth up this broken one, not leaving t'apply unto his stripe, until he have wrought and shaped in him a full and perfect assurance, that God hath given him unto his Son: in him and through him, forgiven and covered all those his transgressions, which cried our so justly against his blood: and whereas in the day of his trespass, was a stranger, and an enemy, now in his Son, and for his sake, is reconciled and beloved, and is unto him as a son, and he to him a Father, the treasure which his soul in the great day of his trouble so unspeakeably desired, and therewithal commandeth him to bear written up in the apple of his eye night and day, to read and consider, what great things have been done for him.  
This man is now so assured his ●innes are forgiven him, as sure and persuaded, that his Lord and Redeemer was once dead, now liveth, & never dyeth more, what Register may record the sins of him, whose transgressions God forgetteth? what power may discover the nakedness of him, whose shame and offence God covereth? who shall be able to cast away whom God approveth? or lay to the charge of him, whom God chooseth? may sin wherein he was conceived? may trespass and filthiness wherein his youth delighted? may the bold and bloody offences, which his age hath committed? may flesh and infirmities wherewith he is clothed? may powers and blasphemies, wherewith he is compassed? nay, this man is at rest, fully persuaded, God being with him, nothing may prevail against him; as it is written, God justifying who may condemn? This man is now so assured, God loveth him, as that he is sure and fully persuaded, neither fire nor sword, neither death, nor life, neither Angels, nor powers, nor principalities, neither things present, nor things to come, neither natures above, nor depths below, nor any creature other whatsoever, may separate him from the love which God beareth him, in Christ Jesus his Lord.  
And this is the saith of Abraham, and of Abraham's posterity, which reacheth justice to the sinner, and life unto the just, as it is written: But the just shall live by faith. And this is the faith, whereof th'holy Ghost pronounceth, by the mouth of his servant Paul, in a place, saying: Being justified therefore by faith, we have peace with God in Christ Jesus our Lord. For he is truly justified, whose sins are forgiven, as it is written: Blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven, and whose transgressions are covered. And he is truly at peace and one with God, that is beloved of him: and all this grace is reached unto him in Christ, and through him, as it is written: For death and bondage was given by Moses; but grace and truth by Christ Jesus. And this is the rest, and peace from above, the birth and baptism of the holy Ghost, the fire that purgeth the sons of men, transforming them from sinners, into the sons of God: and no man shall see it, or have his part therein, that cannot sing the song of the little children, which sat in the market place, crying and calling one t'another: We have mourned, and ye have not sorrowed.  
Murderers, stand forth; tell me, may you compare your belief with this man's saith? behold, thou believest one only God Father Almighty, of whom are all things, and one Lord Jesus Christ his only Son, for whom, and by whom are all things: and one Spirit God holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, the power, the life, and quickener of all things: and thou believest that the Son in the fullness of time, descended from the bosom of his Father, came into the world, was made flesh, conceived by the holy Ghost, borne of a Virgin, and that he died and risen again, for the redemption of all that believe in his holy name: and thou believest, those that believe in him are his Church, chosen and gathered from all the winds, a Company undefiled, a holy University, as he is holy that hath chosen them: and thou believest they wail and weep, and joy together, and thou believest their Lord is mounted up into the heavens, seated on the right hand of God, all power in heaven and in earth subdued unto him: and thou believest all flesh shall rise and stand before him, every man to receive according to his thoughts. And all these things believest thou? thou dost well, thy father the Devil believeth them also: and it is so fare, that this faith may save either thee or him, as that it shall increase both your stripes: for unto whom much is committed, of him much shall be required: and he that knoweth and doth not, shall be beaten with many rods: And better it were thou hadst never been borne, then to have heard and believed all these things, and not to have sorrowed with the Mourner. And this was the faith of Simon Magus, one of your firstborn, who hearing Philip preaching, th'Incarnation, Death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and forgiveness of sins in his holy name, and seeing the great and wonderful works wrought by the same, believed the promise and revelation of life, and was baptised, as it is written; And Simon also believed, and was baptised: and yet was neither begotten by water, nor by the holy Ghost: he believed as did the liar his father, of whom he learned his juggling, to plane the creatures of God, and was reborn by water from below, not able to beget the sinner a new: for it is impossible that blood of beasts, or water of fountains, may either purge or prepare the sinner. And therefore Peter coming to Samaria, to purge those sinners whom Philip had prepared by water from above, laid his finger to the wound: fellow (quoth he) thou hast no part nor fellowship with us, nor in this administration, and shown him the cause why, namely, his unrepentance: giving him t'understand, it was not possible for his soul to be purged of that gall and bitterness wherein it lay, because his heart was not prepared by water. And this was the faith of the Traitor, thy predecessor (Balaam) who sold the truth and life everlasting, for the reward of iniquity like unto thee, he knew and believed as thou dost, that the blood of his Master was innocent blood, and was baptised with the self same baptism wherewith thou art baptised, and yet was neither begotten by water, nor by the holy Ghost, for it was not possible for him to be purged with Peter, his heart unbroken, hard, and cruel, refusing to sorrow with the Mourner. And this was the faith of Julian thy Pastor (I touch your mystery now Sir Balaam) whose broad seal and subscription, hangeth even this day unto thy letters Pattens, confirming thy Throne and Vicardome to thee and thy posterity, was baptised with the selfsame baptism wherewith thou art baptised, and begotten by the selfsame faith which thou believest, and yet th'unclean spirit reentered his house prepared and swept, and his blasphemous end is known to ye all this day, to be worse than his beginning: but had he been begotten by the faith which Abraham believed, th'enemy at the return with his seven thousand powers, had found his house guarded by the stronger, the watchman of Israel had defended his gates, and kept his walls from ruin: but it was not possible for him to be cleansed with Abraham, his heart not prepared with water like unto Abraham's, for his soul was found among the stiff uncircumcised children, which would not regard their fellows, crying: We have mourned, and ye have not sorrowed. But I will leave thy penance, thy belief, with all and every point of thy Doctrine, to him that cometh after, behold, a voice shall rise against thee, discover thy blasphemies contained in thy conspiracy held at Trent, against the holy one of Israel, and Jacob his chosen, and strike thee so, with the two witnesses of God, out of whose mouth comes fire to destroy the gainesayer, that all thy Magicians, all thy false reformed Prophets, shall not be able to recover thee to life again: and return unto the man who once laboured and was lost, but now refreshed and is found again, whose war and woes are turned to such a peace and joy, as the world can neither give, nor take away from him: and let us make research into his life, beholding how he worketh: he that is wise will mark his steps, and follow where he goeth.  
Like as the good and fruitful Tree, planted by the river side, bringeth forth her fruit in time and due season: so fruitful now is this branch become, and after the two noble parts of his faith, spreadeth out his root to moistness, and bringeth forth, a double fruit. Th'assurance of mercy and forgiveness of his sin, worketh in him such a true and perfect hatred of sin, as no man knoweth but he that is baptised in Silo with him: and this hatred dwelleth not idle, hidden up, and sleeping in him, but as a City built upon a hill, showeth his bastions and beauty to the passers by: so breaketh forth this fire within him, making known to all his members, the power and strength thereof: retiring them from their old and wont ways, remembering unto him, with what a precious bath and price he is washed and bought from th'unclean and vain conversation wherein once he walked, now and ever after to be holy, as he is holy that hath chosen him. What fountains may yield water enough to bewail the state of this man? for in his members he findeth a law, bidding and commanding unrighteousness, enticing to regard his pleasures past, maintaining to be bold to return again, casting before him day and night the vomit, which now his soul hath cast up, and bleedeth to see or to remember more: and in his spirit findeth another law, remembering unto him the day of his trouble, when fear and judgement led him chained to death, and how he followed weeping, and had nothing to say for himself: how then and in that day, he pitied and delivered him, with charge to remember, with what a great and precious charge he was redeemed and recovered again, commanding him therefore not to dare to look bacl, or grieve the seed of God, the holy one, that hath done all these things for him. Ah poor and miserable soul, who shall deliver him from his body of sin? for to the law of his spirit consenteth he, loveth and feign would do thereafter, but cannot, for he dwelleth in a house of rebellion, not contented alone to pursue him by day, as it is written: All the day long am I punished, and chastised every morning; but while the night dareth the little ease unto his heavy eye, his members watch to sin. Like righteous Lot in Sodom, so dwelleth he closed in a City, whose buildings are transgressions, whose streets are ways of error, whose bulwarks are the strength of death, whose gates do lead to hell: dying daily, tormented daily, crying daily, to be delivered from sin, or from the body thereof▪ and in a great and strong patience, though now of all creatures most miserable, scorned of Angels, disdained of men, hated of the world, pursued of his own, unspeakeably endureth all: hoping with a hope, which cannot be confounded, for the revelation of his life, laid up in the bosom of his Lord and Redeemer, then and in that hour to be declared and given him, when he shall come to judge the world with a righteous judgement: rendering to every man just and truly, according to the ways wherein his heart hath walked. And this is the death to sin, the great affliction, happy man that hath his part therein, for he shall see the day wherein he shall hunger no more, nor thirst any more, wherein the Sun shall not burn him by day, nor fire by night any more: for the Lamb that loveth him, shall feed and cover him, and lead him to the fountains of water of life, and satisfy him, and deliver his eye from tears, and he shall weep no more.  
Th'other branch of his faith, namely th'assurance that God loveth him, worketh in him of the contrary part, such a love of God, and of his Lord and Redeemer, as no man knoweth but he that hath it: and this hidden and secret name, resteth not idle, covered or sleeping in him; but as a Sacrifice salted, doth prove itself seasoned to the mouth of the taster: so breaketh forth this hidden light, and showeth her beams unto the World's end: according to the Commandment: He that loveth God, loveth his brother also: not him alone, with whom he prayeth, weepeth, rejoiceth daily, which love is commended unto him by the names of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but now loveth he every man as his brother, knowledging every man his neighbour on whom he may have mercy, every man his brother whom he may love: which love is commended unto him by the names of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and called in Scripture, the love of God. Because it is not learned of flesh, nor after the will of flesh, but of God, and by his example: who being followed in glory with the highest, disrobed himself of his beauty, came down into the world, was found amongst us, in weakness, in flesh and shape of a servant, obedient to death, even to the death of the Tree, for the Redemption of those, that were his sworn enemies. And this is the Love, which the World can neither give nor receive, the Love which forbeareth and is gentle, void of envy, vaunteth not, whose countenance is humbled, whose steps are modest, always seeking good to others, not giving place to anger, never found devising or joying in evil, but always rejoicing in the company of truth: beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. And this is the perfection, the new Commandment, the Garment dipped in the precious price, whose often praise▪ shineth in the two Lamps which burn before the Throne of God, and no man can see it, or have his part therein, that hath not received the promise, and spirit of adoption, wherein he cryeth, Abba father. What wilt thou do to this man to take his love from him? wilt thou revile him, charge him with names of Heretic, Sectary, private spirit, Devil? he (bearing in mind thy blasphemy of old, and how thou didst call his Lord 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and knowing the Disciple is not above his Master, nor servant greater than he that sent him,) openeth his mouth and blesseth thee: for he remembreth the Commandment of his Lord, Bless them that curse ye. Wilt thou hate him? lie in wait for him? and swear in thy heart to be his enemy? he weepeth, and loveth thee: for he remembreth the Commandment of his Lord: But I say unto you, love your enemies. Wilt thou bend thy brow and fist against him? lay thy hand to the sword, and drive him into the corners of th'earth: he goeth weeping and prayeth for thee: for he remembreth the Commandment of his Lord: Pray for them that persecute ye. Wilt thou lay thy hand and authority upon him? draw him through thy streets, and beat out his brains with the stones thereof? he lifting up his voice, commendeth his spirit and last request, unto his God and Father, beseeching him, to forgive his blood unto thee, and sleepeth, for he remembreth how in like case, his Lord the Lamb did so. And this is the renovation spiritual, and first resurrection, Happy man that hath his part therein, for the second death shall take no hold on him. Who layeth to the charge of this man? Who may reprove his light, his steps, and his corrected customs?  
This man if he have been a Worshipper of the Beast, returning to himself, falleth down, and broken to water, poureth out his complaint before the Throne of God, confesseth he was conceived in darkness, his birth was blasphemy, his bringing up destruction, beseecheth him to remember his Testament and Covenant of mercy, wherein from the beginning his soul so delighted, in it to pity, and gather up again the blood, which sin and abomination hath spilt; and raised up, comes out of Her, ever after offereth Sacrifice well washed with water, the fire of heaven consuming, and giving up the savour before the Throne of God, to whom, in his Lord and Redeemer, he is now reconciled, and dyeth inward night and day, remembering the treason of his life past.  
This man, hath he been an adulterer, or a defiler of his body, returning to himself, falleth down at the feet of God, and broken to tears, cryeth, Sodom was his Mother, Gomorrah his Father, beseecheth him to remember him, to remember his Covenant and Testament of mercy, wherein his soul so evermore delighted, in it to turn and love again, the poor confounded work of his hand, by ●in and filthiness cast out to death, and raised up, doth so no more, ever after holdeth his body chaste or honourable, and bleedeth inward night and day, remembering th'uncleaneness of his youth.  
This man, hath he been covetous? an Usurer, an Extortioner, a Fighter, a Loiterer, a Thief, a Drunkard, Contentious, furious, a dark and double-dealer, a lover of his flesh, or any such like? returning to himself, falleth down, and molten to tears, poureth out his cries before the Throne of God, confesseth he was conceived in death, his teachers and his blood-friends, the powers and strength of hell: beseecheth him to remember his everlasting Testament, wherein his soul so greatly delighteth; in it to pity and recover again, the poor and broken work of his hand, which ●in, and foolishness hath slain: And raised up, doth so no more, ever after breaketh his bread unto the hungry; restoreth the poor man's pledge, that lieth bleeding by him, rendereth to him to whom he hath done wrong; hath peace and love with all men; eateth not unless he labour; and by his true and faithful pains, getteth his bread; receiving his increase with moderation and thanksgiving, beareth all things, forbeareth all things, speaketh the truth from his Heart, and in his Tongue useth no deceit, setteth by himself now no more, but is become vile and lowly in his own eyes, and mourning consumeth inward ni●ht and day, remembering the trespass of his time lost.  
Come forth ye Thiefs and Murderers, out of your Dens and Palaces, you that have filled the air with voices boasting your works, and called the heavens into the field, despised their ways in respect of your works. Like as if the Thistle should brag of his Figs, or Thorn should vaunt itself against the Vine of Canaan, and say, her berries were better Grapes than hers: Vipers tell us, may the fruit be good when the Tree is bad? Serpents, how can you do good works, yourselves being evil? but because ye have called him out, modest and fearful as he is, he comes, accepteth the controversy, and may ye indeed, set your prayers and your pilgrimages by his? may ye compare your fasts, your mercy, and your alms with his? Look how a grain imbalanced against the round world, is found light and to bear no scale at all: so are ye found blind, dead, and abominable, weighed with this man, held up by the finger of him, whose Hand is an everlasting Sceptre, a rod and rule of equity.  
Murderers, dare ye to set your prayers by his? Behold this man, early in the morning, and late in the night season, with broken and humbled knees, presenteth himself before the Throne of God: and having 'nother Father but him alone, in sure confidence lifting up his voice, confessing his poverty, shame, and confusion: giveth all praise, honour, and glory, unto his Holy name: and utterly ashamed now, of his own will and walks, beseecheth him to pour down his promise, the ruler and governor of his Kingdom, that being sanctified and guided by it, he may ever after walk in his Commandments, and work his holy will, even as his servants, which minister before his Throne in Heaven. And thereto knowledging he is fed and clothed, not by his own cark and care, but by the Hand and providence of his Heavenly Father, commendeth unto him his body, and the life thereof, beseeching, though he be not worthy the least of his mercies, it may please him notwithstanding, to continue his love and graces towards him, and calling to mind his sevenfold offence committed before him that day, falleth down, dissolved into water, beseecheth him to look upon his Lord and Redeemer, in him, and for his sake, to cover his fault and offence committed, calling him to witness unto his poor and dried soul, how that the Sun hath not gone down upon his anger that day, and seeing the weakness, wherein he dwelleth, the power and pride of unrighteousness, wherein he's as with a Garment mantled, in great and strong tears, cryeth unto his God and Father to deliver him from th' Egypt, and wounds of th'enemy, that no temptation may lead him to commit evil in his sight. And therewithal in quietness and sure trust, reclineth himself upon th'arm of his Heavenly Father, knowing in it dwelleth all strength, Kingdom and power, to save and deliver the soul that putteth trust in him. And thus, and so prayeth he, in form and manner as his Lord hath taught him.  
Thou watchest and risest early, like him that waiteth innocent blood, and coming forth, bowest thyself before the transgression and abomination of th'Heathen, and not considering the Sun is darkened, openest thy bold and filthy mouth, blaspheming his Tabernacles which are in Heaven, setting them up as did thy Fathers in the Wilderness, Moloch and Repham, gods of Egypt, to grieve th'ears of the Holy Ghost.  
For as between God and the sinner, there is but one Mediator, and Reconciler, Jesus Christ the righteous: so there is but one only Advocate, and Intercessor between God and the believer, namely, the Spirit, which proceedeth from the Father and the Son, whose right hand dwelleth in the bosom of the Redeemer, and left in th'heart of the believer: and lifting up from hand to other, his poor and broken voices pointed with tears, placeth them before the Throne of God, and giveth them such grace through his presentation, that they stand among his holy Angels, beholding his face day and night, depart not his eye nor memory, till all their requests be granted. And this is the great and honourable Advocate, whose intercession so fare excelleth in power, in worthiness, in grace, in glory, th'intercession of the mother of Christ, his brethren, his sisters, his Prophets, his Apostles, his Servants, his Saints and Martyrs, as is the blood of the Lamb of God more excellent and precious, then is the blood of Abel. And this is the high and holy one, that beareth record with his poor servant, which wrote these things, and we know that his record is true, thereunto bearing witness, thousand sighs and tears, and that it might be confirmed, under three, the love of God diffused in his heart, the Garment dipped in the blood of the Lamb, cryeth out unto ye, testifying with him these things are true. And being compassed with testifiers, in number so sufficient, in quality so honourable, yet have ye not received our witness, and behold on earth there are none to be found, that have, or may, or shall bear witness to the truth, but these three alone.  
Murderers, may ye compare your pilgrimages with his? behold, thou goest from City to City, from one place to another, and weariest thyself in ways and labours, which no man requireth at thy hands, and when they say unto thee, Go into the wilderness to this or that Hermit's Cave, there shalt thou see the life, and imitation of the Lamb, and of his servant John: or come to this grave, go to that, here at Loretta, there at Compostella, there shalt thou see the powers of God, and of his holy one, thou ●not caring no● considering they are the commandments of abomination that fits in the place ●here he ought not) goest, believest, adding to thy blasphemy, scorn and derision, offering to the High●st, the labour and stink of thy feet, for the sin ●f thy soul.  
This man, all the days of his life, are the days of his pilgrimage, wherein like the child that bewaileth the death of his Mother, covered with dark ●nd mourning colours, wandreth the deserts of this ●ife, in an assured hope, one day to come to a City promised, whose walls are made of everlasting stones, whose foundation is the strength of God, whose tower's his glory. And if any voice say to him, go into ●he wilderness to this or that Fremites' den, there ●halt thou see Christ: to these or to those dead bones, ●here shalt thou see his works of wonder: he abhor●eth it, for he remembreth the commandment of his lord But go not, believe not, take heed, behold, I have fore●old ye all.  
Murderers, may ye compare your fastings with his? Behold thou eatest fish once and twice a week to honour God withal. Egyptians, who hath required this honour at your hands? careth he whether thou eat the flesh of fish, or the flesh of Beasts? hath he not made meat for bellies, bellies for meats: and shall he not destroy both it and them? And knowest thou indeed that which entereth into the belly goeth out into the draught, and dared presume t'honour him with either one or other? wherefore thus saith the truth, the sacrifice and fasts of Jerusalem shall ●ise in judgement against th'offerings, and fish-fasts of Babylon; and had ye known what that Scripture meaneth▪ No man drinking old Wine, will strait way commend the new, for he saith th'old is better, than had ye never condemned the new and true fast, t'establish a fast more vile and filthy then was the fast of pharisees.  
This man, all the days of his pilgrimage are a continual fast, night and day fasteth he, his bread is become affliction, his wine is turned to trouble, because the Bridegroom is taken from him, and his Lord whom he loveth so, is gone into a fare Country. And as concerning meats and bellies, this man is taught of God, that besides the person of a Christian, (in which respect all the creatures of God are clean unto him, received in godliness, moderation, and thanksgiving) he sustaineth the person of a Citizen, and knowing his King, his Governors, or State, whereunder he is placed, for good and probable causes, tending to the peace and maintenance of the many (which God especially will have preserved) have authority to command, and forbidden in meats, in drinks, in cloth, in days, and such like: so eateth, so drinketh, so weareth, so keepeth he, as his Prince commandeth, giving to his Prince th' obedience that to a Prince belongeth, and honoureth his God with th' honour, which to God appertaineth.  
Murderers, may ye compare your alms, and mercy with his? Behold, thou devourest the widow, and waterest the seed of adultery, and sayest thou feedest Orphans, arrayest thyself with the spoil of Kingdoms, and nourishest Dragons, eggs of Serpents, and every unclean bird, and sayest thou feedest the sons of Prophets: Fool, how canst thou give a drink of cold water to a Prophet, thyself being none of the generation of Prophets? Balaam, dost thou know him that wrote these things? or hast thou considered his hunger and his wants, as thou regarding passest by, like one of the dead and rotten graves of Sodom, covered with white, with Crimson, and pavonats, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 written on thy head before, and on thy scull behind 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉? desireth he thy gold, thy pots, thy puddings, and thy purples, which thou hast bought so dear? nay, Balaam, he serveth that Lord, whose inheritance is th' earth and the plenty thereof: hath he saddled his Ass at any time, and posted after Balaks preferment like unto thee? Nay, Balaam, then let his soul be given up to an unrepentance, like as is thine, hast thou any thing to give, that he desires to receive? no Balaam, he seeks not thine but thee, and this is his desire, that thou and all the world this day were like unto him, excepting his sin.  
Murderers, and dare ye talk of mercy? then tell us, when have ye seen Christ hungry, and given him t' eat? when have ye seen him thirsty, and given him to drink? when have ye found him a stranger, and opened unto him? when have ye met him naked, and clothed him? when have ye known him weak, and comforted him? in prison, and visited him? Can ye minister to whom ye know not? can ye feed, harbour, cover, comfort, visit, whom ye see not? behold (Pharises) I tell ye a mystery, ye shall never see nor know, those little ones his brethren to whom ye should have ministered, unless your hearts can melt and sorrow with them: have ye not read (ye wizards) that the blind shall see, and they that see shall be made blind? This is the judgement which God hath sent into the world, and it is marvellous this day in our eyes: behold, this man, as touching the mercy which he ought to do, eateth his bread with the empty, and with the dry and thirsty ground weepeth he, the pilgrim and the sojourner, are ever found within his Courts, his gates are never shut, with the naked fitteth he, and with his garment covereth his shame; with the broken, and imprisoned, passeth he his time, with plentiful and many tears comforting them, nay, who hungreth, and he not pined? who thirsteth, and he not dried up? which is a stranger, and he not thrown out? who naked, and he not confounded? who weak, and he not spent? who lieth imprisoned, and he not tormented? And as concerning the mercy, which he ought not to leave undone, this man, if he have, according to the Commandment of his Lord, to him that asketh giveth, and to the borrower dareth, looking for his reward and interest, in the resurrection of the just: if he have not, applieth his hand and bacl to the burden, knowing he may not eat unless he labour, in great patience and thankfulness, turning over the leaves of his life, so richly contented, as if his Royalties were as large, as are the dominions of the little bird, who reigneth as wide as her silly wing may carry her, and wheresoever dismounting, setteth her little foot, looketh about for her provision, as if she were at home.  
And this is the first, the next, and last, of the living stones and temples of God, which he (before the day knew his coming up, or going down,) chose and adopted, in the precious blood of his eternal Testament, to be unto him a House, a Church, a Tabernacle, and everlasting possession.  
And he that writeth beareth witness, and testifieth unto the world, all those, whether Kings or Servants, wise or simple, learned or Idiots, rich or poor, old or young, bond or free, that shall be found to have worshipped the Beast, received the print of his name, and set up in their Tents and dwellings, his Table, and imitation, rejoice and clap their hands thereover, shall be thrown out, and have their part with blasphemers, whose fire quencheth not, whose stink is everlasting, and shall not enter into the rest of God for ever, nor see his holy City.  
And all those, that so poison, doctrines of death, lifting up their bold and shameless voice, like Cantibanks in market places, avouching the goodness and proof of oils and ointments, which cannot give a foot to the lame, nor eye to the blind, as Arrians, ubiquitists, Libertins, Familists, Coinonists, or any such other Antichrists like to them, shall be cast out, and reap their part with liars, and Sorcerers, whose worm dyeth not, whose cry is everlasting, and shall not enter into the rest of God for ever, nor see his holy City.  
And all those that fellow and shuffle themselves in companies, marching under names and titles, whatsoever as Hussits, Lutherans, Calvinists, Evangelists, Protestants, Praecisians, or any such other like to these, & have not their parts in great sorrow and fear, the preparation and beginning of the wisdom from above, shall stand without among the Dogs, the Covetous, the Murderer, th' Adulterer, and him that is defiled with unspeakable uncleanness, and shall not enter into the rest of God for ever, nor see his holy City.  
And now I trust (Balaam) thou seest what thou art not: it resteth it be showed thee what thou art.  
There was a book written by the finger of God, and as a Table in a good and perfect light, placed in the midst of th' air, that all the world might see and read the thrice abominable mystery, foretold by the Spirit, his Prophets, and Apostles, to be wrought by thee and thy Father's house: And had her proud and prudent Children, but wiped their eyes wi●h sackcloth, they had beheld thy enchantments long ere this, and loosed from the bonds of thy father, the great juggler and Plainer of the World, had departed thy Courts, and fled unto the Mount and little hill of God, where the Lamb doth sit. Nevertheless for Zions sake, and for to still her cries, The morning star, the branch and begotten of David, will open the mouth of one of his servants, and give him power to disvaile the Revelation, and he his Servant shall discover thy madness, and show unto the world the things, which thou, thy witches, and thy Wise, had hoped to be past finding out.  
Thy conception. Thy birth. Thy nurture. Thy perfection. Thy name. Thy mark. Thy number. Thy heads. Thy horns. Thy vicardome. Thy keys. Thy swords. Thy succession. Thy Guardrobe. Thy Church, her Ornaments, Idols, Altars, Gold, Silver, Pearl, Stone, Silk, Copes, Banners, Stinks, Processions, Relics, Oil, Wine, Wafers, Music, Lights, lies. Thy end. Thy death. Thy judgement.  
And in that day, thy name and generation shall stink, from the Centre of th' earth, unto the highest Heaven. And thou, that hast thrown fire into all thy Neighbours Tents, and with thy Sorcerers and men of wisdom, not considered, that though it begin to destroy in Canaan, it shall assuredly end in Chaldea, shalt now be called into battle thyself, and that thou mayest not hope to save thy blasphemous head with thy lying tail any more, behold, the days which were prophesied, are come into the world: and such voices shall rise up against thee; as that it shall be easier unto thee to command the thunder silence, when he gins to roar in the midst of th' air, or to return th' Arrows of Heaven into the p●ace from whence they come, or to meet the whirlwind coming in his strength like a King, his men of Arms, and Fifers by his side, and shoulder him out of his point into another: it shall be easier for thee (I say) to do all these things, then t'answer the voices which shall be heard against thee. And I thy Brother am in Babylon, mourning over thee and it, and there will tarry, notwithstanding the rage and violence of all thy Spades, thy Spears and Arcu buzadoes, this day, and tomorrow, and the third will pay my vows. Amen.  ESAY: Bell is fallen, Nebo is smitten down, whose Images were burdens for the Beasts and  of the field, to overcharge and weary them. 
FINIS.   

