The image of both Churches after the most wonderfull and heauenly Reuelation of sainct Iohn the Euangelist, contayning a very fruitfull exposition or paraphrase vpon the same. Wherin it is conferred vvith the other scriptures, and most auctorised histories. Compyled by Iohn Bale an exyle also in thys lyfe, for the faithfull testimony of Iesu.

¶ A briefe Paraphrase or compendious Elucidacion vpon the Apocalips or Reuelation of Sainct Iohn the Euangelist, gathered out of the pure scrip∣tures, and sincere worde of God, by Iohn Ba••e, an e••yle also in this lyfe, for the testimonye of Iesu.

The first Chapter.

The Texte.

1 The Reuelation of Iesus Christ, 2, vvhich God gaue vnto him, 3. for to shevve vnto his seruauntes the thinges vvhich must shortlye come to passe. 4. And heuen•• and shevved by his Angell vnto his seruaunt Iohn, 5. vvhich bare recorde of the vvorde of God, and of the testimony of Iesus Christ, and of all thynges that he savve, 6. Happy is he that readeth, & they that hear the vvords of the prophecie, & keepe those things, vvhich are vvritten there∣in, 7. for the tyme is at hande.

The Paraphrase.

OF Iesus Christ▪ the sonne of y^e liuing God, this is the wonderfull reuelation, concerning the diuers and doubt∣full estate of the Chri∣stian church from the Apostles tyme to the latter ende of the world.

2 Which reuelation with all iudge∣ment and power, God the euerlasting father hath wholly giuen vnto hym, now takē vp from the earth, glorified, and set aboue all the workes of hys handes.

3 Euidently to declare, yea, to make manifest and knowne vnto hys true faythfull seruauntes beleuing in hys words, and walking in his wayes, the tokens, signes, & marueils, which must by hys vnchaungeable ordinaunce, shortly in this latter tyme, folow in ef∣fect, without premonishment or war∣ning taken of the wicked sort.

4 And the sayd Iesus Christ sittyng

on the right hande of the maiestie of God, and being muche more excellent then the angels, hath according to his former promise, sent forth his spirit of truth, most specially vnto his déere∣ly beloued Apostle and peculyar dys∣cyple sainct Iohn the Euangelist, not only to deduce him into all knowledge and veritie, but also to manifest vnto him the secrete misteries of thinges to come.

5 Which Iohn hath already (as an earnest doer in his masters cause) most constantly wytnessed his eternall god∣head in y^e euerlasting worde, against y^e Hebionites, which denied him to com in the fleshe, and hath faithfully affir∣med his naturall manhode in all that he sawe being conuersaunt with him, agaynste Carpocras and Cerinthus, which blasphemed the same in the vt∣ter confusion of all such Antichristes.

6 Blessed is he (saith Saint Ihon) which after méeke prayer and godly meditacyon, hauinge the gyfte of vn∣derstanding and grace of interpreting the scripturs, doth sincerly & faithfully

without crafte or coloure, publyshe & declare the mistycall wordes of thys heauenly prophecye. Blessed are they also, which in a feruent faith hongerīg & thristinge for the rightuousnes, and with Simeon and Anna desirous of y^e glorye of God, doth louingly heare and earnestly marke the wholsome words of the same sayd godly prophecye, and that will deligently applye thē selues to obserue the rules, and take the pre∣monishementes of Godly doctrine ther in written.

7 For the perelous dayes are come that the disceytfull swarme of Anti∣christ peruertinge y^e trueth, shal bring the world into pernicious and damp∣nable errours. And y^e Ieopardous time is at hande, that the wrath of god shal be declared from Heauen vpon all vn∣godlynesse of these seducers that with hold his trueth in vnrightuousensse, & set hi•• cōmaundementes at nought for their owne vile traditions.

The texte.

1 Ihon vnto the seuen congregacions which

are in Asia. 2. Grace be vvith you. 3. And peace from him wich is, and which vvas and which is to come. 4. & from the seuen spi∣rites which are present before his throne, 5. and from Iesus Christe vvhich is a faythfull vvytnesse. 6. and fyrst begotten of the dead, 7. and prince ouer the kinges of the earthe, 8. Vnto him that loued vs, and vvashed vs from our sinnes in his ovvne bloud. 9. and made vs kinges and Priestes vnto God his fa∣ther. 10. euen vnto him be glorye and do∣minion for euermore, Amen.

The Paraphrase.

1 Iohn the electe Apostle of Iesus Christ sendeth these greatinges to the vii. churches or christian congregati∣ons, which are in the land of Asia the lesse.

2 Grace (which is the mercy, fauour, and acceptacion of God) be with you.

3 And also peace (which is the trau∣quilitie of conscience in them that be∣leue in Christ) dwel euer among you, from god the father euerlasting which

is essencially in and of himselfe, and which was before the constitucion of the world, and which shall be after the worlde be finished for euer and euer without ende.

4 The same grace and peace agayne be vnto you from God the holy Ghost here mencioned vnder the tytle of .vij. spirites, for that he is manifolde and plentuous in gyftes.

5 The thyrd tyme also the same said grace and peace be vnto you from the Lorde Iesus Christ the onely sonne of God, which being the eternall veritie it selfe, was in preaching his Gospell, a wytnesse therof both faythful, true, and perfect, and in no wyse could lye, that ye should the rather beleue him.

6 He was the fyrst of all men that euer were in this mortall nature or body of death, recouering againe the fauour of God lost in Adam, and that with victory ouer sinne, hell, deathe, and the diuell, ascended into Heauen, and became in that fleshe glorifyed, the sonne of God, that ye should bée the bolder of him, and the rather take

him for your onely aduocate.

7 He is also a m••ste mighty Lorde ouer the kinges, rulers, and magistra∣tes of this worlde, hauing now all po∣wer geuen him in heauen & in earth, with a wryting vpon his vesture that he is Kinge of Kinges, and Lorde of Lords, and that of his kingdome ther shall be no ende, that the wicked ty∣rauntes should the rather feare, least they féele him a terryble iudge at the latter day.

8 For so much as he hath so intyre∣ly loued vs, as to be smytten and woū∣ded for our offencest, and as to geue his lyfe for our wycked wretchednes, yea for so much as he of most natural kyndenesse would be cruelly slayne to washe vs, purifie vs, and clense vs in his owne most innocent bloud, from the moste cankred vylenesse of our sinnes, to prouoke vs to loue him a∣gayne.

9 For so much also as he hath made vs a liuing kingedome to god through fayth in him, and consecrate vs prie∣stes to offer vp our bodies by a newe

Christian life as a sacrifyce holy and acceptable vnto God his euerlastinge father.

10 Unto him wyth the said father & with the holy ghost be perpetual praise glorye, power, and dominyon for euer∣more. Amen.

The text.

1 Beholde, he commeth with cloudes. 2. and all eyes shall see him, 3. and they also which pearsed him. 4. And all kynredes of the earth shall vvayle. 5. Euen so, Amen.

6. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginninge and the ending (sayth the Lorde almightie) 7. vvhich is, & vvhich vvas, and vvhich is to come.

The Paraphrase.

1 Take hede for moste certayne it is though Christe in his fyrste com∣minge as a merciful sauiour, apered here vpon earth poore, simple, & igno∣minious, yet shal he in his latter com∣minge appere in y^e cloudes of heauen,

with maiestie, power, and glorye, accō∣panyed with the infinite hoste of an∣gels as a rigorous iudge,

2 And vpon him shall all eyes looke, both man and angell shal behold him, and stande before hys terrible iudge∣mente seate, no creature good nor bad exempt.

3 Yea, th••se cruell tyrauntes also shal at that houre appeare befere him, which did not only flée his moste inno∣cente body, but also that hath euer since spightfully persecuted his faith∣ful members vnto death for the truths sake.

4 And all kinredes of the earth, y^t is to saye, whoremongers, glouttons, extorcioners, ydolatours, murtherers and tyrauntes, shall bewayle them selues for the sight of him.

5 Whose ryghtfull iudgemente is not so heatefull vnto them, but it is as greatly desired of the faithful mul∣titude, saying in their hartes continu∣ally. Euen so be it, Amen. For they at that houre shall be wholly delyue∣red, gloryfyed, and sealled vp wyth

Christe for the euerlasting children of God.

6 I am he (sayth the Lord God al∣mighty) which hath begun all thinges and finished the same, being signifyed by Alpha (which is the first letter of y^e Greke Alphabete) and Omega (which is the last) because this present reuela∣cion was written in Greke, and vnto thē which only knewe y^e Greke tonge.

7 I am the same (saith the sayde Lord God euerlastinge, the father, the sonne and the holy ghoste .iii. distincte persones in one essenciall Godhede) which is essencially in and of him selfe only, which was without beginning, and begunne all thynges, and which shall be whithout endinge and finyshe all thinges, alone able to exhibyte all vertue, power and strength, and alone vnable to execute errours, lyes, and sinne, which is of fragilite, weaknes, and vnperfectnesse.

The Texte

1 I Ihon your brother & companion in tri∣bulacion, 2, and in the kingdom of pacience,

which is in Iesu Christ. 3. was in the yle of Pathmos for the word of God, and for the witnessing of Iesu Christ. 4. I was in the spi¦rit on a Sonday. 5. and heard behynde me a great voyce, as it had bene of a trōpe, say∣ing. 6. I am Alpha and Omega, the first & the last. 7. That thou seist write in a booke, 8. & sende it vnto the congregaciōs, which are in Asia, 9. vnto Ephesus, & vnto Smyr∣na, and vnto Pergamos, & vnto Thiatyra▪ 10. and vnto Sardis, & vnto Philadelphia, and vnto Laodicia.

The Paraphrase.

1 I the faythful wryter of this pre∣sent reuelacion, called Iohn the A∣postle, your naturall louing brother, so inferly caueting your soules helth as 〈…〉〈…〉 companion of yours also in aduersitie, trouble, and perse∣cucion, for the truthes sake.

2 And a partaker with you in the afflicted kingedome, and in the paci∣ent crosse of s••fferēce in Christ Iesu.

3 Was now of late in a certaine yle of Licia called Pathmos, exiled for y^e Gospel preaching, & made a vile ab∣iect for testifying the name & word of the sayd Iesus Christ the onely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the world.

4 I being thus carefully afflicted and driuen from all solase and bodi∣ly comfort, on a certayne sunday or day dedicate to the Lordes remem∣braunce, was in the spirit rapte, and clearly takē vp from all worldly af∣fects (so swéetly did the Lord releue his poore persecuted seruaunt.)

5 And I heard certainly with mine eares a loude shirle voyce behynde mée, as I was in this swéete heauē∣ly traunse, which was so vehement, and stoute to my iudgement, as it had bene y^e noyse of a great trompe, vttering these wordes vnto mée.

6 I am the first and the last the o∣riginall beginner and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fi∣nisher of all thinges, vnder A••pha and Omega the first and last Gréeke letters, as vnder an allegorie to bée vnderstand.

7 With all dilygence▪ therefore write, that thou shalte sée here and make a perfect registre of the same.

8 And that done, sende it louingly vnto the vij. Christen congregatiōs, which are in y^e land of Asia, cōmitted

of the Lorde, vnto thy administrati∣on in his word.