AN ADVERTISEMENT TO Q. Elizabeth.  
Presented to her Majesty by the Author thereof.  
First Printed in Anno Dom. 1589. And sundry times since.   

TO HIS MOST EXCELLENT SOVEREIGN PRINCESS Queen Elizabeth.  
IF it be impertinent and out of season, in regard of your other pleasures, to advertise these few words, let truth be blamed: for I your servant cannot but speak the things I know, and testify that which I have seen and heard: what though I be no Minister, nor Son of a Minister? Shepherds and Clowns have been Divines sometimes, and why not I? I do not advertise you concerning the wisdom of a Princess of this World, how to relieve your people if they be oppressed, nor how to curb them if fullness make them wanton, nor how to raise a little weal to great, nor how to uphold it from falling down again (for all these things may you do and perish) but I advertise you concerning a wisdom from above, which if you understand and do thereafter, then shall your Sceptre be a Sceptre of continuance, and you a Princess and a Queen for ever, not like to Babylon, nor Monarch of the East, nor like the rakehell rout of Emperors and Kaisers of this world, which for a season flourish, and then go down to hell: but like unto his Servant David, who in the days of his flesh, performed the duties of a King of this world, and yet remaineth a King for ever, for he observed the counsel and wisdom from above, which made him so fair in situation, like to Mount Zion, never to remove. And this wisdom which we speak is a Law, not that of fearful Sinai, a Law of condemnation, a Statute of execution, a Covenant of death, condemning the transgressor to everlasting captivity; But it is a Law proceeding out of Zion, a Law of pardon, a Statute of deliverance, a Covenant of life, redeeming the sinner from the wrath of the day to come. And therefore this wisdom is called in Scripture, the new Covenant, the Covenant of Levi, the everlasting ordinance, the truth, the light, the life, the reward, the promise, the power, the salvation, the redemption, the sanctification, the justice, the counsel, the correction, the hidden purpose, the secret intent, the mystery and Kingdom of God.  
And one in a certain place, calleth it the wisdom from above, because it is not a virtue engendered, or in begotten by any grace or benefit of nature, growing to perfection by long study and large experience, 
jam. 3. 17.  but a mystery and secret from above, which God determined before all worlds, and hath revealed it to the glory of those whom he hath chosen, and this is the wisdom whose nature we advertise, not in the terms and eloquence of the Theologall discourses of this age, but in the power and strength of God, able to raise from death to life, the soul that understandeth it. The whole nature and work of this heavenly wisdom, is perfectly set out and declared unto us in these two. First, in her Tree, next in the fruit thereof. Her Tree in Scripture is deciphered by the names of cleansing, or washing, or purging, and sometimes expressed by a borrowed word, as a new making, a new birth, a birth from above, a re-begetting, and is so called, not in a natural, but in a spiritual meaning, not because it reduceth us into our parents, calling us out of their bowels again, but by comparation & way of similitude, that like as by our natural and fleshly generation, we are borne servants and sons of wrath, which sometimes we were not, so by this spiritual generation and birth from above, we are borne free, and made the sons of God, which by nature we are not: for that which is of nature is flesh, subdued unto sin, embondaged to death, and cannot see the inheritance and Kingdom of God; but that which is born from above, is Spirit, redeemed from the captivity of sin and of death, and chosen to inherit the Kingdom and promise of God. And this birth and propagation from above, is wrought and brought to pass by these two, to wit, by water and by fire, whereof this purgeth, the other prepareth. I do not mean the water of Jordane, nor any waters from below, for it is impossible for the water of fountains, to break, to mollify, or to prepare the sinner, but the water of this birth is a force and virtue from above, which turneth, and as it were transhapeth the hard and stony heart of the sinner into tears, preparing it by this kind of water, to receive the promise and redemption of God. And therefore the Scripture compareth the man that is begotten by water, to a Mount that is become a Valley, unto a Cedar now become a Plant, to a rough and crooked way that is become a plain, unto a wise and prudent one, but now become a babe, unto a stone transformed to flesh, and to a substance hard as Diamond, translated to a nature as soft as water: by these and such like speeches, describing the man whose heart is turned from all the joys and contentments of sin, into a fear and sorrow for them, and from all her temporary and false pleasing lusts, into a restless and indicible desire to be restored to grace, and reconciled to God again. For the hill doth not more differ from the Valley, the Cedar from the plant, the crooked from the plain, the discreetly aged from the little child, the hardness of flint from the softness of flesh, the substance of Diamond from the nature of water, these (I say) differ not each from other more, than this man now from that he was. And this is the birth and preparative of water, called in Scripture the Baptism of John. Whose ministry was ordained (as testifieth the Prophet) to prepare the way before the great Redeemer, and Messenger of the Covenant, 
Mal. 3. 1. 4. 6.  by turning the hearts of the Children into water, like to the hearts of their Fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that God might also turn unto them in mercy and love, as he did unto those their Fathers And therefore his Lord in a certain Scripture, gave him (in regard of his ministry) that honourable testimony, namely, that he was more than a Prophet, 
Mat 11 9 11.  and that among all the Sons of women there was none found his greater, because whoso is not first prepared by the ministry of John, who was appointed the minister of the baptism of water, shall never be purged by his Lord which comes after, who sanctifieth by the ministry of the Baptism of fire. I do not mean the fire of this world, nor yet the Element so called, for it's imipossible for any such fires, to purge, to sanctify, or to refine the sinner. But the fire of this birth is a heavenly power, and finger from above, which writeth in the heart prepared by water, and in no other Tables, the indelible Covenant of mercy and love, which (before all worlds) in the precious blood of the Mediator thereof, God made with Abraham and his Sons for ever; namely, that he would remember their sins, and their iniquities no more; and that he would be to them a God 
To 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  and a Father, and they to him a people, Sons and Daughters. And this is the word, and engraving of God, which being written in a molten heart, and blown down with water, refineth it to the say of 
Rom. 10. 8. Deut. 30. 12.  the gold of Ophir. And this is the birth and purgation of fire, called in Scripture the Baptism of the holy Ghost, the life, the justice, the promise, and felicity of God, as holy David describeth, saying, Blessed is the man whose sins are covered, and whose God is the Lord 
Psalm 32. 2. 33. 12.  JEHOVAH.  
And this is the Tree and first beginning of the wisdom and counsel of God, and he that cannot attain thereto, shall never see the reign and prosperity of Israel, according to the eternal decree, proceeded out of the mouth of the highest, never to be repent of, or called back again; Unless a man be 
John 3. 5.  begotten by water and by the spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.  
The fruit of this Tree of life spreadeth itself into four branches, and as the Heavens by immutable ordinance, shut up the course and labour of the year in four seasons, so hath the Scriptures complected the whole voyage and travel of this sanctified and new begotten servant, in these four; Peace, Patience, Hope, and Love. I do not mean the peace between Amon and Moab, that is to say, the smooth, the Civil and dissembling truce of the Kings and Councillors of this world, but a peace which passeth their affairs, a peace which is heavenly and from above, even the peace and reconciliation between God and the sanctified, in the price and mediation of the Lord of the Covenant: for what power, what preparation, what terror, or what else may fear him, in whose heart the finger of God hath once engraven a full and persuaded assurance, that neither fire, nor sword, nor death, nor life, nor powers, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor natures above, nor depths below, nor any creature other whatsoever, may separate him from the love which God beareth him, in Christ Jesus his Lord? May the sin wherein he was conceived, or the follies and offences wherein his youth delighted, or the bold and bloody treasons which his age hath committed? or flesh and blasphemies wherewith he is entrenched? nay, this man is at rest, fully persuaded God being with him, nothing may prevail against him, as it is written, If God justify, who can condemns? 
Isa. 50. Rom. 8.  And this is the peace which the world cannot give, nor take away from any, to whom it is given; the peace which the Holy one, the Redeemer of Israel speaketh of in a certain place, saying; Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, but not as the world giveth: let not your hearts therefore be troubled, nor fear. 
John 14. 27.   
And forasmuch as to be at peace and one with God, is to be at war and odds with sin, and with all her pleasures, this man in wonderful patience prepareth and armeth himself to meet the enemy. And though his flesh with all her desires, like multitudes of Armies encompass his soul, be sieging, pursuing, tormenting it day and night, as it is written; We are 
Ps. 44.  given up like sheep to be eaten, and for thy sake, O Lord, we are slain all the day long, yet in silence and quietness he endureth all, sustained by the Word, which saith, In patience possess your souls: Looking assuredly for the promise of good things to come, and that with such a 
Luke 21. 19  stable and full persuaded expectation, as no power in Heaven above, or in the earth below, may shame or confound his hope: fully persuaded that though now he live closed in flesh, as in a City of transgression (like righteous Lot in Sodom) scorned of Angels, despised of men, hated of the world, and pursued of his own, yet that his mourning shall tarry but till morning 〈◊〉 for then his life shall be revealed, which now lieth hid, laid up in the bosom of his Lord and Redeeme●, and shall be declared and given him even in that morning, when he shall come to judge the world with righteous judgement, rendering to every man just and truly according to the ways wherein his heart hath walked. And in the exercise of these three, consisteth the death to sin, called in Scripture by the names of Mortification, the great affliction, the Dust, the Tears, the shame and oppression of Zion. Happy man that hath his part therein, for he shall live to see the reign 
Rev. 7. 14, 15, 16, 17.  wherein the Sun shall not burn him by day, nor fire by night, any more, and wherein he shall not hunger, nor thirst, nor want, nor weep any more.  
The fourth and last branch of this Tree of life, is Love, the light and perfection of the whole estate and travel of a Christian: for can a City built upon a hill, hid her face from the passer by? or may a Sacrifice salted, convey his seasoning from the mouth of the taster? may the Sun shine, and not show his beauty? or may a Candle burn, and not bewray her light? And though these creatures could forget their natures, yet cannot the plant in whose heart the eternal Covenant of Love is once engraven, forget to burn with like affection, first toward God, then toward men. I mean not those alone which have received like part and fellowship with him, but towards those also that are his enemies, which love is commended to us by the names of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and is called in Scripture the love of God, because it is not learned of flesh, nor after the will and wisdom of flesh, but by the sample and pattern of that love, wherewith God first loved us. Who being followed in glory with the highest, as testifieth the Prophet, 
Zach. 13. 7.  disrobed himself of all his beauty, and came down into the world, and was found in dishonour, in weakness, in flesh, and shape of a servant, obedient to the shame and curse of the Tree, for the redemption of those that were his sworn enemies.  
And this is the love, whose rich and plentiful nature, the Apostle describeth, saying, Love forbeareth, 
1 Cor. 13.  and is gentle, void of envy, and of doing wrong; vaunteth not herself, nor disgraceth others, seeketh not her own, nor giveth place to anger, never deviseth or joyeth in evil, but always rejoiceth in the company of truth, beareth all, believeth all, hopeth all, endureth all.  
And this is that Love, and that new Commandment, whose often praise shineth in the two lights and Lamps of God, which burn before his Throne day and night, and no man can attain thereto, or have his part therein, that hath not first been cleansed by the promise of the Father, which is the Spirit of adoption wherein he cryeth Abba Father.  
And this is that Holiness and Newness of life, which the Scripture so often commendeth unto us, by the names Vivification, renovation spiritual, and the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are they that have their parts therein: for on such the second death shall have no power, as it is sealed in the book of life.  
And this is the first and last, the beginning and the end of the counsel and wisdom of God, even his secret, hidden, eternal, and only ordinance, wherein (before the day knew his coming up, or going down) he purposed to save and to recover again the thing which was lost. And they that understand it, and do thereafter, are those which are registered in the book of life called in Scripture by so many fair and beautiful names, as, A righteous Tree, a pleasant Land, a habitation of Justice, a holy Mountain, a City of truth, a City sought out and not forsaken, a holy City, a holy Nation, the plantation of God, the Mountain of the Lord of Hosts, the pillar and sustainer of truth, Beloved, Beautiful, Free, Faithful, Chosen, Kings, Priests, Saints, Zion, Daughter of Zion, Mother of the just, Jerusalem, Children of promise, Vessels of Mercy, Israel, Jacob, Judah, Ephraim his first borne House of Levi, his Temple his Tabernacle, his Sanctuary, his People, his Vine, his Body, his Spouse, his Church: and such like. And these are the Stones of Zion, which although they be (for their transgressions, as testifieth the Prophet) scattered among the heathen, and unbaptised in heart for a season, given up to the pleasures of Murderers, 
Jer. 4. 31. 30. 15. Isa. 54.  as to the pains of a woman that traveleth, accounted vile, desolate, despised, cast away, no body, no where, compared with the glorious Synagogues and Churches of this world, yet what saith the Scripture: Rejoice thou barren that bearest no children, break forth into joy and gladness, thou that travelest not, for the desolate hath many more than the married wise, saith the Lord: Meaning thereby that though his captive Daughter Zion, during the days of her sojourning in earth, as in a strange Land, be bowed down, and laid low like a street, for the beasts of the field, Citizens of the earthly Jerusalem, to tread upon and go over: yet when the morning 
Isa. 52.  cometh, the morning of extermination, determined to come upon the whole earth: she shall arise and shake of her graves, her tears, and dust wherein she lieth, and put on a garment of light of beauty, and joy everlasting. And all the delices, the pomps and paraments of her oppressors, shall vanish as a dream, 
Isa. 60. 14. jer. 20. 16, Ezek. 28. 25. Dan. 7. 27. joel 3. Amo. ● 9 Mic. 5. 8. Sap. 1. 9 Hag. 2. 23 Za. 2. 8. Mal. 4. 1, 2, 3.  and themselves covered with torments, shall be sold for slaves to the daughter of Zion, whom in the days of their pleasures they so much despised, as i● testified by the Prophets.  
And this is the Church and City of God, not like unto the shameless and adulterous Congregations of these times, pure in skin, and soul in heart, which ●oast to be that they are not, each discovering other spots themselves full of Ulcers, daily squaring and falling out like Thiefs about the treasures and riches of God, which appertain to truer men than they. Neither is she like those foolish and irreformed reformers, that in all this time have not learned to discern between the Image of God, and the Inscription of Caesar: I mean those that have not yet learned, that every one that feareth God, what or whersoever he be, sustaineth two persons, the one of a Citizen, the other of a Christian. Touching his person of a Citizen, if he be called to be a Prince and Ruler over his brethren, knoweth that this his authority is the allowed and approved rule and lawful Seniory, to constitute and determine every vocation, and therein in those especially, that attend upon the Altar, carefully foreseeing, that in their sort they be provided for, according to the word which commandeth: 
Deut. 25.  Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the Ox that treadeth out the Corn, prescribing, to every one committed to his charge, in meats, in drinks, in cloth, in day, and such like, according to his wisdom, heedfully respecting, in guiding the Bark of his Government (as the Pilot doth the Needle) the commandment of God and quality of his people. On the other side, if he be called a servant, and to live in subjection, knoweth that the magistracy whereunder he is placed, whether it be of one, of few, or many is his allowed seniory and lawful presbytery, and unto whom by immediate prescription and authority from God, belongeth to defend the innocent and correct the faulty, and thereafter feareth he, taking up his vocation, as his Prince alloweth, contented with such dimes as his Prince provideth, eateth, drinketh, weareth and keepeth as his Prince prescribeth, giving to his Prince the obedience which to a Prince belongeth. And as concerning his person of a Christian, this man, whither he be placed in authority, or under authority, knoweth that neither Thrones, nor Chairs of state, nor gracious titles of Lordship and Sovereignty avail him any thing, but that he is called to a like subjection, and equal participation with the rest of his fellows, as it is written, He that is greatest, let him be as 
Luke 22. 26.  the least, and he that is chiefest, as him that serveth. For all are baptised with one baptism, the water of repentance, all are sanctified with one fire, the Word of Faith, all are children of one Mother, Jerusalem from above, all are subjects to one Lord, who by his obedience and Sacrifice once for all, hath sanctified and reconciled them, and made them of servants and sons of wrath, his brethren and sons to his own father, as it is 
Heb. 2. 11.  written, He that sanctifieth, and they that are sanctified, are all of one. And thus and so walketh this man, giving tribute to whom tribute is due, fear to whom fear belongeth, and honour to him to whom it pertaineth, according to the commandment of his Lord, which saith, Give then to Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things which are Gods. Which many blind and fleshly humours not considering▪ have laboured and brought forth such error and distraction, as we see every where this day. Some so drunken with the primacies and prerogatives of Caesar, as that they fear not to revile the freedom appertaining to the Kingdom of God.  
Others so headlong carried with a false pretended liberty, and freedom of a Christian, as that they care not to deny the lawful sword and authority of Caesar, so that amongst so many, so few from time to time are found, that can discern how Saints are free and yet subject to Caesar. But God loveth Zion, and hath chosen it, for in her is truth without confusion.  
And this is the generation of the counsel and wisdom of God, and the true description of all her children, which if you understand and do thereafter, then shall you discern those reprobate times, and save yourself from the visitation to come. What man is he, that travelling by desert places, and seeing the day at his going down, hasteth not to recover his Inn, for fear lest the night leave him in distress. Hasten then after the counsel and correction of God, whilst yet the day lasteth; for behold, the night cometh.  
And these are all which I advertise you, few as they be, and simple as they go, yet (if truth deceive me not) their right understanding is far finer gold than is your Sceptre, and much more honourable than your Father's house. And this shall be for a sign that I speak not of myself. Behold the Mountain which you fear so much, I mean the Beast, the Man of sin, Lucifer, Son of the morning, the Horn that hath so many hundred years blaphemed heaven and oppressed earth, behold, I say, though now he be so great, as that the makes the earth to 
Isai.  tremble, and shake with a word only, the very roots of Kingdoms, the ●ime hasteth, and is at hand, ●herein he shall be made so little, as neither name nor remnant of him, nor son, nor sons son, shall be found upon the earth. For his days are numbered, signed and sealed up in the b●ok of God, and yet seventy and seven days, and his number 666. shall be fulfilled. And all his Princes, his Sorcerers, and multitudes of people, which now rejoice and ●lap their hands, drunken with the whoredoms and prosperity of Babel, shall then lie comfortless, and wring their hands as fast: for Beltis their God is dead. And the death of Babylon shall be the life of Zion, but her light may not long endure, as testifieth the Prophet, and then and in those days shall be finished the secret known to the Lord alone, even the great mystery and redemption of God, forespoken of by the 
Dan. 12. 22.  mighty Angel who stood upon Sea and Land, and swore by him that liveth for ever and ever, That time should be no more. And when these things shall come to pass, as 
Revel. 10. 6.  verily in their appointed time they shall, then shall they know that in the days of their rebellion, there was a voice of a servant of God heard amongst them.  
1 T. L. testify these things with mine own hand in sober humbleness, commending them to your Majesty only in regard of my duty, and for no other reward. Give your promotions to those sons of Beor, that rise so early, ●nd saddle their Asses to post after them: for I your servant, have bread and water enough (thanks be to my God) and am therewith as well content, as if my Lands were as large as are the royalties of the little bird, who possesseth all the fields over which it flieth.  Proverb. 1. Because ye have despised all my counsel, and refused my corrections, I will also laugh at your destruction, and mock when your fear cometh. 
FINIS.   