9 Send it vnto Ephesus, sende it vnto Smyrna, directe it vnto Per∣gamos, commit it vnto Thyaty∣ra.

10 And vnto Sardis, & vnto Phy∣ladelphia, and vnto Laodicia, and fi∣nally by them to the .vij. Climates of the vniuersall worlde. For though it be heere to them only lymitted, yet is it to all people vnyuersally ment.

THE TEXT.

1 And I turned backe to see the voyce that spake to me. 2. And vvhen I vvas tur∣ned, I savve seuen golden Candelstickes. 3. And in the middest of the Cādelsticks, one lyke vnto the sonne of man, 4. Clo∣thed vvith a lynnen garment dovvne to the grounde, 5. And gyrded about the brest vvith a golden gyrdle, 6. His head and his heyres vvere vvhyte as vahite vvoll, and as Snow.

7. And hys eyes vvere as a flame of fyre. 8. And hys feete lyke vnto brasse, as thoughe they brent in a fornace. 9. And hys voyce as the noyse of many vvaters. 10. And he had in his right hand vii. starres, 11.

And out of his mouth vvent a sharpe two edged svvorde. 12 And his face shone euen as the sonne in his strength.

[illustration]

The Paraphrase.

1 And sodenly I turned back (saith sainct Iohn) ernestly to behold from whence this voyce should come, or who it should be that should speake these wordes vnto me.

2 And as I had turned my selfe, a∣non I beheld .vij. goldē Candelsticks, betokening not only the sayd vij. con∣gregatiōs in Asia, but also y^e vniver∣sall Christianitie of y^e whole world. For vij. in the scripture most cōmon∣ly signifieth all or the whole of that it comprehendeth.

3 And in the midst of the saide .vij. Candelstickes, I sawe one like vn∣to Christ, which when he was con∣uersaunt here among vs, not onely called him selfe, y^e sonne of man, but also appeared in shape and apparel, as the same. And this betokeneth Christ alwayes to be present and as∣sistēt to his cōgregations, as a shepe∣hard, and aduocate, a teacher, and a redéemer, to kepe them, helpe them, informe them, and saue them.

4 I sawe him clothed with a syde linnen garmēt downe to the groūde, signifying his aboundant rightuous∣nesse wherwith all his faithfull be∣leuers are in this world largely re∣plenished.

5 Hee was gyrded also about the pappes with a golden gyrdle. Hys pappes are his most swéete wordes and promises replenishing our souls with most suffrane consolation and gladnesse. And they are speared vp togither fast vnto him with the shy∣nyng cheane of charitie or loue. Which in y^e whole, betokeneth that

he is of rightuousnesse & loue, fast & sure vnto vs in his word & promise.

6 His heade (which is his eternall Godhead) and his heares (which are his infallible verities therof procée∣ding) are both so purely whyte as snowe, in the incomprehensible my∣steries of his diuyne maiestie, and so perfectly white as wooll (which is of a meaner sorte) in the lower myste∣ryes of our redemption.

7 Hys eyes (which are hys Godlye wisdome and knowledge) were as a burning flame of fyre, most effectual, pure and quicke in working.

8 And his féete (which are hys hu∣mane affections & most swéet desires of our health) were lyke vnto brasse, most beutiful, clean & precious to be∣holde, and as though they had bene proued, tryed and depured in a whot burnyng fornace. For in them was his frayle, tender, and mortall flesh, by manifolde troubles, sore vexed, persecuted, and slayne.

9 Hys voice (which is his holy Te∣stament or Gospel) was as the sound

or noyse of many waters. For many peoples of diuers and sundrie nati∣ons, kynreds, and languages, hath confessed and still doeth confesse hym God and man by the same, though the one vnderstand not the other.

10 And he had in his right hande (which is his mightie power) seuen starres, which are not only the seuen preachers of his vij. congregations in Asia, but also all the true miny∣sters of hys word, the worlde ouer. For them hath he in his right hand. They are vnder hys gouernaunce, wil, protection, & custodie. So long as he retayneth them, they are wyse, godly, and profitable, but if hee once throw thē forth, then are they blind, wicked, and accursed, yea, and good for nothing but to be cast out, & to be troden vnder foote. Blessed are they therfore, which fal not besides y^t hād.

11 Out of his mouth (which is hys holy spirite) procéeded a sharpe two edged sweard. This is hys strong, mightie, and quicke worde, or hys sacred scrypture, so sharpe that

it pearceth through, euen to the di∣uyding a sunder of the soule and the spirit, and of the Ioynts & the mary. And is a iudger of the thoughts and intentes of the harte, whom finally nothing shall be able to resist.

12 And his face (which is the eter∣nitie of his Godheade, glorified na∣ture, and spirituall kingdome) shone euen as the cleere sonne in his most strength, whose brightnesse no crea∣ture can behold without y^e pure sight of an vncorrupt faith. For the flesh∣ly carnall man in no wise vnderstan∣deth thinges belonging to the spirit of god, but iudgeth them folishnesse.

THE TEXT.

1 And vvhen I savve him, I fell at his feete, euen as dead, 2. And he layed his right hād vpon me, saying vnto me. 3. Feare not, I am the first & the last. 4. And am a lyue, & vvas dead. 5. And behold I am a lyue for euermore. 6. And haue the keyes of Hell, & of Death. 7. Wryte therefore the thinges vvhich thou hast seene. 8. And the things vvhich are, and the thinges vvhich shalbe fulfilled hereafter. 9. And the mystery of the seuen Starres vvhich thou savvest in

my right hand. 10. And the seuen golden Candelstickes. 11. The seuen Starres are the Angells of the seuen Congregacions. 12. And the seuen Candelstickes, vvhich thou sawest, are the seuen Congregacions.

THE PARAPHRASE.

1 And when I had thus séene him (sayth saint Iohn) & dilygently mar∣ked all these poyntes in him, I fell down at his féete as one almost dead for feare. Consider in this that y^e na∣ture of the true knowledge of christ, is to throw downe & to mortifie the fleshe with his corrupte affections, and to cast vs in fear tyll his hidden misteries be throughly perceyued.

2 And he (sayth saint Iohn) to cō∣fort my weaknesse, layd hys ryghte hand vpon me. He releued me with his power, grace, and helpe, when he saw me humbled before his face, and fearfully astonyed at the woon∣derfull brightnesse of his high miste∣ries: And not without his worde, for he sayd vnto me.

3 Let not fearefulnesse ouercome

thée, nor doutfull dread oppresse thée. But take vnto thée fayth (which is the chiefe remedie in feare) & know that I am the first and the laste, the maker & the restorer of all creatures. I am he, of whō all things depēd and vnto whom all things belong.

4 I am now alyue, as thou séest e∣uydently, and the very lyfe it selfe, yet was I slayne now of late, and my body dead and buryed.

5 Behold me therfore earnestly, for now in a gloryfied nature, in a bodie impassyble and immortall, I am a lyue for euer & euer, readie to make interpellatiō, & to obtaine mercy for all the worldes sinnes, death hauing ouer me no more dominion.

6 I haue in my hands & vnder my power, the keyes both of hel & death, y^t neither hell nor sin, death nor y^e di∣uil, shall be frō hēceforth able to pre∣uayle agaynst my electes. No cōdem∣nation shall be vnto them that are surely grafted in me.

7 Take penne and incke therfore, and seriously wry••e y^e thinges which

thou hast alreadie séene.

8 And note faythfully y^e meruayls which are by the power of God ac∣complyshed, and the wonders also which shall be fulfilled hereafter.

9 Marke first of all with due cyr∣cumspection the secrete mystery of the vij. shyning starres, which thou sawest now of late in my right hand.

10 And diligently consider y^e seuen golden Candelstickes also.

11 The vij. starres in signification are the messengers of Gods word or the Apostolike preachers appointed to the vij. congregatiōs in Asia, and in them to all y^e world. These ought in the church, as the starres in y^e fir∣mamēt to shine in holsome doctrine, and in godly conuersatiō, and as the lightes of the world, neyther in life nor preachyng to mynistre any ma∣ner of darkenesse.

12 Consider also the seuen golden Candelstickes which thou sawest a∣bout me, to be the sayd .vij. cōgrega∣tions. Upon whom I ought to shine, which am the lyght of the worlde.

In whose workes I oughte to ap∣pere, which am the clerenesse of the Gentiles. They are called here .vij. Golden Candelsticks, as most preci∣ous in value, for so much as they ar precious in the sight of God, & were also redéemed, and boughte with a great price euen with the precious bloud of the vndefiled lambe Iesus Christ.

The second Chapiter.

THE TEXT.

1 Vnto the Angell of the congregation of Ephesus vvryte. 2. These things saieth he that holdeth the seuē starres in his right hand, & vvalketh in the middest of the se∣uen Golden Candelstickes. 3. I knovv thy vvorkes, and thy labour, and thy pacience. 4 And howe thou canste not forbeare them, vvhich are euil. 5. And examinest them vvhich say they are Apostles, and are not. 6. And hast found them lyars. 7. And hast suffred, and hast patience, and for my names sake haste laboured, and haste not faynted. 8. Neuerthelesse I haue some∣vvhat against thee, for thou haste lefte the first loue.

9 Remember therfore from vvhence thou art fallen and repent. 10. And doe the first vvorkes. 11. Or els I will come vnto thee shortly. 12. And will remoue thy Can∣delsticke out of his place, excepte thou re∣pent▪ 13. But this thou hast, bicause thou hatest the deedes of the Nicolaitans. 14. Which deedes I also hate. 15. Let him that hath eares, heare vvhat the spirite saith vnto the congregations. 16. To him that ouercommeth, wil I giue to eate of the tree of lyfe, 17. vvhich is in the middest of the Paradyse of my God.

THE PARAPHRASE.

MY dearely beloued seruant Io∣han (sayeth the Lord Iesus) my will is that thou shalte signifie by writing vnto the messenger or prea∣cher of the Christian congregation of Ephesus, which dwelling in this earthly mansion, is as was Daniel, ful of wholsome desires. Shée looketh for the Kingdom, shée séeketh for the glorie, shée hungreth for the rightu∣ousnesse of God, she thursteth for the liuing waters, shée longeth for to be deliuered from this bodie of death,

shée coueteth to be dissolued, and to be with Christ, yea, feruētly she de∣sireth to rest in the armes of hir al∣mightie spouse.

2 Tell hir therefore that these say∣ings hath he, which holdeth the vij. starres in his right hand, & walketh in y^e middest of the vij. golden Can∣delstickes, which hath in his power all ministers of his worde, to retain thē or to cast thē out, & remaineth a∣mong the congregations, to beholde their actes, and reward them accor∣ding to their doings.

3 I know thy workes (sayth hée) I perceue thy labour, thy anguish, thy affliction, thy payne, for vnto me no∣thing can be hid. I consider also thy pacient sufferance in aduersitie, and thy troublous crosse for my wordes sake, thy constant fayth, and thy vn∣broken spirite.

4 And I ponder thy feruent and godly zeale, wherin thou canst in no wyse forbeare thē that are wicked, and euill, but thou hatest blasphée∣mers, & abhorrest y^e enemies of god.

5 I much commend thée for y^t thou diligētly examinest them which call them selues Apostles, and are none, which boast thē selues to be christi∣an teachers, and are nothing lesse.

6 And by thy diligent searche hast not only proued them false, and de∣ceiptfull Antichristes but also y^u hast expelled thē least they shuld do harm.

7 And though thou haste bene grée∣uously vexed and persecuted of those false Prophets, yet hast thou pacient∣ly suffred, and firmly stand by y^e truth for my names sake. Thou hast taken paynes, and not faynted in thy la∣bours, so strong hath y^e spirit of God bene with thée. And all these pointes in thée I greatly allow.

8 Yet haue I somewhat agaynst thée, for so much as thou arte fallen from thy first charitie, the fruites of true faith not being so abundant and plentifull in thée as they were in the beginning of the Gospell, nor y^u so effectuall in working mercy & pittie.

9 Call therefore to thy remem∣braūce, from what perfectiō thou art

fallen, and repent thy slipper weake∣nesse and slothfull negligence, which hath not suffered thée to perseuer in thy first calling.

10 And return to thy first works a∣gayne, walking in that feruēt faith, in that godly spirite, and in y^t swéete loue of thy neighbour, that thou did∣dest walke in before, & diminish not, but increase euermore in al goodnes

11 Els wil I come shortly vnto thée as a straight looker vpon thée.

12 And except thou repent from the hart with ful purpose of amendmēt, I will remoue thy Candelsticke out of hir place. I shall take away from thence the sincere doctrine and pure preaching of my word, & suffer mens fantastical traditions, olde womens dreames, the spirites of errour, the doctrine of diuels, the lyes of hypo∣crites, with all blyndnesse, darknes, abhominatiō, and idolatrie, there to remayne. For where as my word is not sincerely taught, beléeued, and obserued, but vncharitably dispised, hated, and persecuted, there shall

not my church remayne, but in hir place shal stand vp the Sinagoge of Sathan, with blyndnesse and indu∣ration. For that congregatiō is not myne, which hath not my worde. No longer is it my church, then it hath my veritie. Turne back againe therefore to Abraham, Isaac, & Ia∣cob, to the Prophetes and Apostles, and exercyse the first workes lea∣uing all papistrie.

13 This warning hast thou of mée, for that thou hatest the vnséemely déeds of the Nicolaytanes, so called of one Nicolas a proselitie of Anti∣oche, and one of the vij. Deacons or∣dayned by the Apostles. Whose cor∣rupte custome was among other to defile holy wedlock in making their wyues common, & in boasting them selues lawfully so to do by y^e exam∣ple of the sayde Nicolas.

14 Whose vncomely actes I hate and abhorre also, hauing matrimo∣nye in honor, and the chamber ther∣of vndefiled. This premonishement haue I giuen thée also, least thou in

processe of tyme shouldest fall to A∣postasie, & vtterly decline frō y^e truth.

15 Let him that hath eares (sayeth the Lord) which is iudgement and discretion in y^e spirit, diligētly heare, and earnestly marke, what the holy ghost speketh, what premonishmēts he giueth, & what reward he promi∣seth to the faithfull congregations.

16 To him y^t by the spirit of Christ and by faith, victoriously ouercōmeth the world, sin, hell, death, & the diuil, I wil giue to eate of the trée of lyfe to haue reioyce here in y^e holy ghost, to haue comfort, peace and gladnesse in mée.

17 And after this life eternall be∣atitude which is in the midst of the beautiful paradise, or y^e triumphant church of my Lord, my God, and my celestial father, & yours also by mée.

THE TEXT.

1 And vnto the Angel of the congrega∣tion of Smyrna, w••yte, 2. These things saith he that is the first & the last, 3 which was deade and is aliue, 4. I knowe thy works, and tribulatiō, 5. And pouertie, but

thou arte rich. 6. And I knowe the blas∣phemie of thē which call thēselues Iewes, and are not, but are the congregation of Sathan. 7. Feare none of the things which thou shalt suffer. 8. Behold the diuill shal cast some of you into prison to tempt you, 9. And ye shal haue tribulation ten dayes. 10. Be faithfull vnto the death, 11. and I will giue thee a crowne of lyfe. 12. Let him that hath eares, heare, vvhat the spirite saith to the congregations. 13 He that o∣uercommeth, shall not be hurt of the secōd death.

THE PARAPHRASE.

1 Apply thée also (my friend Iohn) with all festination, to write vnto the faithfull mynister of the congre∣gacion of Smyrna, which trauay∣lyng in thys vayle, of myserie, as the odoriferous myrrha giueth forth the swéete smell of all good chri∣stian workes, and distrybuteth frée∣lye the precyous treasure of godly examples. Shée beleueth in God, shée séeketh his onely glorie, shée fo∣loweth his word, shée rebuketh sinne with paciēce, she openeth hir hāds to y^e poore, she giueth meate to y^e hūgry,

drinke to the thirstie, lodging to the straunger, clothes to the naked, com∣fort to the sicke, and reliefe to y^e pri∣soner. Shée is méeke, gentle, obedy∣ent, pacient, and mercifull.

2 Infourme hir therfore that these things sayeth he, which is the fyrst and the laste, the maker and redée∣mer, the founder and restorer of all creatures.

3 Which was once dead to redeme hir from eternall death, and now is alyue to restore hir to lyfe euerla∣sting. Let hir not doubt therefore to suffer héere lyke as hée hath suffred. For as he is now immortall & hath the ouer hande of death, so shall shée be and haue the same.

4 I know thy works (saith y^e Lord) to spring onely of fayth, and to bée fashioned according to the word of God. I perceyue thy manyfolde try∣bulations, how thou arte outwardly afflicted by continuall persecution of enimyes, and inwardly crucyated in conscience to beholde the damna∣ble errours, frowardnesse, blindnes,

and vtter contempt of Gods trueth, which raigneth in the wicked.

5 I consider thy pouertie in the spi∣rite, y^t nothing y^u estéemest y^e pryde, the ryches, the vayne glorie, and the wanton desires of this worlde, yet arte thou rych, for the kingdome of heauē is thyne. For with Abraham, Iob, Moyses, and Helyas in thy hart thou séekest the only glorie of God: and with all these things most high∣ly am I pleased,

6 But this pleaseth me not, y^t thou for my wordes sake arte so blasphe∣med of vngodly hypocrites, which call themselues Iewes and are not, which boast thēselues for y^e peculyar people & chosē childrē of God, & are nothyng lesse, but are without fayle the cōgregatiō of Sathan, & the ty∣rānous rable of rauenous ruffyans.

7 Certayne it is that by such spy∣rituall tyrauntes, thou must sustain opprobrious rebukes with manifold afflictions and paynes. But let ney∣ther their subtile sleights, nor their cruell snares be troublous vnto thy

mynde. Neyther doubt y^u their false practises, nor yet their vengeable lyes, whō both y^u must suffer, with hate, slaunder, reuylings, false wit∣nesse, spight, shame, and vengeaūce. Considering this paciently to lyue in Christ, is to suffer persecution, and that among those belly gods no∣thing is more to be looked for thē the crosse of contradiction and death.

8 And take this for a warning a∣fore hād. The diuil doubtlesse which is the common aduersarie, and the head capitayne of their empyre, shall with vyolence bryng some of you, not only vnder the captiuitie of cruel gouernours, but also into the thral∣dome of wicked lawes and damna∣ble constitutions, yea and consequēt∣ly throw you into prison, chaynes, sorow, hunger, thirst, colde, pouertie, care, and wretchednesse, to tempte your hartes, to trie your pacience, to prooue your sufferaunce, & to trouble your faith, least ye shuld els stedfast∣ly stand by Christes doctrine, to his glorie and profite of your brethren.

9 But let this solase you for y^e time. Theyr malice shall not alwayes en∣dure. Their mischiefe will haue an ende. For though ye haue here try∣bulation, and suffer gréeuous perse∣cution, he ye sure, it shall no longer continue then .x. dayes. The terme of mans lyfe is but shorte. And that once finished, God shall wype away from him all teares, and take away all sorowes, and bodily paynes.

10 Perseuer therefore stedfastlye, and be strong in the spirite vnto the ende. Let not faith faile thée vnto the departing from this transitorious life.

11 And I shall replenishe thée with the reward of faythful perseuerāce. I will giue thée the crowne of eter∣nall lyfe, with full tranquilitie, ioye, and beatitude.

12 Let him y^t hath eares of vnder∣stāding, with diligence attend, not what the Hipocrites hath fantasied for lucre, but what the holy spirite of God doth here graciously vtter vnto the christian congregations.

13 He that so constantly perseuereth in the trueth of God, that neyther flattering persuasion, worldely pro∣motion, nor cruel tormēt can plucke his mynde from it, shall neuer take harme of the second death. For the death of them which truly beleueth, is precious in the sight of the Lord their God. Neither shal sinne be im∣puted to him that hath faith, nor yet dampnation to them, which are in Christ Iesu.

THE TEXT.

1 And vnto the Angell of the congrega∣tion in Pergamos vvryte. 2. This saith he vvhich hath the sharp svverd vvith the tvvo edges. 3. I knovv thy vvorkes, & vvhere thou dvvellest. Euen vvhere Sathans seat is. 4 And thou keepest my name, and haste not denyed my faith. 5. And in those dayes Antipas vvas a faithfull vvitnesse of myne, vvhich vvas slayn among you vvhere Sathan dvvelleth. 6. But I haue a fevve things against thee, 7. That thou hast there them that maynteyne the doctrine of Ba∣laam, vvhich taught Balaac to put occasiō of sinne before the children of Israell, that they shoulde eate of the meate dedycate vnto Idols, and to commit fornication. 8.

Euen so hast thou them that maintein the doctrine of the Nicolaytans, vvhich thyng I hate. 9. But be conuerted, or els I vvill come vnto thee shortlye. 10. And vvill fight against them vvith the svverd of my mouth. 11. Let him that hath eares, heare, vvhat the spirite sayeth vnto the congrega∣tions. 12. To him that ouercommeth, vvil I giue to eate Manna that is hid. 13. And vvill giue him a vvhyte stone. 14. And in the stone a nevv name vvritten. 15. Which no man knovveth, sauyng hee that recey∣ueth it.

THE PARAPHRASE.

1 Fayle in no wyse good Iohn (sayd the sayd Lorde Iesus Christ (conse∣quently to make known to the chri∣stian Preacher of the congregation of Pergamos, which though shée re∣mayne here beneth vpon earth, yet is she the very high building of God many times assaulted and striken of the wicked for confessing his truth, but neuer yet ouerthrowen nor vt∣terly distroyed. This Church is not only highe through grace, fayth, the word of God, the spirite of God, the inuincible veritie, and all other gra∣ces

and gifts of the holy ghost, but also for the glorie of the name of god, for the strength of his power, for the secret misteries of his heauenly iudgements, & for the most constant assertion of his godly truth.

2 Shew hir this heauenly message from him, which hath frō his mouth procéeding a fine sweard, sharpe ed∣ged on both the sides, whereby is meant his mightie worde, so effectu∣all, quicke, and strong in operation, that the infallible iudgements ther∣of doeth not only condemne, but also distroy vtterly all falsehood, filthines, lyes, lewdnesse, and wickednesse.

3 By my euerlasting foresight (saith the Lord) I know thy christē works, and for thy faithes sake I allow thē and prayse them. I perceyue also where thou doest remayne & dwell, euen where as is the resting place of Sathan, and the verie kingdome of the diuill, whereas Gods heauenly word is oppressed, contemned, and blasphemed, of the infidels, tyrants, and hypocrites.