BABYLON IS FALLEN. OR, A Prophecy that had lain hid above two thousand years.  
Foreshowing, The rising, continuance, and fall of the Empire and Supremacy of Rome, with all matters of moment that were to come to pass during the reign of the Emperors and Popes.  

The last being the vanishing of the German Empire, lately fulfiled.  
The next, the dividing of the Kingdom of France by the Sword of Spain.  
The third that of Spain by the Sword of other Nations.  
The fourth the destruction of Rome, and desolation of her Church, in the year, 1666.  
The fifth, the descending of the Kings of the East, and of the whole world, unto the battle of the great day of God Almighty.   
The first title was only, Babylon is Fallen, with these words of the Prophet.  For I heard the rail of many, and how they watch for my halting, saying, it may be that he is deceived, Jer. 20. 10. 
LONDON, Printed by M. S. 1651.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, ROBERT Lord DEVOREUX, Earl of Essex.  
REading of late (my Lord) a Chapter of Esdras, folding up in a mystical and dark discourse, a living Representation of a long time, whereof the most is past, and some little to come▪ ● thought it no lost labour to take my Pen and unfold the same, that therein we may behold (which naturally all desire to see) as well the issues of things to come, as what is past, or now in being: and thereafter to qualify and moderate our hopes, and call our troubled thoughts (which otherwise run with reins on Neck) within the Circle and limitation, bounded and drawn from above.  
And finding this Prophecy written by a Man greatly beloved of God, and thereto (which rare is) a Prince's Favourite, high in grace with a King of Persia; I presumed the rather to present this my Labour to your Hon. Lordship, as upon whom God hath vouchsafed like great and rare graces. 'Tsufficeth that your Honour read it, greater favour Esdras seeketh not.  
He Labours not to praise or please, which now a days finds many friends; but to admonish and forewarn, which fataly finds none, till't be too late.  
He fears not the Noble and Learned Reprover of supposed Predictions, for he hath heard him honour the Prophecies of Holy Writ, wherein himself hath no less honour gotten, then given. His other Enemies have wished me to conceal, and t● reserve them to a more open hearing. But Esdras is at th● next leaf (my Lord) and craves your Honour's patience for an Hour.   

BABYLON IS FALLEN. ESDRAS 4. Chap. II.  
Vers. 1. Then I saw a Dream.  
AFter this, the Prophet saw a Vision, concerning the beginning, continuance, and fall of th'Empire and supremacy of Rome. And this Vision was showed him in the days of Artaxerxes King of Persia, About four hundred years before the first stone of 
Julius Caesar.  her Empire was laid. 
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 twelve feathered wings.   
Wherein should arise and reign twelve Emperors, which should spread their Power like wings, over all the Earth, in great fear fitting on it. And it seemed good unto the Prophet to touch by an intellection these twelve only, both for they are a Jury sufficient to argue the whole suit of Emperors which did arise and 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, fore ordaived 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 shall be hereafter more at full declared.  
Vers. 2. And I saw, and behold, she spread her wings over all the Earth, and 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 Sythian 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.  
Vers. 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 a● intended to root up the Crown and dignity of her Empire, to plant themselves therein, and 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, shall be delivered in their place.  
Vers. 4. But her heads rested, and the head in the midst was greater than the other heads, yet rested it with them.  
But the three Kingdoms fore-appointed t'accomplish and 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'one 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.  
Vers. 5. Then I saw, and behold the Eagle flew, with her feathers, and reigned upon the earth, and over them that dwelled therein.  
Vers. 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.  
Vers. 7. And I saw that the Eagle stood up upon her claws, and spoke to her feathers, saying,  
Vers. 8. Watch not altogether, sleep every one in his own place, and watch by course.  
Vers. 9 But let the heads be preserved for the last.  
And the Prophet observed, that this powerful City, in the day's wherein (over gorged 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 fins, should take their ease and not awake, till their time appointed.  
Vers. 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 t'advance his strength: so to bond fairly over the dark understanding of these words, we must of necessity look back and 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 ten comprehends all be they never so many, as all numbers are contained under 10. or made of their reduplication be they never so infinite. A●d addeth further, that his teeth were of iron, his nails of brass, inferring thereby, the unresistable 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, and them that dwell in heaven, who by a hidden and 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 and 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, 
Chap. 7. 24.  or craft of Popes, who should be far unlike them, as Daniel himself saith; And he shall be unliketo he first. Meaning in form of claiming, obtaining, and maintaining Jurisdiction, not in pride, purpose and determination. So as wemay 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 th'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 stile of Roma triumphante, 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, and 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 cryeth out for vengeance night and day, whose bedfellow was & Soror & conjux, and whose wife was id quod di cere 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 himselve, and under the Visor 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 mettle lique fiable, 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.  
Vers. 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 West goths, under the leading of Alaricus. 
1 2 3, 4 5, 7 8  The second Huns, whose King was Attalas. The third Vandals, their head Genserick. The fourth Odoacer. The sister East goths, their chief Theodoricke. The sixth Totilas, bred in Spain, with such followers as for those times that Country yielded. The seventh Longobards, with their guide Alboinus. The eighth 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 numbers and names, their several attemp's, their prosperities and end, shall be presented in their place.  
Vers. 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 two features▪ the first, sheweth the manner of his rising, in these words. And behold upon the right side, there arose one feather.  
Which serve instead of art, to discover the very true l●nes, and cast off his happiness.  
For the house of Cornelii 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 Common wealth, 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 th●s w●th all, that these words (rightside) in their natural and proper intent, do signify (as through all this chap.) 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, he 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 Poets saith) with such celerity drew after the relics of that strike faction, both in Africa and 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 ●●pe of recovering their l●te slain liberty, but indeed establishing a Kingdom from which it could never redeem itself again.  
Ver. 13. And when it had reigned, the end of it came; and the place thereof appeared no more.  
But this new borne prosperity (as is the nature of all ●his world's 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.  
Ver. 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) th'honours of Parens patriae, and Augustus.  
And this feather continued (as the Prophet saw) a long time, for it reigned Triumvir with Anthony and Lepidus two years, and as Duumuir with Anthony alone ten years, 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. & sixth year of his transgression, when he had reigned 20. less.  
Ver. 15. Then there came a voice unto it, and said.  
Ver. 16. Hear thou that hast kept the'earth so long, this I say unto thee before thou beginst t'appear no more.  
Ver. 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 accomplished; for his son Tiberius of all the rest reigned longest, and lon her 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.  
Ver. 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. Ne 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.  
Ver. 19 And so came it to all th''others, one after another, 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, succeslively rise, reign, and perish.  
Of whom the first, in blasphemy excelling,, was murdered by the Captain of his guard, 
Caligula.  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, was poisoned 
Claudius.  by his incestuous wife, his niece Agrippina, in the 64 year of his filthiness, and 14. of his reign.  
The third, a monster, deformed in life, in 
Nero,  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 fin fourteen years, & sin in him eighteen more, fell by his own sword into the grave of his fathers; and in him descended the house of the Julii.  
The fourth was of another extraction, but 
Galba.  not of a better, descended of th'ancient family of the Sulpitii. risen up late, put perished early; for he was 60. and three years old before he tasted th'Empire, which he got and lost in 7 months.  
The fifth likewise of a new house, but of 
Otho.  th'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, was new and old, in nothing (save gluttony) excelling his fellows, in life 
Vitellius.  and death like filthy; descended in the eighth 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, who bought the Crown with the blood of his Mr. and ware it in 
Vespasian.  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 
Titus.  due to the great murtheres, th'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, and (if it were possible) 
Domitian.  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.  
Ver. 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, and 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 risen 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  

Nerva  
Traian.  
Adrian.  
Antoninus.  
Marcus.  
Commodus.  
Pertinax.  
Julian.  
Severus.  
Caracalla.  
Macrinus.  
Heliogobalus.  
Alexander.  
Maximinus.   
And the rest to the third Valentinian.  
In whose days the power of th'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 title for ever.  
So that all the feathers which the Prophet beheld in process of time to follow the twelve, and in thei● strength, their sin and cruelty, to defile the earth: namely from Domitian, to the third Valentinian, were 50 & 3 Kings. All which in a while (as this verse concludeth) vanished like the 12. and appeared no more.  
Ver. 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.  
Rusinus.  
Constantinus  
non Magnus.  
Heraclianus.   
And others, as in the description of times, may more plainly appear.  
Ver. 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 12. 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 Ver. is presented a tragical succession of all the eagle's wings, from her first feather julius 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 and 30 years, they departed for ever the stage of this world, & all their pomp and glory descended, & appeared no more.  
And here my pen like to th'earth which being delivered from her oppressors, did thirst to be refreshed: so having overcome this part of her task, did think to find 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 Vicars to the Lamb, so far excelled the whordoms 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, Poured out his wrath upon the Sea, that it became like to the blood of the dead: that is 
Revel. 16.  to say, upon the great City and Empress of the world, by scourge after scourge (how often and grievous in the ●iew of her contrary feathers may appear) so at the full avenging himself, there was not a drop of Roman blood to be found on earth, these many hundred years.  
And as the defection and uncleanness was● general, so was the punishment: for (as the Apostle in the same cha. prophesied.) The wrath of the highest was poured out upon 
Revel. 16.  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 griffs, 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 and ignorance; that my pen hath no less trouble, to be delivered of the rest of her labour, than had the then-dwellers on earth, 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 murtheres of all the world, measuring ●●er by famine, sword, and fire; according to the square whereby she had judged others almost twelve hundred years. Which woeful end (or rather beginning of her wof●●ll end:) made a certain ancient friend of hers, bewailing the night wherein she was smitten, to cry. Nocte Moab capta est, nocte cecidit murus eius, quis cladem illius noctis, quis funera fando explicet? And when this feather 
Hierout.  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, Lu●ania, Calabria, where raging in his highest thoughts, devising how 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, and so repassing the Danub, 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 th'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 fi●rs 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 fowl and gypson like.  
Ver. 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 deigneth not to call ruling feathers, but resting heads.  
Th'one slept in th'east at Constantinople, whom Gen. 
Marti●n.  serick the third contrary feather, not long before had dishonourably taken prisoner.  
Th'other in the west at Ravenna, taken with such a 
Valontin.  Lethargy, that he neither heard nor felt the Massacre of Ungary, 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 Britain 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 th'Eagles body, but these two drowsy heads, which rested, and six contrary feathers, viz.  
1 Genserique. 2 Odoacer. 3 Theodorick. 4 Totilas. 5 The Longbards. 6 And th' intestine faction. Of which in the verses following.  
Ver. 24 Then I saw 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 & favour of th'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-speading honour (as in the verse foregoing) was now become a starv'ling, only his name and appellation continued some ten successions, viz. 1 Valentinian. 2 Maximus 3 Avitus. 4 Majorianus. 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 th'Eagles 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 the four, were Genserick and Theodorick.  
Of which the first, trained into Italy by treason of th'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; where-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 there-over 30 years descended also, leaving his 
494.  fame and kingdom to his posterity, having fulfilled his pleasures 42 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.  
Ver. 25. So I looked, and behold, the under-wings 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 ver. following.  
Ver. 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 
476.  the Danub, in much fear & blood descended into Italy, slew her last Lord and Emperor Momillus Augustulus, destroyed the name of her Consuler dignity, and blotted ●ut for ever the memory of her holy Senate, the murderer of Romulus their first King, and Julius their first Keysar; and not daring as base begotten, to put on the presence and stile 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 lise by fraud; and he descended, and appeared no more.  
Ver. 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 as soon 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.  
Ver. 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 th' Long●bards, and th' intestine faction, which thought also in themselves to reign.  
The f●rst in flamed by the letters of Narses, and with the goodness of Italy, left their northern denns, and like a fearful storm fell down upon it, and in two years overthrew it, crowning their Leader Alboinus, 
570  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 Rosamond 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, th'ancient long-before buried government of Rome to 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 31. verse appeareth.  
Ver. 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 th'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 robe, his crown, and stile, viz. Carolo Augusto a Deo Coronato, magno & piissimo Imperatori Romanorum, vita & victoria. And the title of dignity Imperial, which had lain dead above three hundred 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 murderes 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 bujus Sanctae Rom. Ecclesiae, in omnibus utilitatibus; quatenus divino fultus fuero adjutorio, 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?  
Vers. 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 idolshepheard 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 three 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, th●re shall not be found either Kingdom or creature under heaven, that shall fall down and worship her.  
Vers. 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 Zions sake the Prophet passing by, doth point thereat.  
And the Prophet beheld, that this middle head did devour and eat up the under wings, namely the power of the Longohards, and th' 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, aseended into Italy, took her King Desiderius prisoner, and led him captive into France and gave his Kingdom to another. 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, & it appeared no more.  
Th'other, first began in the days of Cono th'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) 
798.  gathered strength, and adventured (but somewhat too young) to check the beast, who by reason he was so well guarded by his fore●aid head & champion Charles, easily necked it. Notwithstanding some 100 and 50 years after, this ulcer, now grown to a riper head, under the practice of one Alberique and Octavian his son, broke out anew, and charged the beast in so sharp a manner, as without doubt he had received the ma●e, 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 Tribune's, 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 prision, and there executed with exquisite torments. And by this means, the heat of this defection was so assuaged, that it 
967.  appeared not for 7 years after: but (then under the leading of one Cincius) flamed out anew, in so furious a sort, as it had doubtless fired the beast out of al● his holds, had 
974.  not his middle head (Otho the second) hasted into Italy to quench the same: who (knowing how much it imported to punish exemplarily 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 ●ound where the guests were; whereat whilst every one amazed, doubting what this first course meant, 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 
1136.  they fell some 162. years after into relapse again; but Frederique the first (for so was now this head called) with the blood of 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.  
Ver 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 and 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 th'eagle, and who knoweth not that heads are more able in evil than feathers? And the Prophet beheld that this head continued longer, & 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 700 and 90. and yet still continueth, and shall, till he that now is be taken away.  
Vers. 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 fore-saith in the chap. following) not without pain: meaning, that th'Electors shall not choose to the liking of the beast, nor the beast consecrated to the liking of them. And in this difference this head shall die, ne shall this difference be exempted from pain.  
Vers. 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 tha●'s told shall be clean ended; yet the fear of th'other two shall still remain, and have dominion over the earth, & those that dwell therein, ●ill the fullness of their malice and tyranny be accomplished also: which may not long be unfulfild, for behold, in the very next verse their destruction cometh.  
Vers. 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 prophecy) the strongest; so as the Prophet implieth, that the sword of Spain, shall d●vide the strength of France, that her pride by division made less, may at the last (as every divided Kingdom doth) return to nothing, Neither shall the prosperity of this right head, be long free from like retaliation, but as the truth fore-saith, He that divideth with the sword, shall perish by the sword. For how may 
Esdr. 4. 12.  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 eorum 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.  
Vers. 36. Then I heard a voice, which said, look before thee, and consider the things which thou seest.  
Vers. 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 following.  
Ver. 39 Art not thou he which of the 4 Beasts remainest, whom I made to reign in my world, that by them the end of things might come?  
Vers. 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.  
Ver. 41. For thou hast not judged the earth with truth.  
Ver. 42. But hast troubled the meck 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.  
Ver. 43. So as thy unjust dealing is ascended to the most High, and thy pride unto the Mighty.  
Ver. 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 the 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  
Vers. 45. Therefore appear no more thou Eagle, 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 thyself as thou hast ever done, persuading thyself thou shalt ever be, because thou hast been 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 shall be 1666. this 
Rev. 13. 18.  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, shall be consumed and brought to nought. And in that day, thy vain body shall be burnt with fire, and shall so clean be cut off from the land of the living, that neither son nor nephew (as the Prophet 
Esay 14. 22 Esay 14. 24  saith) nor branch nor remnant of thy name, shall be found upon the earth. For as it is purposed, 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, and 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 shall be moved at thy coming and prepare itself, and raise up 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 fight shall wonder, and cry, and 
Esay 44. 10  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 l●ts 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, and dying shall say, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, and 
Esay 14.  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 them and say: We have erred from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness hath not shined upon us, nor hath the 
Wisd 5.  Son of understanding risen over us, we have wearied our selves in the ways 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 ns? all these things are vanished like ashadow, 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 fear exceedingly at the sight of them, and be amazed at their wonderful deliverance, and die for grief of mind, and dying shalt say, These are they whom we sometimes had in derisron, and in a parable of reproach: we fool's thought their life madness, 
Wisd. 5.  and their end without honour. But how are they counted among the children of God, and their portion among the Saints.  
Vers. 46. That all the earth may be refreshed, and come again, as one delivered from thy violence, that she may hope for the judgement and mercy of him that made her.  
And thy death shall comfort and refresh the earth, and deliver Zion from her great and violent oppressions: but their prosperities may not long endure, as testifieth the Prophet Daniel. For may Israel dwell safe, and the kings of th'East not know it? Nay verily they shall arise, and 
Dan. 12. 12. Ezek. 39  come down like a storm, and like a cloud shall cover the earth, and compass round the tents of the Saints, and the beloved City, till fire descend from God out of 
Rev. 20. 9  heaven (as it is written) and devour 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, & 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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Behold it is come, and it is 
Rev 10. Ezek. 39  done saith the Lord, 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 precious assurance engraven in their breasts, that they shall then and in that day behold the L. that 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 foolish wise 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 their 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 ●ath done all these things for them.  
Which day in due time, He that is Highest, shall manifest to all: He that is Prince and Lord above all, who only hath immortality, and dwelleth in the light, which none can attain unto, whom no man ever saw, nor can see: unto whom be all honour and power everlasting. Amen.  Zach. 2. 7. Save thyself O Zion, thou that dwellest with the daughter of Babel. 
ANd thus my Lord at length I am come a shore, delivered from a dangerous & scopulous sea, as any is in all the Ocean of the scripture: praying, if I have made too bold t'impart my voyage to your Lordship, you would be pleased to ascribe it to the common humour of Travellers, who cannot choose, but tell what adventures they have passed, and what wonders they have seen. Strange and long were it to tell your Honour all I saw: and I fear in respect of your hours I have been too long to tell so much: too much doubtless, in regard of my Pen, which is so sad and so uncourtly, as were it not for that natural engraven Noble courtesy, wherewith your Honour is beautified above all comparison, your Honour might not endure her plain and careless apparition. And thus most humbly commending my service to your Honour's disposing take a shorter leave than else I would, because I am setting forth to sea again, in hope God willing, if bread and water fail me not, to discover the Revelation, and to make known to my gracious Sovereign Princess, that I also among the rest may be bold to speak, though I care not to be known.  
FINIS.   