4 But I much commend thée, that thou dwellyng among them, and su∣stayning dayly persecution and re∣bukes, hast so strongly perseuered in the truth, y^t thou hast neither denyed my name nor forsaken my fayth.

5 And speciallye in those terryble dayes wherein that godly preacher and faythfull witnesse of myne cal∣led Antipas, among other was most cruelly murdred and slayne, yea, be∣fore your faces to put you the more in feare, least ye should still confesse my name & word, to the hindraunce of Sathans kingdome, for there hée dwelleth in déed. There is his seate, his trone, his habitacle.

6 Notwithstanding all these faith∣full poyntes, yet haue I somewhat against thée, wherin thou art rebuke worthie.

7 For thou arte conuersaunt with them that contrarie to their christen profession support the execrable doc∣tryne of y^t subtile sothsayer & cursed ••harmer Balaā, which by pestilent coūsel caused kīg Balaac to prouoke

the children of Israell to work wic∣kednesse, and so to haue the cursse of God through this occasion. He shuld set, before their eyes, the most fayre damsels of the Madianytes precy∣ously apparelled. And they once tan∣gled with their wanton beautie, should not only defile the lawes of theyr fathers by y^e eatyng of meats dedicate to vncleane Idols, but also fall into the high displeasure of god, for committing with them most vile fornication. Suche vnholsome tea∣chers are among thy people, take héede if thou list.

8 Thou arte also verye familiar with such vngodly Apostates & false Apostles as mayntayne the vncome∣ly examples & teachings of the Ny∣colaytanes, which corruptyng godly maryage not only permit their own wyues to be common, but also they abashe not to defyle the wyues of o∣ther men. Whose damnable doyngs I detest and abhorre.

9 I counsell thée therefore to re∣pent in tyme, and to bee conuerted

frō y^e errors of those couetous glut∣tōs & rauenous lechours, which cō∣demyning holy matrimony permit all kyndes of vncleannesse, and no∣thing more gréedily deuour, thā that is offred vp to Idolles in their dedy∣cations and feastes. Call backe these abuses with swéete teachings, ex∣hortations, desires, and patient re∣bukes, els will I within a while vi∣site thée to thy displeasure.

10 Yea, and I will valiauntly fight agaynst those Balaamitanes, which giue false coūsel for filthie rewards, and agaynst those Nicolaytanes that chaunge holy wedlocke for whore∣dome. And with the swerde of my mouth, which is the inuincible ve∣ritie, shall I iudge them, condemne them, and vtterly distroy them with all those shauen Madyanites y^t with their whorishe inuentions, paynted traditions, and ceremonyall super∣sticions, hath takē from me my most deare Israelytes, bought with my precious bloud. With the breath of my mouth shal I consume thée, and

bring thée to naught.

11 Let him that hath but one eare of iust vnderstandyng, take gentle warnyng by such charitable premo∣nishments as the holy spirite of God giueth vnto y^e christen cōgregations.

12 To him that through constante fayth in the name & doctrine of God, neither feareth the world, sin, death, hel, nor the diuil, will I giue to tast, eate, and sauer an hidden manna, a secret sweetnesse, a wisdome in the spirite, that he shall féele the good∣nesse thereof, and reioyce to knowe how swéete the Lord is, and what an heauenly treasure it is to trust in him. Which manna is hid from the wyse of this world.

13 I will also giue him for a token of perpetuall peace and loue, y^t pure and precious stone Iesus Christ, so white as y^e lillie floure, innocent and cleane frō all contagious vices, to be his only & whole wisdom, rightuous∣nesse, light, health and redemption.

14 And in the said white stone Ie∣sus Christ (which is also the booke of

lyfe) will I gyue him a newe name written. I shall register him for the chyld of God, and the heyre of lyfe e∣uerlasting. For in him alone must ye be accepted, saued, and glorified.

15 Of this no man is certayne, but he that is taught of the spirit of God. No man can say, Iesus is the Lorde, but in the holy ghost. By the spiryte of adoption ye cry Abba father. The onely spirit of the Lord ascertaineth your spirit that ye are the sonnes of God.

THE TEXT.

1. And vnto the Angell of the congrega∣tion of Thiatyra, vvryte. 2. This saith the sonne of God, vvhich hath his eyes lyke vnto a flame of fyre, 3. vvhose feete are lyke brasse. 4. I knovve thy vvorkes, and thy loue, and thy seruice, and thy faith, and thy pacience, and thy deeds, 5. vvhich are mo at the last then at the first. 6. Notvvith∣standing, I haue a fevv things agaynst thee, 7. that thou suffrest that vvoman Iesabell (vvhich calleth hyr selfe a Prophetisse.) 8. To teache and to deceyue my ser∣uauntes▪ to make them commytte

fornication and to eate meates offered vp vnto Idols. 9. And I gaue hir space to re∣pent of hir fornication, and shee repented not. 10. Beholde I will caste hir into a bed. 11. And them that commit fornica∣tion with hir. 12. Into great aduersi∣tie, excepte they turne from their deedes. 13. And I wil kil hir children with death. 14. And all the congregations shall know that I am he which sercheth the reynes and hartes. 15. And I will giue vnto euerie one of you according to your workes.

THE PARAPHRASE.

1 Delay not cōsequently my louing friende Iohn (sayeth the Lorde) ex∣presly to manifest with penne, vnto the pastour of the elect congregation of Thiatyra, which is frō these low partes here a sweete smellyng sacri∣fice vnto God of labour and contry∣tion in the olde aged man and bodie of death. For shee detesteth the vani∣ties of this world, shée forsaketh the fruites of the fleshe, shée renounceth the cōcupiscēce of y^e eyes, shée morti∣fieth hir mortall mēbers, she slayeth hir sensuall affects, and rendreth vp hir selfe vnto hir Lord God as a ly∣lyuing,

holy and acceptable offering.

2 Geue vnto that contrite and fer∣uent congregacion this comfort. Tel hir that this saythe the dearely belo∣ued and natural sonne of god, which hath his eyes of godly wysdome and knowledge so lyuely & effectuall, as a flame of fyre, y^t he séeth all thinges and nothing can passe from his righ∣teousnesse in iudgement.

3 Whose féete or charitable affecti∣ons towardes man, are lyke vnto Brasse brent in a fornace. For his most innocent manhoode by his own agréement suffred here for his sake manyfolde affllictions and paines.

4 For so much as all thinges are open to myne eyes, and nothing can be hid from me (saith that lord) I per∣ceue thy fruitefull workes, I sée thy neighbourly christen loue, I cōsider thy liberall heart and hande to the poore, thy faythfull exhortacions, thy feruent spirit in the Lorde, thy paci∣ent sufferaunce in aduersitie for the truethes sake, and thy other godly déedes beside.

5 I marke it also that thou shrin∣kest not in them, but rather goest forward with increase. For now at the last are they more effectual & plē∣teous then they were at the fyrst, which greatly delighteth mée.

6 Neuerthelesse yet, I haue some∣what to say against thée. For though I iudge thée much to be cōmended, yet finde I thée not without faulte.

7 Thou peaceably permittest with∣out resistance that cruel woman and abhominable strūpet Iesabel, which is the malignaunt church and Sina∣goge of Sathan, which is not asha∣med to boast hir selfe a prophetisse, a publisher of the truth, and mayntei∣ner of Gods seruyce, yea & the mo∣ther of holy church hir selfe.

8 Under that pretence to set foorth diuilish doctrine, to aduaunce perni∣cious errours, and colour false lyes in hypocrisie. To the intent shee might therewith not only deceyue my faithful seruaūts, but also bring them into such trade of wyckednes, that they should not force to commit

whoredome in the spirite by fallyng vnto straunge worshippings, and to eate of Idoll offerings in consenting to wicked lawes and blasphéemous tradytions of olde dotyng Hypo∣crytes.

9 I haue giuen to that wicked con∣gregatiō many holsome premonish∣ments and warnings with conueni∣ent respyte to remember hir follie, and repent hir detestable wayes of liuing, least she should perish, but she will in no wyse bee sorie, repent, nor forsake hyr accustomed Idola∣trie.

10 Bée in certaintie therfore I wil cast hir into a bed or couch of carnall quietnesse. She shal in this life haue peace in the flesh, libertie in vngod∣lynesse, obedyence of the world, and power in darkenesse, that shee shall swim in wanton pleasures, and bath hir selfe in innocent bloud, and to assist hir in the same, she shall haue subiect vnto hir the scepter, sweard, aucthoritie, and power of Prynces, Lordes, rulers, and Magystrates,

that none so hardy vnder payne of death to check hir, rebuke hir, nor ones say against hir. This pleasaunt sléeping bedde had the ten trybes of Israel vnder kinge Hieroboam, A∣chas, Sedechias, and the other two vnder Iorā Ochosias, and such lyke tyll they were raysed of their rest & ledde captiue into Babylon. Such a delectable resting cowch hath also the greater part of the world vnder Ma∣homet and the Romishe Pope, and shal haue still til God roote them out, destroy them with the breath of his mouth, & throw them into the fyre euerlasting.

11 Let them beware therefore that as hir louers hath to doe with that execrable whore, cōsenting to hir pe∣stylent lawes and tradicions, defen∣ding as godly ordinaunces, laudable rytes, decent orders, ciuill pollycies, honest vsages, comely fashions, holy ceremonies, necessary customes, and such lyke, boinge in very déede most damnable supersticions.

12 For them doubtlesse wil I throw

into the anguish of a desperate cōsci∣ence here, & after this lyfe into the vnquietnesse of eternall dampnaciō. The wicked shal haue peace neither here nor there. Neither shall their worme dye, nor theyr fyre go out, vnlesse they decline from that wick∣ednesse, renounce theyr abhominaci∣ons and cōuert to the trueth, whiles they are yet here liuing.

13 And as touching hir supersticious children, which frō their beginning hath euermore sucked out of hir ve∣nemous breastes all poyson and vn∣godlynesse, forsaking, yea and abhor∣ring the swéete veyne of the liuinge waters, then will I slay with death and condempnacion euerlasting pre∣pared for the diuell and his angels.

14 Yea, and it shall then be euident and cléere to all cōgregacions in hea∣uen & vnder heauen, which hath béen frō y^e beginning, to their vtter shame and confusion, y^t I am he frō whome nothing can be hyd. They shal per∣ceue also that I go so nigh them, that I serch out the ground of the harte,

and try the verie reynes or inward affectes, so that I knowe all theyr priuie sleightes and practises be they neuer so secrete.

15 And ground you vpon this sure∣lie, I shall giue vnto euerie one of you, true and false, good and badde, rightuous and vnrightuous, accor∣dyng to your doinges. Rewardyng them with lyfe euerlasting that hath done the true workes of fayth, and them with eternall dampnatiō that hath left them vndon, to folow their owne inuentions.

THE TEXT.

1. Vnto you I saye, and vnto other of Thyatira, as many as haue not this lerning, and vvhich haue not known the deepnesse of Sathan (as they say.) 2. I will put vpon you none other burthen, 3. but that which ye haue alreadie. 4. Holde fast till I come. 5. And whosoeuer ouercommeth, and ke∣peth my works vnto the end, 6. to him wil I giue power ouer nations, 7. and he shall rule them with a rodde of yron, 8. and as the vesselles of a potter shal he break them to shiuers.