A BRIEF EXPOSITION OF THE XI. XII. and XIII. Chapters of THE REVELATION. WHEREIN MOST OF THE GREATEST MYSTERIES contained in the whole Book are unfolded.  
The Contents are in the next Page.  
LONDON, Printed by M Simmons in Alderse-gate-Street, 1651.   

The Contents of these Three CHAPTERS.  

TH'estate of the Primitive Church before her dispersion.  
The Churches first persecution by the Heathen Emperors.  
The Flight of the Church into the Wilderness.  
The two Witnesses.  
The rising of Antichrist, his seven heads and ten horns.  
The second Beast, and his two horns.  
The practice of Antichrist and his Clergy against the Church.  
The Image of the Beast.  
The Mark of the Beast.  
The Name and Number of the Beast.  
The End of the Beast, and destruction of his City.  
The year of th' End of the World discovered by th' Author.    

TO His dread and Sovereign Lord, JAMES the first, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, etc. Grace and Peace.  
HOw many there are (most Noble King) that have aimed at the unfolding of this divine and hidden Prophecy, would require the skill and virtue of a Prophet to refer. IT sufficeth to know they have all left the mark very fair and open for others to hit; Wherein. howsoever their Zeal, by privilege of charity, may find excuse, yet their ignorance and error, within these cases (●● no less hurtful to the Reader, then dangerous to the Writer) may not find the like grace.  
What I have seen or dreamt, I fear not to offer to the censure of time, the discoverer of error, and Mother of tru●h, appointed from above, th' only indubitate touch stone of all divine and Prophetical enterprises.  
And although your Highness may doubt of my bold and hardy direction in this dangerous and scopulous sea, wherein so many great and learned Pilots have overshot the Cape, as one that feareth all Physicians for that he hath fallen into the hands of so many unskilful; yet forasmuch as the Church is sick, and the physic of this prophecy needful, I could not choose but speak the things I know, leaving to your Princely gust to judge whether the Needle of my Compass be truer touched than theirs.  
And for this prophecy was directed chief unto Kings, unto a King I have the rather presumed to recommend the same: and unto You (most noble King) before all other, whofe fame of wisdom, Justice, and goodness, hath advanced your name and Sceptre higher than any power of greatness can do.  
And although it be presented by one awaked out of time, yet if it may find but little protection under your gracious favour for a season, years and age, I doubt not, will give it adspiration and honour enough.  
〈◊〉 hope of which grace most humbly I reverence your most Princely hands, commending all their labours to the God of Heaven, who hath exalted your arm so high and made you so honourable throughout his world.   

CHAP. XI.  

1. The regenerate Christians only are the Church and heritage of God.  
3. The residue are outcasts and refused.  
7. Of the two testifiers and preservers of truth.  
13. Antichrist killeth them, but the Lord restoreth them life again.  
15. Great dissension ariseth thereupon: the day of judgement is foreshowed.   

VERS. 1.  And there was given me a reed, like unto a meet yard: and the Angel that stood by me, said, Rise and measure the Temple of God, and the Altar, and them that adore therein. 
AS in a common field, a good Surveyor doth measureout each intercommoners several, by stake or by rod: so in the wide and common field of Christians, the Lord commandeth his servant John to survey and apportion out his Church and partage, which he severeth from the residue of carnal Gospelers, and such like outcasts; in recommending unto us their inward frame and renewed graces, under the appellation and names of the Temple of God, the Altar, and them that adore therein: meaning, that as in the Tabernacle of the congregation, the holy and most holy places (wherein stood the Table of the Show bread, Candlestick, Altar of incense, Ark, propitiatory and oracle of god, over-covered within and without with Angel gold, into which places none but the priests might enter & adore) were separated by a vail from the outer Court, where the brazen altar was erected for all the house of Israel to enter and sacrifice, & which therefore was called the Court of the people: so in the common field and University of Christians, they only are the Church and heritage of God, which are sanctified in heart, and holy in life and conversation, and separated (by the vail of regeneration, that is to say, by the tears of true repentance, and the assurance of pardon, and reconciliation unto God in Christ jesus, engraven in the tables of their hearts by the finger of the Spirit) from all carnal professors and nominal Christians, in whom is but an outward face and protestation of the name of Christ only.   

VERS. 2.  But the base Court which is without the Temple, cast out, and measure not, for it is given to the Gentiles: and the holy City shall they tread under foot two and forty months. 
BUt as for those Common Catholic Christians, here resembled to the base Court which is without the Temple, because they are but overcast only with a profession of my name, which hear my word, & participate my Sacraments, and yet are separated by an unregenerate heart, as by a vai', from those Altarsand priests, in whom my name is honoured, cast forth, saith the Lord, and measure not; for howsoever such unleavened companions seem to boast in the name of my Church, and in the protestation of a Christain calling, yet they are so fare from belonging to my peculiar, saith the Lord, as that I have given them up in reckoning with the reprobate of the Gentiles, and they shall justify mine account and rejection of them, by their like uncircumcised carriage and heathenish conversation: for they shall no less defile my holy City, that is to say, they shall no less hate, accuse, persecure, and keep under water the true and sanctified Christian. then do the heathen and uncircumcised, as by overlong experience is well known to the Church of God, which hath been, is, and shall be (till her captivity be returned) opposed for melancholy, mad, new, factious, schismatical, heretical, by Christian Catholics, politicians, Atheists, carnal Gospelers, and such heathenish protesters like to these.  
And that the Church of God may not look for other or better entertainment at these her intercommoners hands, she is here (by the predeterminate counsel of God) to be trodden like a way, by these Gentiles and heathenish Christians, 42 months, meaning months of years, to every month accounting (by prophetical supputation) thirty years, as in the verse following shall be further manifested; confounding therein the Remisa ies of Rome, who sweat to persuade that they are but months of days, thereby to turn the world's eye from the great Antichrist that now is, to a petty Antichrist which shall never come.   

VERS. 3.  And I will give to my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and sixty days clothed in sackcloth. 
DUring which time of the Church's disgrace and desolation, for the greater comfort of her Children, and judgement of her adversaries, I will saith the Lord; I, by a wonderful outstretehed providence, will preserve unto the world the light and power of my two Testaments, to guide their knowledge and conversation into the ways of peace. Whereby the Lord manifestly reproveth the gross and vain expectation of those, that translate his meaning in this place to the coming of Henoch and Elias: whereas of henoch's return, either in flesh or in spirit, there is no syllable of promise in all the Scriptures, and as touching the spiritual return of Elias promised, is already 
Mal 4. 5. Mat. 11. 14.  performed as the Lord himself proveth.  
Now touching the time of their keeping watch while the world sleepeth, the Lord voweth it shall be 42. months before mentioned; which being dissolved into days, after the Calendar of the Hebrews (whose year did drive thirty days to every month, and twelve months to every year) amount to the just number of 1260. days here specified: which computation of the years is observed throughout the whole Bible, Daniel only excepted, who counteth after the use and stile of the Chaldeans, in whose tongue, and amongst whom he wrote; and consequently the months being Prophetical, that is to say, months of years, to each accounting thirty years, the re●gne of Antichrist must needs endure 1260. years. Which manner of reckoning years by days, though it seem strange, is usual notwithstanding with the Prophets of God, and therefore is called Prophetical, as Ezekiel a day for a year, and 
Ezek 4. 6. Dan 9 24.  daniel's seventy weeks are weeks of years, every week containing seven years, as throughout this Prophecy. Also the months are months of years, to every month accounting thirty years. From whence we conclude, Antichrists three years and a half, both here and in Daniel, deciphered by a time, times, and half a time, to be years of years, every year containing 12. months of years, which amount to 360. years, and multiplied by three and a half, do in the total amount to 1260. years.  
And to the end the world may take better notice of these his two testifiers and preservers of truth, the Lord commendeth the knowledge of the parties, by the description of their Garments, in saying, they are clothed in sackcloth; thereby not only diffevering their testimonies from all the soft and courtly commentaries of flesh and blood, which for the most are raised with infected matter, and vested with affected stile; but also teaching us that no man can retain to the Lord, before whom they minister, unless he serve in the same livery that they do, and can turn over the leaves of his life and pilgrimage in fasting and sackcloth, and true repentance, as these his servants the Prophets and Saints have done.   

VERS. 4.  These are the two Olive branches, and the two Candlesticks which stand in the presence of the Lord of the Earth. 
ANd these my two Testaments are those two Olive Trees (saith the Lord) described by my Prophet Zachary, which stand and fructify before the Ruler of the earth for ever and ever. For their leaf, that is to say, their word and judgements shall neither whither nor fade, though heaven and earth should perish and melt away. And they are also two Candlesticks, which carry in them the light of my truth, and power of my Spirit, the great Moderator of heaven and earth.   

VERS. 5.  And if any man will hurt them, fire shall come forth of their mouth, and devour their enemies, and if any man will hurt them, so must he be slain. 
ANd if any man shall wrest their word from the aim and intention of their meaning (saith the Lord) or turn their Prophecy out of the way, by perverting or clipping the honour or purpose of their word, the fire of my wrath denounced by the the mouth of these my two Testaments (for though they be two, yet they have but one mouth) shall surely judge and execute those lovers and makers of lies: and for the more assurance of this sentence against them, the Lord doth iterate the curse and vengeance of his heavy displeasure, saying, And if any man will hurt them, so must he be slain; meaning (I say) by hurting, all manner diminishing of the words of their testimony by falls, blasphemous, and lying expositions, as some have done.   

VERS. 6.  These have power to shalt heaven, that it rain not in the days of their Prophecy, and they have power over the waters, to turn them into blood, and to smite the earth with all manner of plagues, so often as they will. 
FOr the Lord hath touched the mouth of these his two Prophets, as he did the mouth of Jeremy, & the rest of his servants, of whom he saith, Behold this day have I set thee over Nations and Kingdoms, to plu●k up, root out, destroy and thro● down, build and plant. And in another place, Therefore have I cut them down by my Prophets, and slain them by the words of my mouth. Such privileges the Lord hath given to these his two Testaments, that if they once shut the heavens that it rain not in the days of their Prophecy; that is to say, if they denounce a famine of the bread of li●e, to wit, the word and knowledge of God; or pronounce a sword to come upon a Nation, Kingdom, or People, which the Lord here signifieth by turning waters into blood; or if it pleaseth them to Prophesy (which the Lord here calleth to strike) of any Pestilence. Earth quake, or other judgement to come, such power is given them, that if they say the word, it is done, as it is written. Heaven and earth shall perish, but the words of their Prophecy shall not pass till all be fulllfiled.   

VERS. 7.  And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast which ascendeth from the depth, shall wage battle against them, and kill them. 
ANd when his servants the Prophets and Apostles shall have fulfilled their course, and be translated from the land of their labours, to the land of rest, leaving to the world the inheritance (as it were) of their ministry sealed up in the two Testaments of God, to preserve the fear of his Name, and the knowledge of his pleasure among the Sons of men, which the holy Ghost calleth finishing their testimony; Ant christ the Beast, whose proper p'ace, whence he is, and whither he must, is here described by the name of the depth, shall not only hurt and wound them by slanderous and lying Expositions, as his Clerks and Assects do, but shall set his feet upon their Necks, and tread down their divine authority by the advancing of his cursed keys, and the beauty of his whorish Church above them, which the Spirit calleth waging battle, inhibiting them to Prophesy, or teach the words of their testimony vulgarly. And not only putting them to silence, but also reproving, condemning them for corrupters, seducers, and sowers of heresies among the people; which presumptuous blasphemy and murder, the Spirit discovereth in saying that he shall overcome them and kill them.   

VERS. 8.  And their carcases shall remain in the street of the great City, which is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord also was crucified. 
ANd the letter or text of their testimony, which the Spirit calleth their corpse or carcases, shall remain in their Ho●ses, Cells, Temples, hang at their girdles through all the Cities and Kingdoms where the Beast and his Church is adored; which in regard of their number be here named the great City, so in respect of their execrable worship and adulterous service, contrary to God and his holy City, they are here called also spiritually Sodom; meaning, that as Sodom her Sister did for sake the lawful use and prescription of nature, and wrought filthiness against nature; so these loathing truth, and loving lies, should erect strange oblations and propitiations, as contrary to the offerings and satisfactions of the Saints, as was the sin of Sodom opposire to nature.  
And the Spirit further calleth them by the name of Egypt, for that in blindness and hardness of heart they every way match the presumptuous and indorate Egyptians, still pursuing and persecuting the truth, as Pharaoh did Israel, till the God of Israel destroy them by the Spirit of his mouth, as he did Pharaoh and his host by water.  
And in further detestation of the cruel murder and immanity of this Beast and his adherents, the holy Ghost layeth the blood of the Prince of the Covenant to thei● charge also, as cunningly as they think to convey his murder, and post it over to Jerusalem. For as the Lord doth lay the blood of his servant Abel to the charge of the Scribes and Pharisees of his own time, although he were slain long before those Pharisees were borne, or Jerusalem builded, because they were the very image and lively imitation of his brother that murdered him: so the holy Ghost doth here lay the innocent blood of the Lord of glory to the Charge of this Crucifier, and his Citizens, because they are the Children and Generation of that high Priest, and those murderers which cried, Away with him, crucify him, crucify him. And that we should not marvel thereat, the holy Ghost in another place goeth further, and saith, In her shall be found the blood of the Apostles and Prophets also, and all that ever for the testimony of the truth were stain on earth.   

VERS. 9  And there shall of the tribes, and people, and Gentiles, see their dead bodies three days and a half, and shall not suffer their corpse to be laid in monuments. 
ANd all Nations and Kingdoms where the Beast is worshipped (whom the holy Ghost for their profanation in life and Religion, calleth Gentiles) shall have, handle, and gaze upon the letter and corpse of his two witnesles three days and a half, that is to say, the time, times, and half a time, wherein the Beast shall Reign and persecute, even three prophetical years and 〈◊〉, accounting (as in Ezekiel) all day's 〈◊〉 Neither shall they suffer the word of 〈◊〉 Pro●●efie to be read, opened, understood, and ●●d up in the hearts of the people, the true and natural monuments and sepulchres, wherein the testimony of their words ought to be interred.   

VERS. 10.  And the inhabitants of the earth shall be glad over them; and shall send gifts one to another, because these two Prophets tormented them that dwell upon the earth. 
ANd all the worshippers of the Beast, here noted, for their number, by the inhabitants of the earth, shall clap their hands over their own inventions, and rejoice in the death of the truth, and make merry with Bonfires, Vigils, Festivals, Processions; and in token of joy, they shall send (as the Spirit saith) gifts one to another. Kings, and Princes, and people shall present and endow the Beast and his Church with donations, immunities, possessions, gold and silver offerings, etc. and the Beast (on the other side) shall requite their kindness with titles, bells, pardons, bulls, and such like: and the Spirit yieldeth a reason of this their wicked and ungodly comfort, because they had put out the eyes of his two Prophets, that their whoredoms and profanations might not be reproved; then which, nothing can be greater torment to the wicked, nor more unsavoury to them that perish.   

VERS. 11.  And after three days and a half, the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet, and great fear fell upon all that saw them. 
ANd forasmuch as in the death and extermination of Antichrist by way of dependency, consisteth the life and resurrection (as it were) of the Scriptures, the Spirit foreshoweth, that after the reign and persecution of the Beast, which here (as in the ninth verse) is determined by three days and a half, God will raise up faithful and prudent Priests, Shepherds of understanding hearts, who shall rightly divide the words and testimonies of his two witnesses, which the holy Ghost signifieth, in saying that the Spirit of life from God entered into them: for as the letter & text of the Scripture is the corpse thereof, so their true intent and meaning is the Spirit and life of them; and by the faithful ministry of such as the Lord shall raise in and about that time, and for that purpose, the testimony of his two Prophets shall be restored to their strength and (as it were) to their walking again, which the Spirit signifieth in saying, They stood upon their feet, as well to the terror and astonishment of all lying and stupidious expositors, as to the fear and admiration of the children and justifiers of wisdom, as the holy Ghost concludeth, saying, And great fear fell upon all that saw them.   

VERS. 12.  And I heard a loud voice from heaven, saying, Come up hither: and they went up into heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. 
ANd the restauration of the true meaning of the Scriptures, which their enemies so long kept under, by all unjust and cunning shifts, shall be more famously known and published, then that they may any longer hinder or stop the glorious course of their wonderful instauration, which the Spirit intendeth in saying, that I heard a voice from heaven, saying, Come up hither; meaning that it should be more possible for their enemies to stay Elias Chariot from ascending, or pull the wind back from pursuing his point, then to resist the wisdom of the same, the which shall vindicate the abuse of the Scriptures, and by the power of their ministry (as in the strength of a cloud) shall hold them up, and restore them to their spiritual and heavenly meaning again: and the Beast with all his Sorcerers and liars, which have been their long and ancient enemies, shall see the glory of their regeneration, and wonder, and die.   

VERS. 13.  And in that hour there was made a great earthquake, and the te●●h part of the City fell, and there were sla●●● in the earthquake names of men seven thousand, and the rest were cast into a fear, and gave glory to the God of heaven. 
ANd at such time as it pleased God to begin his work of instauration, and to cause the dayspring of his Gospel to shine out of the night of Antichrists darkness; the abominable and desolate profanation of the Beast, which had so long time overcast the earth, was in such sort discovered, that the very root of his throne and usurped authority was dangerously shaken, which the holy Ghost closely foldeth up, in saying, There was made a great earthquake. And further fore showeth, that out of this concussion there should arise so great defection, that the tenth part of his worshippers should revolt from him, and that this revolt and defection must cost the lives of many thousand men, which the Spirit uttereth in a manner of speech strange to us, butusual with the Scriptures, calling men names of men, as Chap. 3. 4. and meaning by seven thousand many thousand, using the determinate number of seven indefinitely, and for a number indeterminate, as it is also in Scripture often. Which broils and bloodshed concerning the institution of religion, are so sufficiently reported in the Commentaries of Bohemia and Germany, and in the troubles of France and Flanders, and other Nations, as if it were purposely registered in proof of this prophecy.  
Lastly, the Spirit concluding▪ foretelleth that many kingdoms in this defection, should quite forsake the Beast, and haste them out of Babylon home again to build the walls of jerusalem, and to restore the morning and the evening Sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, as in the former time, and in the days of old, in saying, And the rest were cast into a fear, and gave glory to the God of heaven.   

VERS. 14.  The second Woe is gone, and behold the third Woe will come quickly. 
THe first woe was the blasphemy of Arianism, which the holy Ghost in the ni●th Chapter most aptly resembleth unto a smoke ascending from the depth, saying, That the Sun was darkened, and the air with the smoke of the pit; meaning by the Sun, the Son of God; and by the air, the word of his truth, by whose only mean and interposition, the object of his Deity was truly discerned: and in regard of this first woe which was kindled by Arius, wherewith the inhabitants of the earth (as the Spirit foretold us) should be tormented five months, meaning months of years, which by Prophetical account amounteth to one hundred and fifty years, which was the time of the Arian persecution, as in the Ec●lesiasticall Histories more plainly appeareth, The holy Ghost. I say, in regard of this first woe, calleth the tragical reign of Antichrist the second woe, whose long time of tyranny within this Chapter, in a general manner is declared, and in the 13. Chapter following, more particularly and exactly discovered, though at the writing of this Prophecy, it had his being only in the foreknowledge of God, and was not yet begun to be acted, much less fully ended: yet in respect it is here in a general manner fully revealed, the Lord (to whom all things past and to come are present) saith, The second woe is gone, upon determination whereof the third woe must ensue; which, for it surpasseth both the former in terror and greatness, the holy Ghost bringeth it in with a word of audience, Behold, the third woe will come, meaning the great and terrible day of the Lord, fore-denounced by his servants the Prophets, in the which all Nations shall stand as Prisoners before him, and receive every one according to the ways wherein their heart hath walked.  
And because the day of the Lords coming in glory, and consummation of the world shall not lon● tarry after the determination and consumption ●● Antichrist (as in the last verse of the thirteenth Chapter following, shall be more fully declared) the holy Ghost addeth the word quickly, as a precise note of his speedy coming, which our Lord also in another place confirmeth by a like word immediately, saying, And immediately after the tribulation of those days, (speaking of the tyrannous reign of the 
Mat. 24.  self same Antichrist) they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of the air.   

VERS. 15.  And the seventh Angel sounded with a Trumpet, andthere were made loud voices in heaven, saying, The Kingdoms of this world are made our Lords and his Christ's, and he shall reign for ever and ever. Amen. 
TH' understanding of this verse dependeth upon the 8. Chapter, where it is said, And when he had opened the seventh Seal, there was made silence in heaven, etc. And I saw seven Angels stand in the sight of God, and there were given them seven Trumpets, etc. Where the holy Ghost meaneth by the Lamb, the Son of God; and by opening the seaventh Seal, a more particular discovery of all such things as concern the estate of his Church from his ascension to his coming in Majesty, divided into seven acts, declared by seven Trumpets, sounded by seven Angels, of which acts the sixth was the pageant of the desolation of Antichrist; the seventh and last is the coming of the Lord in the clouds of Heaven, and consummation of the world, uttered in these words, And the seventh Angel sounded with a Trumpet, and with a loud voice proclaimed, the Kingdoms of this world, so long time usurped by Monarches and Antichrists, which by right of Lordship and Inheritance, did evermore belong to the God of Heaven, and Prince of the Covenant, shall how at length be restored to the right Lord and lawful owner, and of his reign, dominion and glory, there shall be no end, as the Spirit concludeth, saying, And he shall reign for ever and ever. Amen.   

VERS. 16.  And the four and twenty Elders which sat on their seats in the sight of God, fell on their faces, and adoring God, said, We thank thee Lord God Omnipotent, which art, which waist, and which shalt come, because thou baste received thy great power and brightness. 
BY the four and twenty Elders is meant the testimony of Moses and the Prophets, who for that they spoke by the sevenfold Spirit of Majesty which burneth night and day about the Throne of God, are here said to sit on their seats in the sight of God. And for that their judgements denounced from time to time against Antichrist and his Worshippers, are now just●●●●● upon them, and the everlasting Kingdom of the Lord their God (who hath stretched his wings from Sea to Sea, and from the river to the end of lands) is now set up for evermore; therefore the Spirit saith, that they fell on their faces, and adoring the justification of God, broke forth in praises and thanksgiving, saying, We thank thee Lord God Omnipotent, &c,   

VERS. 17.  And the Gentiles were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead to be judged, and to render reward to ●hy Servants the Prophets, and Saints and to the●●ha● fear thy Name, little and great, and to destroy the● that have corrupted the earth. 
ANd all Kingdoms, Nations and people which have evil entreated Jerusalem, and made a sport of the shame and affliction of Jacob, shall now reap the fruit of their savage and heathenish lives, and (mangre their fury) shall endure the wrath and judgement of him, who with justice judgeth and fighteth, as the Spirit affirmeth. saying, And the Genti●● were angry and ●hy wrath i● come, and the time of the dead to be judged. And the Spirit further ●estifieth, that the Lord (for whole glory that day was made) shall render to every one their due hire or wages, (fo● so ●●e Original importeth, commonly interpreted reward) first to his Saints and servants, and all that ove come, their hi●e and wages, which by promise, and for his own● Name sake, is due unto them; Next, to all execrable Atheists, blasphemous Catholics, incredulous Heathen, liars, Heretics, carnal Gospelers, and all other brazen and unregenerate Christians, the hire and wages wh●ch to their works, and deeds an● merits ●s due, ●s the Sp●rit concludeth, saying. And to render reward unto thy servants the Prophets and Saints, and to them that fear thy name little and great and to destroy them that have corrupted the earth  
But concerning this seventh age, wherein the Lord shall come in Majesty to judge the quick and the dead the Holy Ghost deferreth yet a while to speak mo●e particularly thereof, and resumeth more exactly to entreat of the term and persecution of Antichrist: and his complices, against the Church and Spouse of Christ, that so the glory of his justice in thei● just refuration and judgement, may be more bright and manifest.    

CHAP. XII.  

1. A confirmation of the Prophecy following.  
2. The description of the Church, and of her Primitive fruit.  
4. The Chur: hes first persecution raised by Ethnic Rome, by whose immanity it came to pass, that her beauty was no more seen in her visible and eminent graces, but lived here and there dispersed and scattered over the face of the Earth.  
8. The great battle between Christianisme and Paganism. Christ and his Truth overcommeth Jupiter and hi● profenation.  
18. The Emperor removeth his Throne, pretending to stop the float of th' Enemy, but intending to root out the dispersed remnant of the Church   

VERS. 1.  And the Temple of God was opened in heaven and the A●k of his Covenant was seen in his Temple, and there was made lightnings, voices, thunders, earthquakes, and great hail. 
TH. ' Apostle having drawn in the former part of this Prophecy a slight draught (as it were) and designment of Antich●ist, doth now in the Prophecy following revisit and perfect the discovery of the Beast, and hang him up to the view and discerning of heaven and earth. And to the end that this his work of manifestation may carry in it fair and uncontrollable credit, the Apostle in this Verse assureth us, that he revealeth no other word concerning the Church and her pressures here on earth, during the personal absence of her Lord, then that which he heard at the Council table of God, which he delivereth in a manner of speech usual with the Prophets, And the Temple of God was opened in Heaven, and the Ark of his Covenant was seen in the Temple, alluding to the Temple of Jerufalem, and ●ignisying thereunder that the words of this Revelation are no less sooth and true, then if he had received them from the Oracle of God, which spoke from over the Ark of his Testament, within the Temple of Jeru●alem, whose words and answers, for their divinity, Majesty, power and glory, are here, as elsewhere, figured by voices proper to God, and not to man, as Fightning, thunders, earth quakes, and hail.   

VERS. 2.  And a great sign appeared in Heaven, a woman clothed with the Sun, and the Moon under her feet, and on her head a Crown of twelve Stars: 
BUt before the Spirit takes in hand to discover the persecutors of the Church, it pleaseth him fi●st to describe the Church itself, that so the barbarous immanity of her enemies may be more apparent and justly abhorred, being used against a creature of such virginal, innocent and patiented modesty, who for her rare and admirable beauty is here called a great sign, or heavenly apparition, symbolising her ●earfull, modest, sober and matron-like behaviour, with th' appellation and quality of a woman; for so she is in holy Scriptures often called, The fairest woman, the King's daughter, daughter of Zion, daughter of Jerusalem, the Spouse of Christ, Mother of the just, etc. And to the end she may the better be discerned of us, the Apostle describeth her garments and wearing, saying, she was clothed with the Sun, meaning that she had put on the Lord Jesus, Sun of justice, that is to say, her Soul was vested with an assurance of the mercy and love of God in Christ Jesus her Lord; which justice or justification of the Spouse and her children, is called in holy Scripture by way of Metaphor, the white stone, and the wedding Garment. For as a Stole or Garment covereth the shame and nakedness of our vile bodies: so the mercy and love of God, insured us in Christ Jesus our Lord, hideth the shame and nakedness of our sinful souls. And to prove that her Garment was truly woven of the two divine threads, to wit, the assurance of mercy, and the assurance of love in Christ Jesus her Lord; the Spirit giveth in for evidence, the fruits of this her lively and justificall faith, closely hiding her newness of life, her hatred of sin, and her love of God, as under a veil, in these words, And the Moon under her feet; signifying thereby, that she had now quite forsaken and forgotten her father's house, that is, had slain her natural, sinful, and wont affections, and was revived, and renewed in mind, and with her Lord was now risen, and ascended up, as he into the heaven of heavens, so she to a new custom and carriage of life, far above and higher than the Moon: for all her study and hearts delight was now in heaven, where her hope, her love, her life, and her dearest Lord liveth and reigneth, God, to be praised for ever and ever, Amen.  
Last of all, the Spirit setteth forth her head-attire, whereby her honour and estate was best known, and wherein she most delighted, saying, that she wore on her head a Crown, made of a mettle much finer than gold, for it was made of the doctrine of the 12. Apostles, who for that they are the Lords lights, and lanterns to guide the feet of sinners when sin hath benighted them, are here called by the names of Stars, And on her head a crown of twelve Stars.   

VERS. 3.  And being great with child, she cried, travelling and labouring to be delivered. 
ANd by the words which her ears received, her hea●t conceived, and she was great with fear and godly sorrow, travelling under the burden of her sins, and restless desire to be reconciled to God: which anguish and pains of her sorrowful heart and broken sp●rit, the Apostle most excellently compareth to the sorrows of a woman in travel. In which her spiritual labour and pain, she could by no means be relieved or eased, until her Lord were fashioned in her, that is, u●till her heart were sanctified by faith: for no Treacle could heal her miserable wounded soul, but the assurance of mercy only; nor any water could quench the burning fla●es of her restless desire, but the love of God only, insured her in Christ Jesus her Lord, and written in the fleshly tables of her heart, by the finger of God, according to his promise, his first and last and everlasting covenant   

VERS. 4.  And another sign appeared in heaven, for lo a great red Dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. 
AS night doth follow day, and the shadow the body, so must the Cross ●ol●ow Christ, and affliction his Church; whose Sun could no sooner shine, but the envious man raised up a mighty storm of persecution to cloud the br●gh●esse of her beautiful beams; which for the extraordinary furie thereof, the Apostle calleth a wonder or sign, meaning the Churches first and primitive persecution raised by Eth●ik Rome, who for hi● power, immanity, and malice to the Church of God, is here called a great red Dragon; and both for that his Throne and City was seated on seven hills; as also for that he was in all impiety, pride and profanation, the total sum and epitome (as it were) of all the seven Monarchies, unto whom (from the beginning of time, to the end thereof) was given and granted the charter and commission of blaspheming God, and corrupting his world (as in the 13. Chapter following is more particularly discovered) the Apostle addeth, Having seven heads.  
And in regard his power did beat down the power of all Nations, and made spoil and purchase of all Kings and Kingdoms on earth, the Spirit saith, he had ten bornes: for the horns signify Kings and Kingdoms, and the number of ten include all, be they never so many, as all numbers are made of ten, and their reduplication, be they never so infinite.  
And because he came to advance his ●ead so high, by the power of his sword, his Leaders and legions, the Spirit crowneth his heads with magnificence and diadems, saying, And on his heads seven diadems.   

VERS. 5.  And his tail drew the third part of the Stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth. And the Dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, that when she had brought forth he might devour her Son. 
THe head of this great red Dragon, was his Regal first estate, governed by Romulus and six other successive King coa●s, which Seneca calleth his infancy or nonage, wherein he lived, swathed and nourished in blood 244. years, as his own Historian reporteth.  
The body of this great red Dragon was his Consuls second estate, which Seneca calleth his full age, part Aristocratical, part democratical, and was therefore styled, Senatus populusque Romanus: from whence partly by reason of his over-we●gh● and fulsome abundance, as one of his own noteth, Romanis laxitas mundi & rerum amplitudo dam●o fuit; and partly for want of enemies abroad to wreak their proud and kingly humours on, he fell into th'intestine evil of civil wars at home, which did cast him into his minority and wardship again.  
And this his last estate of regiment imperial, the holy Ghost here calleth his tail, which consisteth of a rout of Monarches, seventy Keysars long, who for that they so furiously persecuted and havocked the blood of the chiefest Saints and servants of God, the Spirit saith that with his cursed tail he drew the third part of the Stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth.  
And not contented with the slaughter of his fairest lights and stars of his Church, proceeded to desolate the whole host of heaven, even all the seed of the Spouse, named before the Church's child, and here her Son, meaning those in whom, by the ministry of his fairest stars (his Servants the Apostles) Christ was now form, and of whom the Church was now ready to be delivered; for so much the Apostle unfoldeth in these words, And the Dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, that when she should bring forth, he might devour her son.   

VERS. 6.  But she brought forth a manchild, who was to govern all Nations with an iron rod: and her Son was taken up to God, and to his Throne. 
BUt notwithstanding all their fury, the Church brought forth her first fruit, which for their faith, charity, labour and patience, the spirit nameth a Manchild: and because they followed the Lord in the Regeneration, and overcame by keeping his words and works unto the end, they received the selfsame honour, which to their Lord alone and in chief belongeth, namely, that they shall judge the Tribes of Israel, and have dominion over the Nations, and shall rule them with a rod of iron, and break their glory like a potter's vessel. as the Lord hath promised, Mat. 19 & Apoc. 2.  
And in remembrance of the tender care and providence of God over the seed and first fruit of his Church, the Spirit concludeth, that when they had ended their course, they were taken up to God, and to his Throne, far from the reach and rage of their enemies.   

VERS. 7.  And the woman Fled into the wilderness, where she had a place prepared of God, that there they might feed her a thousand two hundred and sixty days. 
BUt the Church of God, here named the woman, mother of this fair and primitive fruit, being no longer able to weather out her storms, was enforced to hid her beau●y, and to retire herself into the secret chambers of God's providence and he● own conscience, and to take up her lodging in the desert; not that her light was utterly extinguished, as her enemy's reproach her: for although she were dispersed, distressed, and enforced to hid her extraordinary and eminent graces; yet the beauty of her true repentance and of her lively faith, seconded with a charitable life and patiented expectation of better things to come, st●ll shined as a Candle in a dark place; and like a ship preserved in a tempest, she remained still the same, of whom the world was not worthy; never wanting the loving protection of her dearest Lord, who in all her troubles was mindful of her, as of Elias his servant, or Israel his firstborn; careful to provide her, both of honourable harbour and princely diet. Her resting place was restless, strewed and scattered far and near over the face of the earth; for such a lodging oid best beseem her broken and restless heart, which sojourned in earth, but dwelled in heaven; and did also best defend her person from the furious inquisitions of her enemies.  
Neither was her Lord less loving and provident concerning her food, for he preserved for her diet the two witnesses of his eternal Covenant, that ●●●m their breast she might suck the pu●e and who some milk of grace and life, that so she might be both nobly harboured, and princely said during the tedious and odious Reig●e of the great Whore the Church of Rome, who during her exile should ●surp her Chair and under the vizard ●f her name should persecute her name and generation, a thousand two hundred and sixty years, here (as before) mystically deciphered under a thousand two hundred and sixty days.   

VERS. 8.  And there was wages a battle in heaven, Michael and his Angels fought with the Dragon; and the Dragon fought, an● his Angels. 
ANd at the same tim● that the Temple of God was opened in heaven, the Apostle also foresaw that great and bloody contention, than which (since the days of heaven) was ●ever waged greatest, great in regard of the A●mes, and great in respect of the cause.  
The Armies great, as well for the greatness of the Generals, as for the valour and number of their Forces.  
The General on the o●e side, was the power of God, sciphered by Michael the Prince of the Covenant, who stood for the children and people of the Highest. The General on the other side, was the power of Satan, figured by Ethnic Rome, here (as before) called the Dragon.  
In their Forces are to be considered the Leaders and the Soldiers. The Leaders and Captains on the part of Michael were Divus Petrus. Divus Paulus, Divus Johann●●, and the rest of that divine and Noble or●●r of Saints. And on the Dragon's pa●t were Leaders and Chieftains, Divus Tiberius, Divus Caligula, Divus Claudius, Divus Nero, and the rest of that most filthy and execrable train.  
So great was ●he multitude and number of Soldiers, that none of what degree, sex, age, or condition soever, but must be pressed for the one side or for the other; the valour and virtue of the Soldiers exceeded all praise; few subdued many, the weak overcame the stung, a handful of Christians a world of infidels.  
The cause was great, and higher than the heavens; whether God or Be●al, Christ or Jupiter Christianisme or Paganism were more venerable for antiquity, majesty call for amplitude, more constant for continuance, and in all other respects of wisdom, honour and Majest●e more worthy to be embraced and adored of the sons of men; which was for life conten●ed by the Dragon, his Angels and Assects, and was ●o● life withstood and disapproved by Michael and his Angels, and their followers. The issue of this contention followeth.   