9. Euen as I receiued of my father, 10. so vvill I giue hym the morning starre.

11. Let hym that hath eares, heare, vvhat the spirite sayeth to the congregations.

THE PARAPHRASE.

1 And take this of my mouth (sayth the Lord) aforehande, both vnto you which hath the doctryne of the spy∣rite, and vnto other also of them that remayne at Thyatira that notable citie of y^e Macedonians, so many as hath not groūded in them that god∣ly learning of y^e truth, but a trifling doctryne of theyr owne imaginati∣ons contrarie vnto it, whereby they haue not perceyued the more then subtile craftes of that deceyuable sa∣than which euermore craftily cōpas∣seth to deuower, what though their fantasticall brayns hath giuen them so to thinke, standing much in their owne conceipt.

2 My mynde is to yoke you with none other law, nor to burthen you with none other traditiōs thē I haue

alredy giuen you. Neither with ce∣remonies, rytes, nor aūcient customs in the obseruaciō of dayes, monthes, times, nor yeares, in holy dayes, fa∣stings, vigiles, nor sabbates, for they were but shadowes of thinges to come.

3 Regard only that swéete yoke and that light burthen which ye haue re∣ceued of me. Hold ye fast to the gos∣pel of the kingdome of God, so long as ye shal continue here. And let the Pharysées leuen, with olde wyues fables, & hipocrits dreames passe by.

4 Let my godly ordinaunce suffise you. Ad nothing vnto my woords of your owne braynes, least I finde you false lyars when I shall come again to my latter iudgement, and accor∣ding to righteousnesse so condempne you.

5 And whosoeuer is so earnestly faithfull in the word of God, that he ouercōmeth ther by his own lustes, and perfourmeth to the latter ende of his life the workes that are there commaūded to be done, & none other.

6 To him will I geue power as to the sonne and heyre of god, ouer na∣cions or sectes of the world diuers in opinion and fayth, as ouer serpents, scorpions, adders and lyons.

7 That he shall not onely ouercome them with the mighty yron rodde of the inuincible veritie.

8 But also as the weake vessels of a potter, or as most vayne fantasies, confoūd their dreames, destroy their imaginacions, and bring their prac∣tises to nought, prouing their tradi∣cions to be most vyle draffe, & moste stinking dregges of sinn, for so much as y^t which is not of faith, is sinne.

9 And this power he shall haue in no lesse efficacie and strength, then I receued it of my heauenly father.

10 And besydes all this I wil fréely geue him my selfe to reward which am the cléere morning starre, & shy∣ninge lanterne of lyfe. So that all shal be his that is myne. My byrth, my labours, my lyfe, my passion, and death, my resurreccion and ascenciō, with all their fruites, shall be his

owne proper good.

11 Let him that hath reason and discretiō, set beastly fantasies apart, and diligently note what the holie Ghost sayeth héere in this daunge∣rous tyme, to the deare congregati∣ons of God.

The third Chapiter.

THE TEXT.

1 And vvryte vnto the Angel of the con∣gregation of Sardis. 2. This sayeth he that hath the seuen spirites of God, 3. and the seuen starres. 4. I knovv thy vvorkes.

5. Thou hast a name that thou lyuest, and thou arte dead, 6. Wake, and strength the thinges vvhich remayne, 7. that are ready to dye. 8. For I haue not found thy vvorks perfect before God. 9. Remember there∣fore hovve thou hast receyued and hearde, 10. and hold fast, and repent. 11. If thou shalt not vvatch, 12. I vvil come on thee as a theefe, 13. and thou shalt not knovve vvhat houre I vvill come vpon thee. 14. Thou hast a fevv names in Sardis, 15. vvhich haue not defyled their garmentes, 16. and they shall vvalke vvith me in vvhite, for they are vvorthie. 17. Hee that ouer∣commeth

shall bee clothed in vvhyte aray, 18. and I vvill not put out his name out of the booke of lyfe, 19. and I vvill confesse his name before my father, and before his Angelles. 20. Let him that hath eares, heare, vvhat the spirit sayeth vnto the cō∣gregations.

THE PARAPHRASE. 1

••Hou shalte also so shortly as may conuenyently be (sayeth the Lord to his peculyar seruaunt saint Iohn) take paynes by an Epistle to admo∣nishe the watche man or Curate of the chosen congregation of Sardis, which though it bee of verie slender reputation before the eyes of the wyse, riche, and strong men of thys world, yet is it precious in the sight of God, for so muche as it was pry∣sed, bought, & redéemed, by the grea∣test paiment y^t euer was, euē by the precious bloud of y^e vndefiled lambe and immaculate sonne of God Iesus

Christ. Hee it was y^t laboured, hun∣gred, thursted, & faynted, accordyng to the weakenesse of y^e humayne na∣ture, & finally suffred blasphemies, curses, scornes, lyes, persecutions, & rebukes with y^e most paynful death of his body at the latter, to deliuer hir, make hir attonement, and re∣store hir agayne to the fauour of God.

2 Fynde the meanes that she may know (sayth the Lord Iesus) y^t this is to hir y^e message of admonishment or warning from him, which hath in his power to distribute at his plea∣sure the seuen spirits of God, or the the vnyuersall gyftes of the holye ghost.

3 And hath also in his right hande y^e vii. starres, which are the byshoppes, or preachers of all congregacions, with full authoritie & power to hold them styll or to throw them forth, to glorifie them if they be faythfull ministers of his worde, or to damne thē for euer if they be deceiuable hi∣pocrites, and for lucre prefer theyr

owne croked inuencions.

4 Thou workest not so secretlye (saith y^t Lord) but I know thy déedes and perceiue wher about thou goest. For vnto me all secretes are open, cléere & manifest. When thou think∣est I doe not perceue, than sée I thée most of all.

5 Thou hast a name of lyfe, an out∣ward shew of vertue & of goodnesse, & a shyning pretēce of much holinesse, yet art thou before God a dead rot∣ten Idol, full of hipocrisie, and false∣hood. Men thinke thée a godly crea∣ture, yet art thou nothing lesse.

6 Awake therefore quickly frō thy more then idle imaginaciōs & fickle sophismes, and take vnto thée fayth, and spirit. Watch vpon thy cure and sée to theyr profit.

7 Considre y^t thy wayes in the out∣warde letter hath made my people weake, faint, and féeble, & left them at the very poynt of death. Streng∣then thē now a newe with y^t which is effectual, strong, sure, lyuely, true, and necessary, which is the sincere

veritie and faith, least thou peryshe with the wicked.

8 For though thou hast the godlie gifte of prophesie with the grace of vnderstanding and iudgement, yet haue I founde thy workes vngodly, and thy doings vyle and abhomina∣ble before God my celestiall father. For thou haste bene inwardly cor∣rupt with auaryce and ambition like as was Balaam the deceiptful Pro∣phet and wicked soothsayer.

9 It becommeth the iudge to know afore what he shal iudge, which hath caused me to searche out thy carnall and myserable wayes. Call therfore vnto thy remembraunce, howe thou by y^e singular gift of God haste recey∣ued his word, and heard his Gospel which is the kingdome of health, at the verie mouth of his Apostles.

10 And for so muche as thou haste not estemed it according to the wor∣thinesse therof, nor yet bene thank∣full vnto God for such an heauenly gift, but rather swynishly troden it vnder thy féete, and currishly perse∣cuted

his faithfull seruauntes for it, haue remorse in thy conscience, and once agayne set sure hands vpon it, embrace it, holde it fast, and faithful∣ly beleue it, repēt, from the hart thy vngodly vsages past, and from hēce∣foorth liue according vnto it.

11 If thou wilt not doe so, taking of me this gentle warning, and watch as one vncertayne of the houre of death, liuing as thou wouldest dye by and by.

12 I shall (as doeth the théefe in the nyght) come vpon thée vnlooked for, with death shall I distroy thée vnbe∣wares, so shall hell and damnation swalow thée vp for euer.

13 And thou shalt neither know the day nor the houre, the tyme nor the mynute, y^t I will thus fiercely come vpon thée, & iustly suppresse thée ac∣cordyng to thy vngodly deseruings.

14 And in spight of thy cruell hart, yet are there a fewe new brethren, and louers of the truth in the citie of Sardis, though theyr number bée but small, which are so déere vnto

god, y^t he hath regestred theyr names in the booke of lyfe.

15 These hath for no painted speach, glosing promisse, suggestiō, nor threat¦ning, ones soyled theyr garments w^t thy dyrtie ceremonies, nor defyled theyr cōuersacion with thy beggerly tradytions. In the myddest of y^e wic∣ked and froward generacion, theyr hartes are towards me & my word.

16 Wherfore by promisse they shal walk with me in white, their faults shal neuer be imputed vnto thē, their sinnes shal be wyped cleane away, I wil cléere them & restore them to par¦petual innocencie, & make them par∣takers with me in euerlasting felici∣tie & glory. For doubtlesse they are worthy, for my will forsaking theyr owne will, and leauinge the corrupt wayes of men to folow my sincere worde.

17 He that after this sort ouercom∣meth perseuering in the faith therof to the latter ende of his lyfe shall be sure of these thrée benefits. He shall be clothed with me in white apparel

made innocent and pure, incorrupti∣ble, impassible, and immortall.

18 I will in no wyse put his name out of the booke of lyfe, nor separate him from the predestinate number of them which shall be saued, but as∣sociate him with the rightuous▪

19 And besides all this I will ear∣nestly witnesse hym, confesse hym, and allow him by name, before my heauenly father and all his compa∣ny of Angelles, for one of myne, to haue the inheritaunce with mée.

20 Let him that hath eares in no case be dull or slacke in hearing, but diligently attende, and marke what the spirite of God doeth héere vtter before the congregations to theyr singular warning and comfort.

THE TEXT.

1. And vvryte vnto the Angell of the con∣gregacion of Philadelphia. 2. This sayeth he that is holie and true, 3. vvhich hath the keye of Dauid, 4. vvhich openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth & no man openeth. 5. I knovv thy vvorkes. 6. Be∣holde I haue set before thee an open dore,

and no man can shut it. 7. For thou hast •• little strength, & hast kept my word, 8. and hast not denyed my name. 9. Beholde I shall giue some of the congregation of Sa∣than, which call them selues Iewes, and are not, but doe lye. 10. Beholde I will make them that they shall come and worship be∣fore thy feete, 11. and shall knowe that I haue loued thee. 12. Bicause thou hast kept the wordes of my pacyence, therefore will I keepe thee from the houre of temp∣tacion, 13. which will come vpon all the world, to tempte them that dwell vpon the earth 14. Beholde I come shortlye. 15. Holde that vvhich thou hast, that no man take away thy crovvne. 16. Hym that o∣uercommeth vvill I make a pyller in the temple of my God, 17. and he shall go no more out. 18. And I vvill vvryte vpō him, the name of my God, and the name of the citie of my God, nevve Hierusalem, 19. vvhich commeth dovvne oute of heauen fro my God. 20. And I vvill vvrite vpon him my nevv name. 21. Let him that hath eares heare, vvhat the spirite sayth vnto the congregacions.

THE PARAPHRASE.