VERS. 9  But they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in Heaven. 
AS the battle was great▪ so was the victory glorious: for though ●he Dragon with his sapient Senates, his profane Angels, and his unclean abettors, intended all their forces, moving (as it is in proverb) heaven and earth to make room for the abomination of Jupter, and to keep under water the everlasting Lord and Prince or the Co●enant; as among the many Monuments of time is sufficiently proved and maintained by Orosius, and by him, to whom he wrote, in his b●ok the Civi●ate Dei; yet the Spirit foreseeing the Dragon's ●ol●y, and how in vain he kicked against the spur, in scorn of his presumption saith, But he prevailed not; and concluding affirmeth, that the possession of heaven (so long time usurped by● incestuous murderers, and execrable courtesans, gods and goddesses of their own forging) must be resigned now to the true Lord and owner of all, who hath taken his place at the right hand of the Father, and hath deposed for ever from their usurped titles of deity, all gods and goddesses, phantasms made of worms, created and divified by th'inventions, relations, consecrations, and canonisations of the Dragon, his Tail and successors, as the spirit discovereth in saying, Neither the place of them was found any more in Heaven.   

VERS. 10.  And that great Dragon was thrown down, the old Serpent, called the Devil and Satanas, which seduceth the whole world, and he was cast into the earth, and his Angels were thrown down with him. 
ANd the great and profane power of the Roman Monarchy, which had so long time oppressed and corrupted the earth, was now at length detected, and thereupon disseized of, and from her usurped claim of heaven for ever, as the Spirit discovereth in saying, And that great Dragon was thrown down.  
And for that the Devil did corporally dwell (as it were) in her, spreading the beams of his wickedness at full, in all idolatry, impiety, and presumption against God, and in all oppression, injustice and immanity towards man; the Spirit crowneth her with the cognoments of her Sire, calling her, for her malice to the truth, a Serpent; for her crimination of the Saints, a devil; and for hostility to God and his Saints, Satanas: speaking therein, after the manner of the Lord himself, who calleth his treacherous steward a Devil, though he were a man, because the fullness of Satan did dwell in him, filling his heart with●such a perfect hatred of his innocent Lord, and lamentable love of his guilty penny, that he sold Ca●aan for Egypt, heaven for hell, and God for silver.  
And because th' impiety of Governors, is not only their own decay by evil doing, but also by enforcement and evil example, the ruin of their people; the Spirit layeth the seduction of the whole earth to the charge of the Dragon, for ruling it after the level and prescription of Rome, saying, which seduceth the whole world; and thereupon giveth just judgement and sentence of death against him, namely, that as in his beginning he crept out of the earth, and by the scale of his wickedness ascended so high, as to presume to thrust his haughty head into heaven, and build his nest above the stars; as did his antecefsors, Assur, Beltassar, Darius, Alexander, and the rest of their compeers: so by a like power of sword and cruelty, he shall shortly return to his friends again, and be made even with the earth, from whence his stock and first estate was borrowed; and the power of his Caesar's, counsel of his Senators, sophistry of his Sorcerers (which with such indurate and obstinate minds, stood for th' honour and worship of Devils) should be no longer able to uphold the reverence of their Jupiter Capitolinus, who was now detected for a Rogue, and by the voices of Michael's Angels (as by whips and passports) was sent home again to the place of his birth, namely the earth, from whence his mortal and vile genealogy was taken, and with with him also were Caesar's undivified, and (for all their Senate's proud relations) were made to take up the grave for their latter end, and shame for their same, and worms for their heritage, as the Spirit soretelleth, saying, And be was cast down unto the earth, and his Angels were thrown down with him.   

VERS. 11.  And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying. Now is made salvation, and force, and Kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ, because the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accused them before the sight of our God day and night. 
NEither was this famous victory obtained in ● corner, or spoken in the ear, but (as the Spirit reporteth) so valourously gotten, and so audibly proclaimed, that all the world heard the repo●● thereof, witness the records of those times, at whi●h the holy Ghost pointeth in these words, And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, and sounding the victory of Christ and Christianisme against the Dragon and his Angels, his sorcerers, and their profane and idolatrous paganism, in these devout and divine notes, Now is made salvation, and force, and the Kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ; and yieldeth a reason of this so pious and triumphant joy, because the folly and fury of the Dragon and his Angels, which so continually accused the Saints and servants of God, for pestilent fellows, movers of sedition, maintainers of sects, polluters of the Temple, teachers of new Gods, enemies to Caesar, word-sowe●●, babblers, blasp●emers, is now upon setting and going down for ever. Which death and downfall of their spiritual whoredom, the holy Ghost di●closeth in saying, Because the accuser of our brethren is cast forth.  
And for the greater comfort of the Church, and judgement of her enemies, concludeth, that there is a perfect Court-roul kept, as well of the sufferings of the Saints, as of the slanders of their foes, so openly committed in the face of the Court, and before a ●udge of so clear a fight and eternal memory, as that they shall never be discharged or forgotten, which the Spirit inferreth in saying, Who accused them before the ●●ght of our God day and night.   

VERS. 12.  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives even unto the death. 
LAst of all, the holy Ghost discovereth the spiritual armour and weapons wherewith the Angels and servants of Michael obtained this famous victory over the Dragon and his Sectaries, and saith, that they were tempered of these two divine virtues, faith and patience. For by the shield of faith, which the Spirit (by a metonymy) calleth the blood of the Lamb, and with the sword of his two witnesses, and by the word of their testimony, they overthrew all forces and arguments drawn from reason or reading, which the Spirit observeth in these words, And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and all such arguments as were drawn from the block, as fire, sword, persecution, interdiction, and such like, the Children of the Church quenched them with tears, prayers, patience and martyrdom, as their Lord had given them charge, and left them example; which the Spirit uncovereth in saying, And they loved not their lives even unto the death.   

VERS. 13.  Therefore rejoice O Heavens, and you that dwell in them. woe to the Earth, and to the Sea, because the Devil is descended to you, having great wrath, knowing that he hath but a little time. 
AS after victory followeth division of spoil, so the Spirit shuts up this heavenly conquest with triumph and joy, inviting thereunto all the Saints and servants of God, which have from time to time maintained and defended th'honour of his Name against the Dragon, his sorcerers and sorceries. And because by their good profession and godly conversation they testified the glory of God (as do the heavens) by their obedient conversions, the Spirit crowneth them with the name of the heavens, saying, Therefore rejoice O heavens, and you that dwell in them.  
And on the other part, pronounceth Woe, first to all Nations and Kingdoms accessary to these spiritual whoredoms of the Dragon, whom (according to their earthly mind) he most aptly resembleth to the earth; next, to the Empire itself, as the scelerum caput and stable of iniquity, whom for his fearful power and unbridled rage, the Spirit most elegantly calleth by the name of the Ocean, and the Sea: and concludeth his woe with a reason why, because both in one and other, the power of Satan had taken such deep root, that the more the light of the truth did bewray their madness▪ the more they strove and stormed against it; and so much the rather, because their sin was now at the highest; and that the Kingdom of Christ did gather so fast upon them, that of necessity a mutation of their fortunes must needs follow, with a subversion not only of their Paganism, but also of their power Caesaricall; which the Spirit closely soldeth up in these words, Knowing that he hath but a little time; which one Apostle also observeth, 2 Thess. 2.   

VERS. 14.  And when the Dragon saw that he was thrown to the earth, he persecuted the woman that brought forth the manchild. 
ANd when the raging Roman Empire saw, that his maintenance of Jupiter and his idol art of making shrines, was to descend for ever (as among many voices, some even to this day are heard to cry vengeance upon his idol, enforcing them with shame to resign their usurped titles of gods, and claim of heaven, to the true Lord and owner thereof) he took the course of the wicked, whose custom is, (as one of their own noteth) Malitia alia aliam trudere, and to add sin to sin (as a holy one saith) to 
Deut. 29▪  quench his thirst-with drunkenness: for so proceeded this Beast, adding to his blindness boldness, redeeming his blasphemy, with rage and persecution; and was so far from coming to himself, and taking up repentance to wash away his crying sins, that (as the Spirit concludeth) he more and more pursued the Church, and persecuted the woman which brought forth her first borne and primitive fruit, here called, for their faith, their patience, and their godly valour, the manchild.   

VERS. 15.  And there was given unto the woman two wings of the great Eagle, that she might Flee into the desert, unto her place, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 
BUt the Lord, who had so dearly bought his Shunamite, was no le●●e careful to preserve and carry her to the place of her rest, with a strong and outstretched providence, even upon his own 2 wings, whose feathers were made of the truth of his promise, sealed and delivered by the hand of his two witnesses, which the Bridegroom, of purpose left with the Spouse, to accompany and guide her, whensoever she removeth. If she travel by day they are her leading cloud; if by night, they are her pillar of fire: if she fly, they lend her wings; if she wander, they harbour her; if she be naked, they cover her; if in prison, they visit her; if captive, they redeem her; if she be weak, they sustain her; if blind, they lead her; if she be heavy, they comfort her; if sick, they recover her; if she doubt▪ they resolve her; if she err, they direct her; if she thirst, they give her to drink; and if she hunger, they feed her, and make her so strong of constitution, that afflictions are rejoicings to her, banishment a haven, dispersion a friend, loss and death advantage. And by these comforts (as by hands) they convey her to her solitude and restless place of rest, as the Spirit discovereth, saying, But there were given to the woman two wings of the great Eagle, that she might Flee into the desert, unto her resting place, where, ever since her primitive dispersion, she hath lived strewed and scattered far and near, over the face of the earth, seen and known of her Lord, by whom she is protected, and of the Children of wisdom, of whom she is justified: and so doth and must remain hidden and retired into the privy Chambers of God's providence, and her own Conscience, during the Reign of Antichrist, whose cursed and arrogant supremacy, was to rise out of the ashes of the Dragon's Emperiority, as the holy Ghost prophesied.  
And thus, hiding her eminent primitive graces, must closely and silently keep the Lords watch, and stand upon her honourable guard three prophetical years and a half, here (as in Daniel) determined by a time, and times, and half a time, from the reach and rage of the Serpent, his tail and successors.   

VERS. 16.  And the Serpent cast out of his mouth, after the woman, water, as it were a Flood, that he might make her to be carried away with the Flood. 
ANd when the Dragon's train of Caesar's (who, for their malice to the truth, and seducing the Nations, are here called by the name of the ancient enemy and seducer of mankind, the Serpent) saw, that they could no longer havoc the Church of God, by reason of her close sight and secret dispersion, they devised to pursue her with their bloody edicts, and sacrilegious constitutions, which they breathed out against her, in such raging and furious manner, as the Spirit therefore resembleth the violence of their barbarous inquisitions, and unprincely rescripts unto the unmerciful rage and current of a flood, hoping, that as by their unplacable fury they had dispersed and driven the Spouse to corners, so by the due execution of their cruel promulgations, they might utterly consume her generation, and blot out all letters of her honourable name; for to that white only they aimed, as the Spirit concludeth, That he might make her to be carried away of the Flood.   

VERS. 17.  And the Earth holp the Woman, and the Earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the Flood, which the Dragon cast out of his mouth. 
BUt in relief of the Church's pressures and persecutions, her Lord gave charge unto his handmaid the Earth, to comfort, help and secure her his Spouse: and as Moab was charged to hid the chased Israel of God, and not bewray him that was fled and escaped, but to dwell with him, and to give him covert and protection from the face of the destroyer; so here the Earth was commanded to reach forth her helping hand, and to take in and harbour the Lords exiles, in the secret chambers of her deserts, mountains and caves, that so she might either afford her close and quiet safeguard, or in witness of her faith, a●d proof of her patience, receive the blood which her cursed brethren spilt; which courtesy and tender favour, the Spirit remembreth to the perpetual praise of the benefactors of the Spouse, saying, But the earth holp the woman, and opened her mouth, and swallowed up the Flood which the Dragon cast out of his mouth.   

VERSE 18.  And the Dragon was wroth against the Woman, and went to make battle with the remnant of her seed, which keep the Commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. 
ANd notwithstanding the Dragon by his tail of Caesar's, had thus massacred and dispersed the Church, yet was he not so satisfied, but for very rage fell into a melancholy mood, for cause he could not quite consume and root her honour out, as the Spirit d●●●loseth, saying, And the Dragon was wroth against the woman.  
And forasmuch as the Church's beauty did most shine in the East, Syria, Greece, Asia, where she was borne and bred, the Dragon thought it his best (in policy, which evermore with him was held for chiefest Religion) too i●ch and set forward his den, and hold his Court further East; which purpose of his, as close as it was, the holy Ghost discovereth, in saying, And he went; and note●h the true end wherefore he went, not so much to barricade and stop the fl●at and incursion of the barbarous enemy, as he (forsooth) pretended, as to pursue and consume the dispersed remainder of the Spouse, as the spirit unfoldeth, saying, to make battle with the remnant of her seed, who for that they were just of the making and growth of the Churches first ●nd primitive fruit, holding the mystery of faith in a good Conscience, as the firstborn did; the Spirit setteth them forth in the same lively colour, saying, which keep the Commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.   

VERS. 19  And he stood upon the sand of the Sea. 
ANd the Dragon removed his throne, and left his ancient seat and City of Rome, where he had now kept Court almost a thousand years, and went and pitched his Throne anew in a have● Town, between Pontus Euxinus, and Propontis in the East of Thracia, ancient●y ca●led Byzance, and there erected the new City of Rome, and called it after his own name, Constantinople, the City of Constantme: which translation of his residence and chair of estate, one of his own also noteth.  

Constantinus apud Thrace's, qua Bosphorus aequor  
Thracius Euxinis Aegaeum ingurgitat undis,  
Constituit sedem Imperii.     

CHAP. XIII.  

The description of Antichrist and his Devotaries.  
The description of his Clergy and of his Religion.  
The Character of Antichrist.  
The number of his Days, and the end of his Reign.  
The year of th' End of the World, discovered out of Dan. 12.   

VERS. 1.  And I saw a Beast ascending from the Sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten Diadems, and upon his heads names of blasphemy. 
AND presently upon the remove and translation of the Empire, the Apostle espied that wicked one, Antichrist, man of sin, in saying, And I s●w; who in regard of the tyrannous power and bloody use of the unbridled jurisdiction, that should be given him, he is here termed (as in holy Scriptures other Monarches are) a Beast, that is to say, a kind of Government, Kingdom, dominion or power, exercised and acted by a succession of tyrannous, bloody and beastly men.  
And albeit his perfection in evil stood yet aloof, and was very far off, young and tender, as lying in swathing clouts; yet the Apostle descryeth him, as it were through a chink, in saying, coming up. For a●ter the translation of the Empire, and that now Ethnic Rome began to play the Christian, he was well nigh a hundred years closely creeping & climbing up, before he could advance his cursed head and claim of super-eminency. Concerning which ambitious puff of vain priority, so fair and evident mention is made in the monuments of time, that the incredible boldness of the adversary is no less marvellous than his incurable blindness, that hath so long time stumbled at this stone, and so often spurred us, by way of vaunting to show them (if we dare or can) when this apostasy of Antichrist took her rise and first commencement: which daring vaunt of theirs, the holy Ghost tripping over as a thing which is or aught to be known unto us, namely, that the horn of Antichrist and his apostasy did then first sprout out, when his Church first obtained at the Dragon's hand, priority of place, suffrage and censure over all. For as the Tree pulls up the creeping Ivy, so the primacy of the Church of Rome pulled up th'aspiring supremacy of the Bishop thereof; which Church pre-eminence and prelation (after long ruffling and shouldering) was first obtained at the hands of Honorius (though afterwards upon greater concertation and daggers drawing, it was by other Caesar's and Kings confirmed, renewed and ampliated) who by th'advantage of the weakness and death of his elder brother Arcadius, having obtained power and protectorship East and West, subjected the Church of the East Empire (which most withstood the West and Roman supremacy) with all other Churches whatsoever, to the Church and Sea o● Rome, at the instant suit and importunity of the now Bishop of Rome, whose name was then Innocent the first, in the first year of his creation, and in the year of Redemption 406.  
But the holy Ghost (I say) passing over the punctual and exact moment of time, when the Egg of Antichrist and his apostasy was first laid, as otherwhere sufficiently preserved unto us, proceedeth to detect the place where and from whence he should arise, saying, that he saw him lift up his hardy head from the sea, meaning by the sea, as in the sixteenth of this Prophecy, the surging, tumbling and raging Sea and City of Rome, where also by a like locution he calleth all Kingdoms subjected to her, by the name of Rivers. And that this Beast should thence arise, and there (and not elsewhere) keep Court and residence, the Spirit proveth by an argument drawn from the shape and proportion of the Beast, for he had the seven heads and ten horns of the Dragon, meaning that he should sit upon the Dragon's hills, and reign in and over the Dragon's City, and array himself with the spoils of the world, and hold in subjection the Kings and States on earth, as the Dragon did; for so much the Spirit intendeth in saying, having seven heads and ten horns. And lest the unwary Reader should mistake this great Antichrist for that great Dragon, or this Beast's supremacy and his pestilent succession for that Beasts supereminencie and his execrable tail (as many unwarily have done) the holy Ghost, in emblazoning his coat, giveth him a m●st exquisite difference, in saying that he wore his diadems, not upon his heads, as the Dragon did, but upon his horns; signifying thereby, that he should not come to his Crown and vainglory by the strength of his sword, his leaders and his legions, as the Dragon did, but by the base and voluntary submission of all such Caesars, K●ng and Princes, as should with one counsel and source, deliver up their authority and power secuiar to the devotion and pleasure of the Beast; and therefore the Spirit crowneth not his heads, but his horns, saying, and upon his horns ten diadems. And concluding showeth (even by his head attire) how far unlike this Dragon's High Priest of Rome was and should be to the Lords Highpriest of Jerusalem, who (in stead of having his head-attire emblemished with holiness to the Lord, as had his servant Aaron) should have his head-piece beslubbered with names of blasphemy, and upon his heads names of blasphemy, whereof proof is made in the sixth verse following.   

VERS. 2.  And the Beast which I saw was like to a Leopard and his feet as a Bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a Lion, and the Dragon gave him his own force, and his throne, and great power. 
ANd forasmuch as the Apostle foresaw that this Beast should be a far greater adversary, and a far longer persecutor of the Church of God, than any of the Monarchies which did arise afore him; he shaped him an outside answerable to his inward making, framing his parts of the most notable persecuters that ever were; as concluding him for his extraordinary wickedness the odd fellow, the total sum and very accomplishment of all other.  
And first for his presumption, in extolling himself above the Prince of the Covenant, desouling his sanctuary, desolating his sacrifice, burning his statutes, and insorcing the humble and meek to the abnegation of the truth, by blood, fire, strappadoes, and such like exquisite torments; the Spirit resembleth him to his arch-type Antiochus descended from the Monarch of Greece, here (as in Daniel) deciphered by a Leopard, And I saw the Beast like a Leopard.  
Secondly, in pride of life, in pomp and luxury, the Spirit equalleth him with the Monarch of Persia, and likeneth his arrogant and voluptuous gate to her ●en Kings, here (as in Daniel) deciphered by a Bear, And his feet as of a Bear.  
Thirdly, the holy Ghost ascribeth unto him the proud, profane and cursed mouth of the Monarch of Babylon, in commanding the dwellers on earth (upon pain of fire and furnace) to adore his golden Idol, which he had dedicated with cornets, sackbut's, psalteries, dulcimers, which also the Spirit covereth (as Daniel doth) under the mask of a Lion, And his mouth as the mouth of a Lion.  
And last of all, lest haply he should be least beholding unto his Bella Nympha, his dearest Lady and mistress of Rome, the holy Ghost saith, that the love of his Patroness the Dragon, was equal to the love of a father towards his son; for she made him heir apparent, and Lord of her Empire, subjecting all things to the feet of his censure, and confirming unto him her throne and Palace of Lateran, with all the demesnes and glory of Latium, as one of his own also noteth 
— Latiumque relinquit Christo, & Romuleam septem cum collibus urbem.    