1 Moreouer, differ in no wyse my trustie discyple Iohn (sayth the Lord Iesus) by wryting to signifye or

make mencion, to the tydings bryn∣ger, bishop, or ouerséer of the déerely beloued Churche of Phyladelphya, which as beséemeth a Christian con∣gregation in this life, is neuer with∣out brotherly charitie and loue, but alwayes hath a swéete compassion vpon the poore, the néedie, the sym∣ple, the desolate, the forsakē, the dis∣dayned and myserable people of this world. Shée hath also in hir harte a wofull pittie, and a lamentable do∣lour, when shée séeth men wicked, vayne, blasphéemous, hatefull, beast∣ly, ydle, couetous, supersticious, and full of other vngodlinesse.

2 Let this be knowne to hir first of all, that these are the fauorable say∣ings of him which is holy of himself, and alone maketh other holy, which is only true and the veritie it selfe, without whō no truth can be had.

3 Which hath also in his hand and power, the keye of the house of Da∣uid, which is the faithfull kingdom or congregation of God.

4 Where as hée openeth to the

faithful beleuers by the gospel prea∣ching, no man can speare them out of the kingdom of God by no excom∣municatiō nor cursse. Where as he doeth losen from the bandes of sinne by the holy Ghost, no man can bynde to dampnation by no interdictiō nor sentence, haue he neuer so great po∣wer giuen hym. And agayne, if hée shutteth vp the kingdome from the vnfaithfull hypocrites, no man can admit them to it, by blessings, remis∣sions, nor a thousand yeares of their pardon. If he seclude them from it, no man can able them to it agayne by no auctoritie nor power.

5 I know (sayth that Lord) thy doo∣ings from the verie roote, and from whence thy workes doeth spring, e∣uen from a sincere faith in my word, wherefore they are to my mynd and pleasure.

6 For so much therefore as I finde thée thus grounded in fayth, be thou certayne and sure of it, I haue sette before thée an open dore, I haue illu∣myned thy sences, and cleared thy

vnderstandyng, to knowe the holye scriptures and perceyue the hyghe mysteries therin written, so admit∣tyng thée to my kingdome. And this dore can no man shut vp again. Nei∣ther shall the power of this world, nor yet the gates of hell bée able to preuayle against this opening.

7 And this hast thou of mée, partly for thy méekenesse. For where as the wicked doth séeme to them selues beautifull, strong, learned, rich, righ∣teous, religious, and holie spirituall fathers, thou estéemest thy selfe but an abiecte of the worlde, wretched, weake, blynde, poore, sinfull, & a my∣serable dooer, as concernynge the fleshe.

8 But thou arte she that hath kept my sayings, and by such strength as I haue giuen thée, obserued also my lawes and commaundements. It is thou that haue stande by my trueth stedfastly, and not denyed my name in the time of troublous persecution. Wherefore thou canst in no wyse perish before mée.

9 And as concernyng the wicked, behold howe I shall order them. I shal not only set thée cléere from the filthie traditions of that false con∣gregatiō or sinagoge of Sathan, but I will also take a certen from thēce of the best learned, conuerting them from their errours and giuing them vnto thée. Which afore tyme called them selues Iewes or the chosen children of Abraham, and were not so in déed. They boasted them selues very much to be the anoynted Israe∣lytes, the consecrate sonnes of pro∣misse, and the holy spirituall people of God, lyke as the residue doth yet still to this houre, but they lyed full falslie. They were for that time false dissembling hypocrites, and cruell aduersaries to the trueth, as theyr companions are still.

10 Be sure that these will I so in∣wardly moue and effectuallye pro∣uoke, that they shall come vnto thée, to be of thy congregacion. They shal gladly submitte them selues to thy doctryne, they shall worship God not

in outward shadows with bondage, but in spirite and truth with lyber∣tie. At thy féete, after thy holsome in∣structions and godly admonicions.

11 And where as they haue thought thée afore tyme of me to bée hated, when thou hast béene in persecutiō, they shall nowe well perceyue and know (my spirite speaking in thée, and such heauenly secrets comming from thée) that thou standest much in my loue, & art greatly in my fauour.

12 And for so muche as thou haste cōstantly holden and manfully stand by that word for the which I haue suffred much not only in mine own fleshe, but also in thée and in other my seruauntes, for no aduersitie fal∣ling from it, I will preserue thée in the houre of temptation. Thou shalt for no violence decline from y^e truth, thou shalt for no tormēt forsake the veritie. So mightie a stomake and so strong an hearte shall I giue thée for the time of thy temptations, that thou shalt not be once moued.

13 For no doubte of it, thys fierce

temptation and cruell handeling of the boystuous Antichrists, Mahomet standing in the way of sinners, and the Romish Pope sitting in the most pestilent seate of errours, will come vpon all the world by execrable sects of false Prophets, lyars, hypocrytes, blasphemers and teachers of diuilish doctryne, to tempt and allure them, which dwell here vpon earth, some∣tyme by flattering promotiōs, some∣tyme by threatnings and penalties, to renounce that veritie, and denye that word, to the vtter dampnation of their soules.

14 But in any wise take héede and watche in prayer, for I come shortly as a righteous iudge giuing to eue∣rie one according to their hartes in∣uencions. Consider the life but short in this world, & the rewarde great, if thou perseuere in thy Christen pro∣fession. Holde faste that godly fayth which thou hast taken, with hir hol∣some fruites.

15 Sticke sure to that heauenlye word which thou hast receyued, least

thou falling from it loose the crowne prepared for thée. I haue done my parte. I haue chosen thée to eternall lyfe, and promised thée, inheritaunce thereof without thy deseruinges, be∣ware now least thou loose it by apo∣stasie, and least an other take it from thée by doing the fruites thereof.

16 Desire my spirite to strengthen thée that thou mayest perseuere, and stand fast. For that faithful seruaunt and mightie souldier, which continu∣eth in that veritie to the ende, will I set vp for a stronge pillar and sure butteras in the temple of my God, which is the church or faithfull con∣gregacion of my heauēly father, pre∣figured by the temple of Salomon at Hierusalem.

17 And so strongly will I buyld him vpon the harde rocke, that hée shall stande alwayes and neuermore bée remoued. No more shall hee be afo∣rener nor a straunger, but a cytizen with the saintes, and of the houshold of God moste surely grounded vpon the foundation of the Apostles and

Prophetes.

18 And I shall wryte vpon him to his singular commoditie, the name of my God and father almightie, and the name of the beautiful citie of my God also, called new Hierusalem, re∣nued in the spirit. Euermore shal he be called a seruaunt of the Lord, an Apostle or witnesse of God, a lambe of Christes folde, a shéepe of his pa∣sture, a braunch of his vyne, a mem∣ber of his church, and impe of hys kingdome, a citizen of heauen, and an inheritour of euerlasting lyfe.

19 And all this commeth not from beneth, it riseth not of his good wor∣kes, merites, nor deseruings, but it commeth out of heauē from my god. It is only his goodnesse, grace, lybe∣ralitie, forgiuenesse, pittie, & mercie.

20 I will also garnish him, & beau∣tifie him with my newe name. Hée shall euermore for hys faythes sake be called the sonne of God, and ryse at the latter day in full glorie incor∣ruptible, immortal and cleere, in per∣petuall peace and concord.

21 He that hath by the gifte of God an eare, let him consider wherefore he hath it, and apply it to the right vse, discréetly waying what the ho∣lye Ghosts mynde is to the christian congregations in these heauēly pre∣monishments.

THE TEXT.

1 And vnto the Angell of the congrega∣tion, vvhich is in Laodicia, vvrite. 2. This saith Amen, the faithful and true vvitnesse, 3. the beginning of the creatures of God. 4. I knovv thy vvorkes, that thou art ney∣ther cold nor hote. 5. I vvould thou vvere colde or hote. 6. But bicause thou arte be∣tvveene both, and neyther colde nor hote, 7. I vvill spevve thee out of my mouthe. 8. Bycause thou sayest thou arte rych and increased vvith goodes, and hast neede of nothing, and knovvest not hovv thou arte vvretched and myserable, poore, blynd, and naked. 10. I counsell thee to buye of mee gold tryed in the fyre, 11. that thou mayst be rich, and vvhyte raiment, that thou mai∣est be clothed, 12. that thy filthie naked∣nesse doe not appeare. 13. Anoynt thine eyes vvith eye salue, 14. that thou maist see.

THE PARAPHRASE.

1 And now laste of all my deare

friend Iohn (sayeth the Lord Iesus) forget not to admonish by the hande writing also, the elder of the Chri∣sten congregation which is in Lao∣dicia, a notable Citie of the Asianes, which pretendeth to be a iust people or a companie to whom fayth is re∣kened for righteousnesse, and are no∣thing lesse. In the sight of men they appeare good, and their works séeme glorious, yet are they before God no sincere Christians, but dissemblyng hypocrites in déede.

2 Cause them to knowe certainely that this is the charytable warnyng of him, which coueteth all things to be well, perfecte and good, and is in verie déede a witnesse faithfull and true, yea, the eternaall veritie it self, for that they shoulde giue the more creadite to his sayings.

3 Moreouer hee is the oryginall be∣ginning, not only of the creatures for so much as hee was that worde by whome God created all thinges in the beginnyng, but also of the crea∣tures of God, for so much as he be∣commyng

fleshe in this latter age restored them agayne to the peace and fauour of God, for y^• they should euermore séeke vnto hym in theyr néede as to the verie fountayne or well spring of all goodnesse.

4 Thy workes are euidently open before me (sayth that Lorde) and I know them in their kynd. I sée thou arte neyther cold nor hote. Thou art neyther a full infydell, nor a full be∣léeuer, neyther a perfecte pagane, nor a perfect Christian. Thou arte ney∣ther constant in the faith, nor yet all without faith. Outwardly thou arte hote, but within thou arte colde as yse. Inwardly thou abhorrest y^e word of God, yet doest thou not outward∣ly condemne it.

5 I would thou were eyther colde or hote, eyther a Christian or none at all, eyther a perfect louer of the veri∣tie, or els a full hater of it, and not a dissembling hypocrite as thou arte, iudging euill good, and good euill, cal∣ling darkenesse light, and light dark∣nesse, making sower swéete, & swéete

sower, allowing fables and lyes, and contempning the wisdome of God. None is so farre from the kingdome of heauen as is a false Christian. Much sooner is he conuerted to the trueth that is all colde or all without fayth then he that vnder the colour and pretense of Gods lawes mayn∣tayneth errours and lyes.

6 For so much therefore as I fynd thée betwéene both, and neyther of both, halfe colde, halfe hote, and ney∣ther fully cold nor hot, neither faith∣fully giuen to Gods worde nor all whole without it, but a false glosing hypocrite.

7 I will begin to vomet thée as a morsell out of season, and spewe thée out of my mouth as a thing out of kynde. Thou shalte not be disgested. Neyther shall my worde allow thée, nor my promisse admitte thée to rest with Abraham Isaac, and Iacob, in the kingdome of heauen. But thou shalt be throwne foorth into exteri∣our darknesse, where as shall be wée∣ping & gnashing of téeth. I will caste

thée out, detest thée, and abhorre thée. For much worse are they that abuse or dispyse the gift of God, then they which neuer receyued it.

8 Thou pratest very sore of thy ry∣ches, thy merytes, good déedes, and deseruings. Thou boastest thy selfe much of thy increase in goodnesse by déeds of supererogation and workes more then néede. Yea, thou arte not ashamed to thinke thy selfe so great∣ly to abound in learnyng, wisedome, rightuousnesse, and holinesse, that all hath néede of thée, and thou of none, sellyng to the wretched Idiotes of the world, thy masses, thy dyryges, thy fastings, thy memories, thy knée∣lings, thy crouchings, with other idle obseruations.

9 But thou remembrest not that thou arte wretched of thy self, & wic∣ked of thyne owne nature. Thou con∣sidrest not y^• thou art myserable and sinfull in thy lyfe, poore without vn∣derstāding & knowledge, feeble with∣out the strength of Gods spirit, blynd without iudgement and fayth, and

naked without veritie and all good Christen workes.

10 I charitably therfore admonish thée to remember thy selfe. I counsel thée also as one mynding thée good, to bye of me golde tryed in the fyre. Come vnto me with faith, and aske in the feruentnesse of soule. If thou be féeble harted, say: Lorde increase my fayth. Desire my heauenly word to thy comforte, with vnderstanding to perceiue it and know it. It is trea∣sure much more precious then golde, it is sweetenesse more dulcet thē ho∣nie. And tryed it is moste pure and cleane by the holy Ghost. Thou shalt haue it without payment. Thy good harte shall only suffyse mée.

11 Diligently procure it that thou mayest be riche in fayth and righte∣ousnesse, in y^e merits of Iesus Christ, and in the fauour of God by them, and that thou mayest be cloathed in white rayment of innocencie & clean∣nesse, not only before men, but also before God.

12 Be neuer without veritie, fayth,

righteousnesse and charitie, with o∣ther giftes of the holy Ghost, least the filthie nakednesse of hypocrisie, and sin, for all thy paynted colours appeare to thy confusion. Let thyne owne dyrtie merites alone, & decke thée with the precious deseruings of the sonne of God, that thou mayest haue thy sinnes wyped away, cléere∣ly forgiuen, couered, and neuer more imputed vnto thée by him.

13 And to auoyde the blyndenesse, sée thou anoynt thine eyes, thy mind or affection, thy iudgement or know∣ledge, with the eye salue of clerenes which is Iesus Christ, the swéete smelling oyntment of health.

14 Consider y^t he alone was borne for thée, and dyed for thée. And take him for thy only wisdome, satisfacti∣on, holinesse, and redemption y^t thou mayst hereafter sée. Let this precious lycour take from thine eyes all fil∣thie corruptiō: and whatsoeuer thou shalt hereafter do in word or in déed, doe all in the name of that Lorde, gyuyng thankes vnto God the fa∣ther

by him. For he is the salue that shall heale thée, and the lighte that shall cléere thée.

THE TEXT.

1 As many as I loue, I rebuke and cha∣sten, 2. Bee feruent therefore and repent. 3. Behold I stand at the doore and knock, 4. If any man heare my voice and open the doore, I vvill come in vnto him, 5. and vvil suppe vvith him, and he vvith mee, 6. To him that ouercommeth vvill I graunt, to sit on my seate, 7. euen as I ouercame and haue sitten vvith my father on his seate, 8. Let hym that hath eares, heare vvhat the spirite sayeth vnto the congregations.

THE PARAPHRASE.

1 So many as I loue, I rebuke ear∣nestly, least they shoulde perish with the wicked. And those that I fauour I chastē in this life, least they should be dampned for euer. Woe is y^e man that hath of me here neither chastise∣ment nor rebuke, but is left without restraynte, wallowyng in the con∣cupiscence

and desires of his fleshe. A great signe it is of the indignation of God, where as the other is an e∣uident token of loue.

2 From henceforth therfore be fer∣uent in the trueth. Earnestly em∣brace it, kéepe it, and follow it. Ab∣horre thy olde superstitions, and re∣pent from the harte that thou haste béene so longe neyther whotte nor colde.

3 Beholde I stande at the doore of thy harte as one ready to helpe thy weakenesse. And I knocke at y^e por∣tall of thy conscience as one y^t would gladly comfort thée, I send forth my heauenlye worde to succoure thée, lighten thée, raise thée vp, & saue thée.

4 If any man with a glad harte wil heare my voyce, or the true prea∣ching of my word, and opē the doore of his fayth, thankefully to receyue it, I wil come in vnto him, enduing with all spirituall delights, as righ∣tuousnesse, peace, loue, and ioy in the holy Ghost.

5 Yea to hym shall I make many∣fest

as to my friend the hidden miste∣ryes of the scripture, and secret coū∣sels of my father. And he shall final∣lie suppe with me and with him in the eternall habitacle of God, where no harte can estéeme what hee hath prepared for them, that loue him.

6 That man which through y^e ear∣nest zeale of Gods trueth distroyeth hypocrisie, and ouercommeth sin, wil I admit to reigne with mée in the kingdome of my father, and graunt him to sitte with me in the seate of e∣uerlasting peace, as a déere member of myne owne body, declaring him a tryumphaunt conquerour in mée, ouer dampnation, hell, death, and the diuill, in a glorified nature.

7 Euen as my selfe was before, sit∣ting with my celestiall father in the seate of his eternitie. And to haue with mée that health, that blessyng, that ioye, that victorie, that honour, power, and glorie, that I haue.

8 Let him that God hath giuē eare•• vnto, apply them to his mynde, and marke what the spirite hath héere

spoken to the Christen cōgregatiōs, for therevpon resteth his lyfe, or his death, his saluacion or his dampna∣tion.

The fourth Chapiter.

THE TEXT.

1 After this I looked, and behold a dore vvas open in heauen, 2. and the first voice vvhich I hearde vvas as it vvere of a Trum∣pet, talking vvith me, vvhich sayd. 3. Come vp hither, and I vvill shevv thee thynges, vvhich must be fulfilled hereafter. 4. And immediatly I vvas in the spirite, 5. and be∣hold a seate vvas set in heauen, and one sat on the seate, 6. And hee that sate, vvas to looke vpon lyke vnto a Iasper stone, and a Sardine stone. 7. And there vvas a reyne bovve about the seate in sighte lyke a Sma∣ragde. 8. And about the seate vvere .xxiiij. seates. 9. And vpon the seates .xxiiij. elders sitting, 10. clothed in vvhyte rayment, 11. and had on their heads crovvnes of golde. 12. And out of the seate proceeded lyght∣nings, and thundrings, and voyces. 13. And there vvere seuen lampes of fyre burnyng before the seate, vvhich are the seuen spirits of God, 14. And before the seate there vvas a sea of glasse lyke vnto Christall. 15. And in the middest of the seate and rounde a∣bout

the seate, vvere foure beastes, 16. full of eyes before and behynde..

THE PARAPHRASE.

[illustration]

1

After thys speciall iniunction of my Lorde and maister Iesus Christ (sayth saint Iohn) I did cast vp mine eyes towards the skye lifting vp my hart to giue thankes vnto God. And anon as I seriously beheld the face of the fyrmament or maiestie of Gods works, I saw a doore open in heauē. Which was a significatiō to me, that God mynded to opē certain high mi∣steries of the scripture, & hidden se∣cretes concerning his kingdome or church vnto me his simple seruaunt.

2 And the first thyng that ascertai∣ned

me of the same from thēce, was a mightie great voyce as it had bene the stoute noyse of a Trompe, or the vehement blaste of an horne. The which voyce though it were fearfull vnto my fleshe (as commonly y^e com∣maundement of God is) yet was it solatious vnto my spirite, for so much as it familiarly talked with mée, and sayde these wordes.

3 Come thou vp hyther. Suspende thyne owne wil, wit, studie, practise, and iudgement. Condempne y^t thou hast of nature. Lift vp thy self aboue thy self, ascend in soule by the spirite and power of God, and I will shewe vnto thée thinges wonderfull, and such as must without fayle be fulfil∣led in euerie poynte hereafter by the vnuariable ordinaunce of God.

4 And as it had bene in a thought, I was sodenly by the Lordes power taken vp. I was in the spirit in déed, secluded frō all carnal imaginatiōs.

5 And anon I was ware of a beau∣tifull seat prepared in heauen, which moued mee to consider that before

the constitution of the world almigh∣tie God had appoynted by his spirite to raygne in his faithful church. For I sawe that one sate vpon y^t seate, as vpon the beautifull throne of his glorie. No where els raigneth God but among his chosen people. Hée dwelleth not in Temples made by hand, he resteth not in houses of mās preparation. Is the kingdom of God any where els thē within man? Hath God any Temple that hee more fa∣uoureth then mans faithfull harte?

6 And he that gloriously sate vpon that comely seate, was lyke by all similitude to a Iasper stone, and re∣sembled also a precious stone called a Sardine. Betokening that his raign is durable & strong, his power firme and invariable, his glorie cléere and precious, and that he him selfe is as the red Iasper beautifull and orient, and as the gréene Sardine, freshe, fayre, and neuer fading, that man shuld euer be desirous of him. Whose will to consider is our felicitie, and whose pleasure to folow is our per∣fectnesse.

7 And there was a fayre raynbow about that glorious seate, in sighte like a smaragde or an Amarald stone. Which signifieth his perpetuall co∣uenaunt of peace & loue to all them that haue fayth, which are so deare vnto him as is the apple of hys owne eye, or as that thing which hee desy∣reth most. And no lesse precious the sayde couenaunt is, then the fresh A∣meralde with his amorous hew and beautifull shewe of loue, that wée should the rather couette it. For no∣thing is more auydyously to be desy∣red, then is the swéete peace of God.

8 And about that excéedyng fayre seate or empyre of the Lorde, were xxiiij. other meane seates appointed, which put me anon in remembraūce of charitie, pacience, stedfastnesse, loue, ioy, peace, temperance, iustice, knowledge of god, méeknesse, & other fruites of fayth, with innumerable giftes of the holie ghost, wherein the seruauntes of God hath afore tyme and still doeth continually rest.

elders, or notable auncient men sit∣ting. Which séemeth vnto me to be Abell, and Noe, Abraham & Dauid, Moyses and Helyas, Ioseph & Iohn Baptist, the Prophets and Apostles, the Preachers & Martyrs, with such other lyke. To whom Christ promi∣sed in the regeneration to sitte with him vpon xij. seates, iudging the xij. tribes of Israel. These set numbers in y^e scripturs of xxiiij. or of .xij. & such lyke, noteth certaintie in y^e promisse of God towards them which are in themselues without number.

10 And the foresayd elders or men of rype discretion, were cloathed in white rayment or apparell of inno∣cencie according to the commaunde∣ment of the holye Ghost. For their works were pure and cleane before God, rysing only of fayth, and were neuer defyled with the filthie tradi∣tions of men.

11 They had also vpon their heads as myghtie rulers, and gouernours, crownes of fyne golde, in token that they had héere the gouernance

in his worde, and shall hereafter be partakers with Christ in his heauē∣ly kingdome and glorie.

12 Great is the maiestie of y^e trone of God, and the power muche. For from his heauenly seate into the vni∣uersall world procéeded lightnings, and thunderings, and voyces, which are the manyfolde and dyuers re∣spectes of his worde. For a fearfull lightenyng it is when it rebuketh, throweth downe, and condempneth the sinner. It is a terrible thunde∣ring, when it feareth, threateneth, and commaundeth thynges contra∣rie to the fleshe. And it is a solaci∣ous voyce agayne when it rayseth, reléeueth, and quickeneth the de∣solace conscience with comfortable promises. And full is all the scrip∣ture of these, which commeth from Syon, and the swéete worde of God whyche commeth from Hierusa∣lem.