VERS. 3.  And I saw one of his heads as it were slain to death, but the wound of his death was cured, and all the earth was in admiration after the Beast. 
ANd presently after this grea● Antichrist was risen, the Apostle foresaw such a wound given to one of his heads, that the Beast was in eminent danger to be stricken down again, and slain in the very egg; for so much the Spirit noteth in saying, And I saw one of his heads as it were slain to death. For the better opening of which wound, we must not only remember the Beast hath seven heads, but we must also step a little forward, and crave the assistance of the seventeenth Chapter concerning the interpretation of the seven head●, which saith, that the seven heads are seven hills, and they are also seven Kings; discovering the true seat and situation of the City of Rome, where Antichrist should keep his Court and residence, by the seven hills.  
And by the seven Kings the seven Monarchies, which from the beginning of the world to this day, have successively risen and reigned over the earth, of which seven, the Assyrian Monarchy was the first, and the Roman the sixth, of both which and their puefellows, is further revealed in the 17. Chapter following. Mean time we are here to observe, that as the holy Ghost doth therefore call his seven heads by the name of seven hills, because the seat of Antichrist should be there, and not elsewhere placed and planted; so he nameth them also seven Kings, because the power of Antichrist should be an extraordinary sovereignty, compounded of such spiritual and temporal claims and jurisdictions, as should be equivalent in presumption and profanation, to all the transgressions of the seven Monarchies, which from the beginning hitherunto, have blasphemed God, and corrupted his world.  
This foundation laid, doth show, that this deadly wound given to one of his heads, which (as after appeareth) was the wound of a sword, cannot be meant of any one of his heads after the first signification, as they are hills, but as they are Kings, and subject to the sword: and so by consequence intendeth, that one of his imperial heads, and namely his fair Adonis, his minion, Lord and Master of Rome, of whom he had so lately received his breath and being, was so deadly wounded, as that the Beast himself, thereby was in great danger of extinction. Thus having found the head, let us look unto the wound, that so we may the better discern the great danger the Beast was in, delivered in these words, as it were slain to death. This deadly wound was given and driven home to the head by the sword and incursion of the West Goths, under the leading of Alaricus, who in the nineteenth year of Caesar Honorius (of whom the Beast some four years before had received his life) entered Italy, and gave such a deadly stroke unto his powerful pate, that for very fear, the beast lock● himself up in his den at Ravenna, while the enemy ripped up the streets of his imperial City, filling them with famine, fire and sword; which night of woe, or ratner beginning of her woeful night, made an ancient friend of hers, who in her youth did love her over-well, to bewail and bind up her deadly wounded head, with an old Ballad, a●ter the tune of the burning of Troy.  

Quis cladem illius noctis, quis funera fando  
Explicet aut possit lachrymis aequare l●bores?  
Vrbs antiqua ruit multos dominata per annos.   
And having thus mortally wounded the head of the Beast (in the year of salvation 410. and 1157. years after Romulus had raised her walls with his brother's blood) proceeded to seize upon the rest of his dignities, havocking and burning his chiefest honours, Latium, Campania, Apulia, Lucania, Calabrid, where raging and devising how to extermine the power of the Empire for ever, and to, spread his glory over all, was by sudden death blotted out, leaving his purpose and his Army Royal to his wife's brother Ataulphus, who in like raging haste and fury returned to Rome, with an obstinate intent and resolution to obliterate the ancient name of Rome for ever, and to call her (in honour of his people) Gothia, or after his own name Ataulpha; which counsel and purpose of his, had it been effected, Sir Antichrist with all his primacies and supremacies had bid us good night long ago; and all his gainful interludes of Fides vestra, and Ne deficiat fides tua, and Pasce oves, and Tibi dabo claves, and Quorum remiseritis, with all his pestilent painted train of succession, had been dashed in repeating, before ever they had come on stage. But to the end this recovery might be the plague sore of the earth, his deadly wound was healed, as the Spirit saith, But the wound of his death was cured. For by the pleasing prayers and subtle intercessions of the Emperor's sister Placidia, whose beauty and body was espoused to Ataulphus, for such a time his fury was averted, and his design dissolved, and himself not only content at her amorous mediation to grant the City of Rome pardon for her name, but also to leave her eclipsed and dying honour, with all her Italy, to her stupefied Honorius, who for fear was crept into his earth at Ravenna; and taking his Spou●e Placidia with such dower as himself listed, departed Italy, and pitched his Tabernacle in France. than one of the chiefest Provinces of the West Empire. And to this Plaster the Spirit pointeth, in saying, But the wound of his death was cured.  
And the holy Ghost foreseeing the greatness of the Beasts power to come, which was yet but like unto his sin; and how that Satan his creator, who had form him after the image and perfection of his own wickedness, should afford him such letters commendatory to all the world, which naturally loveth wicked inventions, that the primacy of his Church and supremacy of his person should overspread all, and obtain the praise of ●he earth; concludeth of him in this manner, And all the earth was in admiration of the Beast.   

VERS. 4.  And they adored the Dragon which gave power to the Beast; and they adored the Beast, saying, Who is like unto the Beast, or who may war with him? 
ANd the children of misheliefe ascribed to the Dragon inhibited honours, decking his heathenish Christianisme with names of holy, and most holy, titles due to God alone and they adored his execrable inventions and doctrines of devils, worshipping and divifying his uncircumcised train of Caesar's, who had granted unto Antichristsuch power incomparable, and uncontrollable jurisdiction, which the Spirit anatomizeth in these words, And they adored the Dragon which gave power to the Beast.  
And as in evil there is no mean, so these children of unbelief went on, and bestowed like titles and magnifications upon this base and vile Antichrist, who as the Prophet long ago foretold us, by policy should prosper, and by peace destroy many, and strike 
Dan. 8.  his adorers with such a spiritual drunkenness, that they should not only hang their gold, but their faith also upon him, and verily believe that this vile and despicable Antichrist, Delegate to Romulus, and Deputy to Caesar, was Vicar to the Lamb, and successor to Peter. And thus rejoicing over the error of their own fantasy, should with Pygmalion admire and dote upon the idol of their own carving, and falling down should adore and ●rie with that drunken King, Great art thou, O Bell, and in thee is no deceit: which occasioneth the Spirit (in detestation of their madness) to disclose their shame, saying, And they adored the Beast, and said, who is like unto the Beast, or who may war with him?   

VERS. 5.  And there was given to it a mouth, speaking great things and blasphemies, and power was given to it to work forty two months. 
ANd as the Dragon did bequeath unto Antichrist, his throne and his power in so large and ample manner, that his priestly key was in cutting and killing, so like the Dragon's sword, that he that is wise, may easily perceive, one craftsman made them both: so Satan the Master and seducer of them both, endowed his Antichrist with mouth and lips so like his own, that whoso hears him open, may truly say, Quam similes habent labra lactucas, like lips like lettuce; at which the Spirit pointeth in saying, And there was given to it a mouth; and proveth it by an argument drawn from the fruit of his lips, speaking great things 
Dan. 7.  and blasphemies. Whereof the Prophet Daniel also inditeth him, foretelling that he should open his execrable mouth, and speak words against the most High; of which presumptuous and blasphemous magniloquence, the holy Ghost arraigneth him more particularly in the verse following.  
And the Prophet also further reporteth, that times and laws, and great power should be given into his hand, for 
Dan. ●.  a time and times, and the dividing of a time; butting and bounding his tyrannous reign and government within the selfsame circle and period, as here the Spirit doth, by another like prophetical construction, saying, And power was given unto it to work forty two months.   

VERS. 6.  And he opened his mouth unto blasphemy against God, to blasphe●●e his name and Tabernacle, and those which dwell in heaven. 
IN discovering the blasphemous mouth of Antichrist, the holy Ghost doth first and principally challenge him for presuming to lay hand upon his divine and spiritual sword▪ and to wear the name and title of Vicar to the Lamb, which title, name and honour, is only due to the Spirit of the Lamb, the only moderator, comforter, & commander of all the Lambs affairs and forces in heaven and in earth: and of t●is principal blasphemy the Apostle condemneth him, in saying, And he opened his mouth unto blasphemy against God.  
Next, the Lord challengeth him for presuming to blaspheme the word of God, superadvancing his whorish Church above the divine eternal testimony, in and by which the Son of God is named and known; which contumely offered to his most holy word, the Lord accounteth as done to himself and his most holy name; for so the holy Ghost speaking of that Lord that is faithful and true, who with justice judgeth and fighteth, saith, that he was clothed with a garment sprinkled with blood, and his name is called, The Word of God. The portraiture of which divine and essential word, is the engraven Scripture of his most holy and written word, and of this blasphemy the Spirit inditeth him in these words, To blaspheme his name. Less marvel then, if like a raging ●lood, down bearing all before him, and over flowing all banks of obedience towards God, he dare extol his cursed head above all that is called or named God, that is to say, all magistracy, authority and power secular, which by Gods own ordinance and commandment, is the only true, lively and immediate representation of his own person, justice and government here on earth, in and over all temporal causes and persons, as well Ecclesiastical as civil, of which high treason one Apostle also convinceth him, 2 Thess. 2.  
No marvel then, if thus daring to blaspheme the Lord of the house and his annoiuted Deputies, he dare blaspheme the house of God, wherein his name is honoured, cursing, reviling, and reputing it a house of schismatics, heretics, excommunicates; which blasphemous and undeserved wrong, the holy Ghost layeth to his charge, in these words, and his tabernacle.  
And last of all, to show that there is neither end nor measure in his black presumptuous and blasphemous mouth, the Spirit further chargeth him with blaspheming the Saints and servants of God deceased, cursing, reviling and condemning their doctrine, and yet blessing, adoring and erecting their shadows, sepulchres, and shrines, for mediators, intercessors, and reconciliators between God and the sinner; like their cursed fore elders the Israelites, who boasted in the descent of their Father Abraham, and yet balsphemed the faith of Abraham their Father, of which blasphemous and indicible contumely against the Son of God, and his most holy Spirit, the Apostle condemneth him, saying, And those that dwell in heaven.   

VERS. 7.  And it was given unto him to make battle with the Saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him upon every people, tribe, tongue, and Nation. 
ANd as after lightning followeth thunder, so after Antichrists blasphemy followeth his persecution, as the Spirit testifieth, saying, And it was given him to bid battle to the Saints; which the Prophet Daniel by way of exposition also plainly fetteth forth, saying, That he should murder and consume the Saints and servants of the most High, and with the cursed Philistims should make his festivals of Samsons afflictions.  
And in further amplification of this his carnificious fury, the Spirit setteth forth the largeness of his charter and commission, by an excessive locution, foretelling us that it should be so large and general, that the fire of his profane and sycophanticall keys should take hold upon every nation and tribe; as if we please to cast an eye upon the time past, and confer what he had, with what he hath, we shall easily discern the meaning of the holy Ghost in these words, And power was given him upon every tribe, people, tongue, and nation.   

VERS. 8.  And all that inhabit the earth adored it, whose names be not written in the book of life, of the Lamb which was slain from the beginning of the world. 
THe holy Ghost having in the former part of this Chapter discovered the birth, place, person, power, blasphemy and persecution of Antichrist, descendeth now to the description of his creatures and devotaries, foretelling us that they should be such only (for unto such only the particle all is here restrained) as have their portion and interest in this life, whose p●e●y, heaven, hope and glory is here, and not elsewhere; which kind of out and overcast Christians, the Spirit describeth by a periphrasis most proper to the●r natural and inbred disposition, saying, th●y are those that inhabit the earth; therein discovering them as by a difference divisive from such as are the Lords pilgrims and strangers on earth, having here no permanent abode or place of rest, but seeking the things which are above, attend with patience the revelation of a life and City to come, not made with hands, where their Lord and their Redeemer lives.  
And the Spirit proceeding showeth further, the supreme hidden, and unperceivable reason why the adorers of Antichrist thus defiled the ornaments of their calling, and why they loved lies more than truth, the Beasts penance, more than God's repentance, the Beasts belief, more than faith towards God; the Beasts miserable merits, more than the fruits of the Spirit, hatred of sin and love of God, because (as holy David saith) they were not found in the Lords record, nor written with the righteous: for so much the Spirit unfoldeth, saying, whose names be not written in the Book of life, of the Lamb which was slain from the beginning of the world.   

VERS. 9  If any man have an ear, let him hear. 
TH' Apostle having sufficiently deciphered the nature and carriage of Antichrist and his creatures, cometh now to discover his reward and judgement, which howsoever it tarry little or long, is of necessity the reward of sin. But before the Spirit draweth out his sword, it pleaseth him in his accustomed mercy, to awake his Church and her enemies, and to move them to a fear and reverend attention, by a general summons, proclaiming, If any man have an ear, let him hear.   

VERS. 10.  He that shall lead into captivity, goeth into captivity: and he that shall kill with the sword, must be killed with the sword: here is the patience and the faith of the Saints. 
THe holy Ghost in this verse calleth An●ichrist to the Bar, and sets him before the world, for the very he, on whom the wrath of God and his heavy displeasure is to be executed. For he, who under colour and pretence of weeding out and rooting up of heretics, hath b●ought into the Church, captivity, inquisitions, tortures and torments, to the horrible murder and slaughter of the Saints, when in such cases (notwithstanding) he had neither precept nor example in the life of the Lamb, or his Apostles so to do; he, even he, saith the Lord, is that party, against whom this just judgement of taliation is laid up in store to be executed upon him in that day, when the Lord shall bring again the captivity of his Church, which for their sings, he hath given up to the sword and fury of the Beast, until she have bo●ne the burden of her shame, and (as the Prophet saith) renewed her beauty by her sorrows, and her glory by 
Ezek. 39  her persecutions, and then shall be fulfiled that which was spoken by the Prophet, Woe to thee that spoyledst, and wast not spoilt: and didst deal wickedly, 
Isa. 33.  when they did not wickedly against thee: for when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoilt: and when thy sin is ended, thou shalt be rewarded, as here also the Spirit denounceth, contesting that God shall scourge him with his own inventions, and repay him home in his own coin, saying, He that shall lead into captivity, shall go into captivity, and he that shall kill, shall be killed.  
And in consolation of the Spouse, concludeth, that howsoever Antichrist and his Delegates foolishly thought, by afflicting the Church, to destroy the Church, yet in her afflictions, consisteth the very strength and approbation of her children; for by the things they suffer, they learn obedience, and through patience their faith is consecrated, by the which they are perfected and made inheritable of the promise of God: all which mercy and favour is commended unto them under the hand and seal of afflictions, by which, their mad and drunken adversaries thought to consume them, and like fools did not consider, that as the workman doth square the stone by strokes, and as the Snake doth cast his old skin by passing through sharp stones, so the Lord doth renew his Spouse by stripes, and brusheth off her old affections, by passing her through the asperity of tribulation; which holy and hidden consideration, causeth the Spirit to honour the sufferings of the Saints so highly, as to ascribe unto them the chiefest stays and supportations of their precious hope and calling, namely, patience and faith, saying, Here is the patience and faith of the Saints.   

VERS. 11.  And I saw another Beast coming up from the earth, and he had two horns like the Lamb, but he spoke like the Dragon. 
THe holy Ghost in the verse foregoing, having pronounced sentence of death against Antichrist, before he comes to the execution thereof, descendeth to the arraignment and condemnation of his Clergy, that so they may be carted to the valley of Hinnom both together, whom the Lord here figureth under the name of the Beast, saying. And I saw another Beast; comprehending under the singular number of one Beast, by a manner of speech common to the holy Scriptures, the whole corporation and university of false and lying teachers, who from the first Eremite, Hypocrite, Father, Priest, Monk, Friar, to the last trumping and vagabond jesuite, have avouched the honour and adoration of Antichrist, And is most aptly deciphered by their earthly, sensual, and devilish minds, in pointing to their country and place of extraction, whence and where such weeds do grow, saying, coming up from the earth. And commendeth their making and acquaintance to us, by two exquisite tokens, the one their person, the other their doctrine. Touching their shape and person, the Spirit saith, that it was in robe and exterior appearance, the very face and countenance of the Lamb, decked and garnished with his own two horns, to wit, the Law and the Gospel, wherewith the Lamb doth save and kill; for so the Spirit saith, And he had two horns like the Lamb.  
But as concerning the use and force of the horns, the Spirit saith, they were therein so contrary to the Lamb, that when they did open, either to teach the Law or preach the Gospel, they spoke and taught like the Dragon's Doctors, and like the Priests of Jupiter, teaching and preaching unto the children of the world, that they ought to worship the God of heaven, as the Dragon's Priests had taught their fathers to worship the Gods of the heathen. Which detestable profanation of the worship of God, and preposterous adoration of his name, the Spirit detecteth, in saying, But he spoke like the Dragon.   

VERS. 12.  And all the power of the first Beast he did in his sight, and he made the earth and the inhabitants therein to adore the first Beast, whose wound of death was cured. 
BY the power of the first Beast, is meant the purpose and plot of the Dragon, for the upholding and establishment of their false and godless religion, to the profanation and extinction of the true worship and service of God, which forasmuch as he could not effect by force and open enmity, I mean by the bloody persecutions of his profane and Ethnic Caesa●s, he did devise to put a new string to his old bow, and to work it out by fraud and falsehood of friends, and thereupon persuaded his Ethnic Caesars, that in policy it was the best to play Christians, forasmuch as the world was now so given, as Jupiter with all h●s idols must needs give place to Christ, because most voices went that way.  
And the better to bring the mystery of iniquity to pass, he caused his new christened Caesars to set up a race of sycoph●nticall, high, and princely Priests, who under colour of proctering the affairs of the Lamb, should cunningly cl●p Jupiter's coat upon the Lambs back, and bestow all the ceremonies and rituals of Jupiter and his idols upon Christ, that so, by turning Jupiter's worship into Christianisme, he might turn the worship of God into Paganism and idolatry, and that so, he might at the least, profane and desolate the true worship of the true God, whose Majesty and truth of deity, they could no way blemish.  
And for the better success in this their project, should cause to be erected throughout all Kingdoms and Nat●ons, certain covents and swarms of false, ungodly and prostituted Clerks, who by avouching and maintaining against all comers, that Antichrists name is Simon Peter; and that the supremacy his Caes●rs and his Kings gave him, is the very keys of heaven and hell, which the Lam● committed to the dispensation of his Saints and servants: and that the throne a●d se●r of wickedness, is Peter's Chair and Sea Apostolic; and that the execrable form of Jupiter's worship, wherein his Lords and Caesar's delig●ted, is the very true worship and service of God, which ●he Lamb and his Apostles delivered.  
And by these mists, legerdemains, and new editions of old idolatry, should establish in the sight of Antichrist, the ●elfe same profanation, and devout impiety, which his Antecessors the Caesars so ardently embraced; for so much the Spirit rippeth up, in saying, And all the power of the first Beast he did in the sight of Antichrist: and thereby so strongly deluded and seduced the children of disobedience (most properly here, as elsewhere, described by the name of the earth and the inhabitants therein) that they loathed the Sacrifices of the God of heaven, and refused to worship, as the Lord commanded, and chose rather (as the Spirit saith) to adore the first Beast, that is to say, to worship the God of their fathers, as the Dragon commanded them, just after the prescription of his Caesars, and manner of the heathen.  
And that we may the better discern, from whom those Proctors of Don Ant●christ borrowed this their abominable Church-service, the Spirit remembreth the repaired wound of their master's creditors pate, mentioned in the third verse, Whose wound of death was cured.   

VERS. 13.  And he did many signs, so that he made fire to come down from heaven to the earth, in the sight of men. 
THe holy Ghost having arraigned and condemned the Clergy of Antichrist, touching their doctrine, proceedeth further to detect their abomination and forgery, in seeking to confirm their false doctrine by lying signs and works of wonder; condemning therein, first their vanity; secondly their presumption. For as nothing can be more vain and ungodly, then to seek by lying signs and wonders to confirm the doctrine of the Lamb and his servants, which is all sufficiently established by their own magnificent and divine miracles, unto which the Church of God upon her allegiance is enjoined to subscribe: so nothing can be more presumptuous and wicked, then to attempt by fignes and wonders the confirmation of any other doctrine then that which the Lamb and his two witnesses have sealed and delivered unto us, according to the statute of God, Deut. 13.  
And though their signs were many, as the Spirit reporteth, saying, And he did many signs; yet were they but forgeries and lies, not wrought in truth and dignity, but in falsehood and fallacy, as our Lord himself and his servant Paul foretold us, Mat. 24. 2 Thess. 2. In which regard the holy Ghost, squaring the miracles of these exorcists after the rule of their doctrine, which was in show the Lambs, but in truth the devils; calleth also their lying signs, heavenly fires, saying, So that he made fire to come down from heaven to the earth, in the sight of men: not that they were in deed and in truth so, but that they seemed so to be, in the eyes of men, because they were wrought by these vagabond exorcists, under a pretended and colourable imitation of the name of the Lord Jesus, who of all heavenly powers and fires is the true Lord and sovereign commander; so these Clerks of Antichrist must be suitable in their wickedness, that as their doctrine was opposite to the truth of Christ, so their wonders might contrary the power of Christ, by a colourable imitation of the miracles of Christ, and might be a true and perfect depravation of the same.   

VERS. 14.  And he seduced the inhabitants on the earth, through the signs which were given him to do in the sight of the Beast, saying unto them that dwell on the earth, that they should make the image of the Beast which had the stroke of the sword and liveth. 
ANd the Spirit further disclosing the happy success of these unhappy brokers and slaves of Antichrist touching their mists and miracles, foretelleth us, that as the first Elias, by the miracles of heavenly fire, did induce and draw the good unto the fear of God, so these impostors of Antichrist, by the lure of their false and lying fires, should seduce and draw all dunghill and earthly minded men from the fear of God, in such sure and devoted sort as that they should persuade them to make the picture and image of the Beasts Religion, and to embrace and erect such a Christianisme, as should in all points counterfeit and represent the Paganism of the Dragon, attiring and decking Jupiter's profanation with the holy and honourable names of God, Jesus, Spirit, Scriptures, Church, Sacraments, Saints, etc. like excellent Comedians who deck themselves with Crowns, Sceptres, Purples, and representations of Kings, when as indeed they are but the idlest and basest of the people. And as the Lo●d commanded his servant Moses to erect such a tabernacle of witness here on earth, as should be in all points after the idea, model and platform of that divine and eternal Tabernacle which he saw in the mount: so Antichrist (Lord of misrule) commanded his propudious Clergy to cause all people, nations and Kingdoms to set up such a Christianity as should in all points answer the idea, model and platform of that profane and execrable heathenism wherewith he saw the Gentiles enamoured; and hereby so strongly seduced the inhabitants on earth, that they verily thought the mystery of iniquiry to be pure and undefiled christianity, and that the abomination of desolation, forespoken by Daniel the Prophet, is the only true, ancient, Catholic and Apostolic religion; teaching them that perish by consenting unto lies, that they ought to worship God as the Gentiles did worship Jupiter; persuading them that as the Gentiles had their Arae, so Christians must have their Altars; and as the heathen had their bloody Sacrifices, so Christians must have their unbloody sacrifices, and offer bread and wine to God, as the heathen did to Ceres and Bacchus; and as the Pagans had their Pontifex maximus, so Christians must have their Pope; and as Ethnics had their Sacerdotes, so must Christians have their Priests; and as the Gentiles had their Gods and Goddesses, so must Christians have their he saints and she saints; and as the Dragon had his Pantheon, so Antichrist must have his All saints; and as theheathen had their idols, so Christians must have their images ● and as the Pagans did consecrate their Temples to idols, so Christians must dedicate their Churches to Saints; and as the Ethnics had their supplications, so Christians must have their processions; and as the Gentiles had their Lustrations, so Christians must have their holy water; and as the Dragon in his Church-service had his Cerei, so Antichrist in his Church-service must have Candles; and as the Dragon had his Acerrae or Thuribles, so Antichrist must have his Censors; and as the Dragon had his Novendiall sacrifices, so must Antichrist have his Masses of Requiem; and as the Dragon had his Hecatombs, so Antichrist must have his Trentals; and as the Dragon had his Colleges Sodalium and Arvalium fratrum, so must Antichrist have his Cloisters of Monks and Friars; and as the Dragon had his Vestals, so Antichrist must have his Nuns and Sanctimonials; and as the Dragon did celebrate the birth days of his Caesars, so Antichrist must solemnize the nativity of his Saints; and as the Dragon had his Annals, so must Antichrist have his Legends; and as the Dragon had his secularia Spectacula, to Antichrist must have his Jubilees; and as the Dragon had his Bacchanals, so Antichrist must have his Carnivals'; and as the Dragon had his Lupanaries, so must Antichrist have his Stews; and as the Dragon had his enchanters, so Antichrist must have his Exorcists; and as the Dragon had his Asyla, so Antichrist must have his Sanctuaries; and as the Dragon had his Exequys and Parentals, so Antichrist must have his Diriges and his de profundis; and as the Dragon had his comitia centuriata, so Antichrist must have his Counsels ecumenical; and as the Beast had his comitia curiata, so Antichrist must have his Counsels Provincial; and as the Dragon did divisie his Caesars, so must Antichrist Canonize his Saints; and as the Dragon enacted civil laws, so Antichrist must enact canon laws; and as the Dragon had his imperial Rescripts, so Antichrist must have his Decretal Epistles; and as the Dragon had his tribunitial intercessions, so Antichrist must have his uncontrollable interdictions; and as the Dragon had and used his Proscriptions, so Antichrist must have and use his excommunications, and as that Beast commanded his heathen to please their goddess juno with Cane vota libens, so this Beast commanded Christians to please their God with vows; and as the Dragon had his Triceps Hecate, so Antichrist must have his Triple Tiara, to signify his triple pretended jurisdiction; and as the Dragon had his Hexaphorom, so must Antichrist be carried up and down; briefly, as the Dragon's Priests did teach the heathen to worship jupiter as God, so Antichrists Clergy must teach their Christians to worship God as jupiter; and look what form of religion, what manner of life the Dragon led, the same must Antichrist in his person parallel and maintain.  
And to the end we may undoubtedly discern what and of whose image the Apostle speaketh, the Spirit remembreth now the third time his recured wound, which here, speaking more plainly out, he calleth the stroke of a sword; not that it was the only stroke (for many swords did pierce the Dragon, as his had pierced many) but the first stroke of a sword, which from the beginning and rising of the Dragon's Empire and regiment by Caesars, did remeasure the fury of the sword upon his own head and chair of state, as the Spirit noteth saying, which had the stroke of the sword, and liveth   

VERS. 15.  And it was given to him to give spirit to the image of the Beast, and that the image of the Beast should speak, and should make that whosoever honoured not the image of the Beast be slain. 
ANd such art and persuasible power was given to those enchanters and apostates of Antichrist, that they infused such a quickening spirit, such a life, giving animation into the Ethnic dead and desolate image of the Dragon's religion, by guilding it over with the reverend, divine and honourable names of God omnipotent, Christ Jesus the righteous, his holy Spirit, his precious blood, his sacred word, his blessed Sacraments, etc. that they easily persuaded the blear eyed world to think and believe, that the execrable form and image of Jupiter's abomination, commanded by the Dragon and his Caesars, was the very true worship and service of God, commanded by the Lamb and his servants; and that the picture of Jupiter Olympius, which their Lord Epiphanes had set up and placed in Sanctum Sanctorum, was the very Ark, and propitiatory of God, set up and erected by Moses his servant; and their abominable mystical Mass, the Sacrifice of an unbloody Messiah, made of bread of their own baking (which the Patriarches, prophets and Apostles never heard nor dreamt of) is a Sacrifice not Eucharistical, but propitiatory and so all sufficient for the atonement and reconciliation of God unto the sinner, as if it were figured and sealed in the precious blood of the Lord of the Covenant; and that the horrible profane and detestable supper of Thyestes, is the very true, holy and comfortable commemoration of the Lords love in giving his life for the children of the Church, and their thankful communion and celebration of the same.  
And by these and such like enchantments, these Proctors of Antichrist so baffled and blinded the Princes and Protectors of their synagogues, that they inzealed them to authorise and erect inquisitions, executions, and torments against all such as refuse to honour and adore the idol-service and desolation of their Antiochus; and that all such as do but mutter against the magnificence of their Church and her worship, which all the world adoreth, should be accounted as Infoelix Lolium, weeds, Lollards, Heretics, excommunicates, and sons of death, to the admirable confirmation of the Spirits prediction in this place, saying, that it was given to him to give such spirit to the image of the Beast, that the image of the beast should speak, and make that whosoever honoured not the image of the b●●st, be slain.   

VERS. 16.  And he should make all little and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to have a Character in their right hand, or on their foreheads. 
ANd the power of these prostibulous Clerks was so catholic and universal, that they caused all Kingdoms and Nations (figured here by a numeration of their estates, conditions and callings, little, great, rich, poor, bond, free) to confederate and unite themselves by a resolute and determinate purpose of believing and living after the laws and prescriptions of Antichrist; which league of voluntary and resolute subjection, the Spirit calleth the character of the beast: for as unity and love in truth, and a resolved purpose to live after the Commandments of God, is the Character and cognizance of the Lamb: so unity, conspiration and banding against the truth, with resolution to live after the traditions of Antichrist, is the crest and character of the Beast. Which profession of obedience was so studiously embraced, and with such joy received of all the clients and creatures of Antich●ist that the Spirit says, they did no less p●ide themselves in their errors and abominations, then in the wearing of their bracele●s and habiliments, delivering it in manner of speech usual with holy Scripture, when it intendeth to express an ardent and hearty affection approved both by word and action, by practice and profession, as Deut. 6. 8. and 11. 18. where the holy Ghost useth the self same phrase, in their right hand, or on their foreheads.   

VERS. 17.  And that no man may buy or sell but he that hath the character or the name of the Beast, or the number of his name. 
ANd in further proof that Antichrist and his apostatical Clergy should drive the Na●le of their impiety home to the very head, the Spirit saith, that by them and means of their authority, it should be enacted, that none should trade or live (for so much the inhibition of buying and selling doth infer) but such as acknowledge and adore the prerogative royal, religion and discipline of the Beast and his holy Catholic Church (for so by a figurative kind of blasphemy she must be called) as is confirmed by Antichrist himself, than named Martin the fift, in his Bull directed to the inquisitors of heretical pravity (for so it pleaseth him to term the profession of the truth) Nec domicilia habeant, nec larem foveant, nec contractus inean●, nec negotiationes & mercaturas exerceant, nec humanitatis solatia cum Christi fidelibus habeant, etc. All which their domineering, rage or madness, the holy Ghost by way of prevision most admirably epitomizeth in these words, And that no man may buy or sell (no one excepted out of the King of Babulons' decree) save those only that carry his signing and flesh-mark in their hands or hearts, as Beasts do in their fells, meaning such as under or above board, privately or in public, are obstinately and resolutely devoted to live and die as the Beast commandeth; which the Spirit unfoldeth in saying, But he that hath the Character, or are otherwise allied as it were by way of cognomination unto Antichrist or his Church Catholic, and are hereafter cleped Papists or Catholics, revealed in these words, Or the name of the Beast; or last of all, are sound to adore within the very verge or lists of his reign and Empire Pontificial, here butted and bounded within the circle and comprehension of these words, Or the number of his name, of whichmore at large in the verse following.   

VERS. 18.  Here is wisdom; he that hath understanding, let him count the number of the Beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred sixty six. 
THe holy Ghost intending to reveal in this verse, the secret council and purpose of God, concerning the period and final end of Antichrist and his Church-dominion, prepareth his Reader to attention by a little short Preface, intimating that it is the discovery of a mystery and point of high understanding, saying, Here is wisdom; wherein lest we should over-rashly judge (as many have done) the Spirit maketh choice of his auditors, and addeth for a bar, not he that will, but he that can, and hath understanding, let him audite and count the number of the Beast; He that hath understanding let him count the number of the Beast; whom lest we should imagine to be a spirit or other creature of strange shape (as some have vainly phantasied) the Spirit calleth him a man, saying, For it is the number of a man, comprehending by a Synecdoche under the word Man, a successive state and Kingdom of men, after the speaking and stile of the prophets: for so the Lord informed his servant Moses to speak, Let my son go, that is, let my 
Exod. 4. Dan 7. Dan. 8.  People of Israel departed; and so in Daniel, under the form and name of four singular Beasts, a●e designed four several Monarchies, most of them containing a long succession of many Monarches, The Ram which thou sawest are the Kings of the Medes and Persians: after which ma●ner of speaking, the Spirit speaketh also in this place, and under the name of a man, presenteth unto us the whole race and succession of men of sin●e, whose total sum is one Antichrist, the bounds and limits of whose dominion and tyranny, the holy Ghost imp●leth within the circuit of a certain sure prefixed period and determinate number of years, saying, And the number of him is six hundred sixty six. Wherein many, as well ancient as late writers (as in the rest) have vainly imagined, that Antichrist is one singular person, which must suddenly start up, and after three civil years and a half depart again; and that he must be by birth a jew, and of the Tribe of Dan, when notwithstanding those cursed Scatterbags have neither Tribe nor shadow of Tribe left amongst them; and that he must reign in jerusalem, of which City and Temple, there is not any one stone left upon another; and that he must kill Enoch and Elias, who are to appear about the Kalends of Greece with divers other such legendary fantasies, never meant nor sent from God: so in this point also concerning the number of Antichrist, they have given up an account so far from the audite of truth, as nothing can be more. And as men that thought it worth the labour to find a knot in a rush, so by a conceited framing and anagramming of letters, they have endeavoured to find out such a name, as by characters might express the number 666; and withal might something square either with the name, nature, blasphemy or residence of the Bishops of Rome, as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Remiith Adonikam, filius perditionis, etc. whereunto also may be added the conjectures of John Wickliff, John Bale, Francis Junius, men otherwise of good and worthy memory in the Church of God; as also the conjectures of others as worthy and honourable as they, that have referred the number of 666. to the time of Antichrists revealing and year of rising, when notwithstanding it is a strange voice, and not known to the ears of the Scriptures, for the word number to be used for the beginning and rising of any term of time limited and predicted by the Prophets, but only for the end, period, and determination thereof.  
But if it were lawful to smile in so grave an inquisition, amongst all fantastical charms and cabalistical conjectures upon this word number. there is none more ridiculous than that which most pleaseth our Rhetorical Rhemists, who by a rare supputation of characters, have as roundly found out the Beasts number, as the Sodomites did the doors of Lot, in the name Luderus, which in the Almain tongue is the name of Luther: and although we are sure, they cannot so much as think upon the poor Friar Luther, but for very fear they stink all the world over; yet this device so tickleth the Clergy of Antichrist, that they pretend to laugh for joy. But as for their prefixed time of three natural or civil years and a half (which they allot to the reign and rage of their Antichrist) it doth so unevenly square with Luther or Lutherans continuance, that these miserable Sardonians are feign to eat their word, and to endure the foolish world to laugh at them, whiles as dying they feign would seem to laugh at it. But to leave these cursed leaders of the cursed blind, and return again to those that have thought to calculate and find out the mystery of Antich●ists number 666 in a word, at a word we say they are deceived and err, not knowing the power and construction of the Scripture.  
For fi●st, by the word name, delivered in the former verse, in these words, Or the number of his name, is meant the very existence and person of the man of sin, by a propriety of speech common to holy Scriptures, as Acts 1. 15. Apoc. 3. 4. & 11. 13. where (by an Hebraisme) names signify men, and are converted with the parties and persons themselves, as the name of God in holy Scripture is often taken for God himself: and therefore as in the former verse, the Scripture calleth it the number of his name, so in this verse, he calleth it the number of a man, understanding by a man (as is aforesaid) the total sum of that succession of beastly men, which make and constitute the existence and person of one Antichrist: and by the word number, is meant the fatal end and final determination of their reign and government: for so the finger of God speaketh to Belshazzar, God hath numbered thy Kingdom, that is, God hath ended and finished the days of thy Kingdom: so that the number of his name, or the number of the man, is nothing else but the period and final determination of the usurped tyranny and domination of Antichrist; which the Lamb, the Lord and preserver of Israel, for the glory of his name, consolation of his Church, and confusion of her foes, with a mighty and outstretched arm shall bring to pass in the year which shall be 666.  
For forasmuch as the egg of Antichristianism was laid in the daves of Innocent the first, successor to Anastasius the first also of that name, in the year of salvation 406. as is before delcared; and that by express commission, there was furthermore granted to the Beast, his heirs and successors 1260. years, for the hatching, fostering and perfecting this child of perdition and mystery of iniquity, which being added to 406. by rule of true audite must needs verify this admirable judgement, which the Spirit of God hath here denounced and determined to make good upon him in the year which shall be 1666. In which account and discovery of his end, the holy Ghost of purpose leaveth out the millenary number, as not only known perfect and immutable (for that these vile and evil days shall not exceed more thousands then one) but as respecting also the common use of all Nations, as well Hebrews ans Gentiles, who in their styles (for brevity sake) do no less often speak and ●rite by th'●mperfect number, omitting the millenary, then after the perfect, adding the millenary, as Munster well observeth.  
And in that year my Lord of Rome shall lay down his 
Vide Calendarium Hebraicum Sebastiani Munsteri.  proud waves● and although he fortify never so strong, and lay his foundation as low as hell, and build his turrets as high as heaven and place his Mitre above the stars, yet in that day h● shall die the death of the uncircumcised, and perish like the Amorite, whose fruit is destroyed from above, and root from beneath; and the 
Amos 2. 9  multitude of his offences shall consume the multitude of his forces; and it shall be more possible for him and easy unto him, to weigh the fire, or measure the wind, or call again the day that is past, or recover the verdure of the withered grass (as a holy one faith) then to avoid this counsel and decree of his downfall here determined by the Spirit against him, saying, And the number of him is 666.  
And then all Kingdoms and people shall see th'eternity of that eternal City (as one of her own calleth it) and th'immortality of her soul, meaning the sovereign power and supremacy of her Caesars and high Priests, to whither, die, and sorsake the earth for ever: and as Babylon her mother left unto her th'inheritance of her pride and profanations, so shall she also leave unto her the heritage of her death and judgements: for as her glory hath been great, so shall her dishonour, when all her excellency shall be translated into shame and sorrow.  
Now therefore as King Belshazzar cried aloud, when he saw the hand-writing against him, that they should bring the Chaldeans, Astrologians and enchanters to read and interpret; so thou that once and long before our days, hast been deemed by Laws of all Nations a power so sovereign and holy, call now about thee thy Council and thy Clergy (who call themselves good men, learned and wise, whose only grace is to love antiquity, gravity, wisdom and constancy) ca●l them I say, cloth them with purple and chain them with gold, yet shall they not deliver thee from this judgement to come; but as the millstone which ●he mighty Angel took and cast into the sea, which may not rise and float again, with such violence thou and thy Church in that hour shall be thrown down, and shall be found no more.  
And all such Kings on earth, or rather Kings of earth, whose love thou hast stolen to the loss of their souls, that have lived in drunkenness, delights and wantonness with thee, sha●l weep and wail for thee (as for their firstborn) when they sh●ll see the smoke of thy torments ascend, and the Apples which thy soul jousted after, to departed from thee, and no man to buy thy trash and commodities any more for that God which judgeth thee, is a strong Lord, and thy derision shall be the joy and Allelujah of Zion.  
But her fair and halcyon day may not long endure before the Lord (that with justice judgeth and fighteth) shall come in the clouds of heaven, to render unto every man according to the ways wherein his heart hath walked, as more directly is revealed in the 20. Chapter following. But as concerning the day and hour of the coming of that Lord, who for the glory of his name shall bring these things to pass, it is fast sealed up in the treasury of God, far beyond the aim of all ●is servants on earth, or Angels in heaven; and yet his beloved servant Daniel is bold in spirit, and layeth down the year to be the five and fortieth year (according to his Chaldaicall supputation) after the consumption and extermination of Antichrist, that it may be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet, Verily the Lord of hosts will do nothing, but he revealeth his secrets unto his Servants the 
Amos 3. 7.  Prophets.  DAN. 12. 11, 12, 13. 
And from the time that the daily Sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.  
Blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.  
But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand up in thy lot, at the end of the days.   
FINIS.