13 And there were seuen lampes of flamyng fyre burnynge before the sayde trone of God, which are the

seuen spirites of God, or the vniuer∣sall giftes of the holie ghost, prefigu∣red in the scriptures by the seuen lightes of one Candelsticke, the vij. eyes of one stone, and by vij. hornes and eyes also of the lambe. These shewe light euermore before Gods sight. The church without them in no wyse can be the trone of God.

14 And before the sayd seate, there was as it had béene a sea of glasse, a plentifull vnderstanding of the veri∣tie, fyrst giuen vnto Christ by the fa∣ther, and then vnto the church or cō∣gregation by the spirite of Christ. And this sea was lyke vnto a Chri∣stall cléere, beautifull and pure, with∣out any corruption of humaine fan∣tasies.

15 In the middest of that heauenly seate, & in the circuite of the same, were iiij. beastes séene, of diuers na∣ture and shape, not signifying the iiij. greater Prophetes, nor yet the iiij. Euangelistes (as no small num∣ber of doctors hath fantasied) but ra∣ther y^e vniuersall number of all faith∣ful

beleeuers, & earnest setters foorth of the veritie in the foure quarters of the whole world. And this may be gathered by the noyse of their wings in Ezechiel by their crying of sanctus sanctus, sanctus, & by their shewing of mysteries of the opened seales of the booke, as héereafter foloweth. By whom are to be vnderstande the sin∣cere openings of Gods word, and the continuall praysing of his glorious name. These beastes are in the mid∣dest of the seate or congregation of God, when they teach them and ex∣horte them to persist in the trueth. They are also in the circuite of the same, when they diligently labour to defende them from the doctryne of diuils, and errours of hypocrites.

16 These beastes were full of faire eyes before and behinde. Which is a cléere knowledge in the mysteryes of Gods word. The sincere fauorers of Gods heauenly truth doth sée ma∣ny wonderful things, and know ma∣ny secrete maruels, not only concer∣ning matters past, but also of iudge∣ments

to come. So many eyes haue they, as they haue perceyued very∣ties. For they once made spirituall by fayth, discerne all things. They are taught of God. And y^e holy ghost doeth lead them into all trueth.

THE TEXT.

1. And the first beast vvas lyke a Lyon. 2. The second beast lyke a Calfe, 3. and the third beast had a face lyke a man, 4. and the fourth beast vvas lyke a flying Egle. 5. And the foure beasts had eche one of them sixe vvings. 6. And round about vvithout and vvithin they vvere full of eyes. 7. And they had no rest neyther day nor night, say∣ing: Holy, holy, holy is the Lorde God al∣mightie, vvhich vvas, and is, & is to come. 8. And vvhen those beastes gaue glorye, and honour, and thankes to him that sate on the seate, vvhich lyueth for euer and e∣uer. 9. The xxiiij. elders fell dovvne before him that sate on the trone, & vvorshipped him that lyueth for euer, 10. and cast their crovvnes before the trone, saying. 11. Thou art vvorthie Lord to receyue glorie and ho∣nour, and povver. 12. For thou hast created all things, and for thy vvilles sake they are and vvere created.

THE PARAPHRASE.

1 These iiij. beastes hath iiij. diuers exteriour similitudes, which are not els but the outward tokens, testimo∣nyes, and signes of faith, or the fruit∣full workes thereof only procéeding. For fayth is neuer without hir hole∣some fruites. The first beast was in similitude lyke vnto a Lyon, strong and mightie in power. And that are they which hath layde asyde the olde man of sinne with his féeble faynte workes, and conuerted them selues into y^e ghostly image of Christ, which is the mightie stronge Lyon of the Trybe of Iuda, for that they myght haue the victorie ouer sinne.

2 The seconde beast was fashyoned lyke vnto a Calfe, much vsed in the olde lawe to bée offered vp in sacry∣fice. And suche are they, which forsa∣king them selues and mortifying the corrupte lustes of theyr fleshe, doeth walke in a newe Christian lyfe, and offer vp them selues vnto God as a

lyuing sacrifice, readie to suffer all kyndes of persecution and death for his names sake.

3 The third beast had a face in fa∣uour lyke a man, hauing reason, wit, and discrecion. And those are they which through pollicie of fayth and prudencie in the spirit, so wysely and discretely order them selues in that they goe aboute, that nothyng is against y^e glorie of God, but al things worketh for the best in them.

4 The fourth beast was lyke vnto a flying Egle, which buyldeth hir neast very highe in the harde rocke stone. Which are those godly persōs that liuing héere in this mortall bo∣die, by the counsell of the holy Ghost haue their conuersation in heauen. They séeke for those thinges which are aboue, where as Christ is sitting on the right hand of God. In whom only as in the sure rocke they buylde all their whole hope and trust. By these foure similitudes is the true congregation of God knowne from the painted sinagoge and coūterfaict

church of Sathan glorifiyng hir selfe in vaine glorie, pompe, crueltie, rape, simonie, lyes, hatred, sectes, murther, Idolatrie, sedition, and tirannie, with other fruites of the flesh, whose God is their bellie, and theyr ende damp∣nation. And though these iiij. simyli∣tudes be diuers, yet doe they respect one congregation after Ezech. which euer more applyeth all .iiij. vnto one beast. And euerie one of the sayd iiij. beastes had .vj. winges about him.

5 The winges whereby Gods peo∣ple are raysed vp vnto him, is fayth, hope, charitie, iustice, mercie, & veri∣tie, with such other vertues as euer more accompanyeth them. By these are they lifted vp vnto heauenlye thinges. By these auoyde they the common mischieues of the world. By these obtayne they a plentuous quy∣etnesse in God, abyding their sauiour and redéemer Iesus Christ. And wher as in Ezechiell the sayd winges ap∣pearing but iiij. are here founde sixe, we may gather this. That the gospel now published, the giftes of the holy

ghost are more high, plentifull, and o∣pen vnder christ, then afore time vn∣der Moyses.

6 Round aboute them without and within the sayde beastes were ful of eyes. The seruants of the Lord hath Godly wisdome and knowledge eue∣ry where inwardly to consider hea∣uenly things durable, sure, and per∣fite, and neuer to perish. Outwardly agayne to iudge earthly things cor∣ruptible, wretched, and vaine, and shortly to be ended.

7 Neither day nor night could the sayde beastes cease from the praise of their Lord God, saying: Holy, holy, holy. Or blessed art thou almightye father, blessed art thou almightie sonne, blessed art thou almighty holy ghost, distinct thrée persons in trinity, and in substaunce one Lorde God al∣mighty, which was withoute begin∣ning, and is of him selfe onely, and shall be for euer, & euer, euerlasting. And what is this els but y^t the righ∣teous feruently eprayinge, geueth continnuall thankes vnto GOD

reioysinge amonge them selues in psalmes, in hymnes, and in spiritu∣songes, praysinge hym euermore in their harts.

8 And when those .iiij. beastes, or faithfull, feruent, sincere, and pure beleuers héere beléeuing in the flesh, gaue glory, honour, and thanks from the, iiij. quartes of the earth, in pro∣fessing the verity, in teaching it vn∣to other, and in liuinge accordinge to the same. And that vnto hym which sate on the seat, which is god almigh∣ty reigning ouer that congregation, which lyueth for euer and euer and hath of his kyngdome none end.

9 Anone stepped forth the .xxiiij. el∣ders, or the whole, perfit, and vniuer¦sall number of them which hath res∣ted in the Lorde, and they with all méekenes fel down before him which sate on the throne. They submit∣ted themselues vnto him, ackowle∣ginge him for theyr onely Lorde. They worshipped him also with dew reuerance, & gaue high thankes vnto him, as vnto their eternal liuīg god.

10 Yea, finally they threwe downe their crowns before the throne of his eternal maiestie. They cōfessed their owne good workes, merites, and de∣seruinges to be nothyng at all. But their whole health, wisdome, know∣ledge, vertue, holines, rightuousnes, and redemption to be onely of his ly∣berall gift and vndeserued goodnesse.

11 And as men most highly reioysing they cryed vnto him, saying thus: It is thou (O Lord God, & most mightie creator) that is alone worthie to re∣ceyue all glory, all honour, and all thankes for that hath bene wrought, in heauen, & in earth, and none other els but thou.

12 For thou hast alone by thy vnser∣cheable wisedome created all things, and brought them foorth out of no∣thing. And for the onely pleasure of thy will they are now at this pre∣sent tyme in substance and fashyon, and were created of thée at the begin∣ning, not onely to be at thy commaū∣demēt, but also to be euermore thāke∣full vnto thée, and to laude thée, and

prayse thée for euer.

The fift Chapter.

THE TEXT.

1 And I sawe in the right hande of him that sate on the throne, a booke 2, written with in, and on the back syde. 3. sealed with seuen seales, 4. and I sawe a strong Angell preaching with a loude voyce. 5. Who is worthie to open the booke, and loose the seales thereof? 6. And no man in heauen nor in earth, neyther vnder the earth vvas a∣ble to open the booke, neyther to looke thereon. 7. And I wept much, bycause no man was found worthie to open & to read the booke, neither to looke thereon. 8. And one of the elders sayd vnto me: Weepe not. 9. Beholde, the Lyon which is of the trybe of Iuda, 10, the roote of Dauid, hath ob∣tayned to open the booke, and to loose the seuen seales thereof. 11. And I beheld, and lo, in the middest of the seat, and of the iiij. beastes, and in the middest of the elders, 12. stoode a Lambe as though he had ben kil∣led, 13, which had seuen hornes, 14, and se∣uen eyes, which are the seuen spirits of God, sent vnto all the worlde. 15. And hee came and tooke the booke out of the right hand of him that sate vpon the seat.

The Paraphrase.

AFter the forsayde vysion I saw (saieth saint Iohn) in the right hande, or mighty power and wyll, of hym that sate on the throne with maiestye, a wonder∣full Booke, in the which both man and Angell were desirous to looke.

This booke is Gods heauenly ordi∣nance, contayning not onely all, that hath bene created of God visible and inuisible, but also the vniuersall con∣tents of the holy scripture. This boke hath the mercifull Lorde prouided, that men should know him, partly by his creatures, partly by his Scrip∣tures. This booke he hath in his right hand. For heauen he measureth with his spanne, and the whole world he comprehendeth vnder his three ••ing∣ers. In his hande or power is the v∣niuersal earth; bothe hills & valleyes. At his onely wil & pleasure is the sin∣cere vnderstanding of the scriptures, and true interpretacion of the same.

2 This booke is written within & without. The world cōtayneth crea∣tures visible and inuisible, powers o∣pen & hidden, that men in thē should reade and vnderstand that there is a liuing God, and that they should ac∣knowledge him and worship him as the Lorde and creator of all. The ho∣ly scripture hath hir figure & history, hir mistery and veritie, hir parable & plaine doctrine, her night and day, her letter and sence, her voyce and word, her flesh and spirit, her shadow and cleare light, her death and lyfe, her law and gospell, her Moyses and Christ, to bring all men also vnto the knowledge of God.

3 But that Booke is surely sealed with seauen stronge seales from the fleshlye vnderstanding of man, not hauinge the spirite of Christ, that he can neither vse the creatures of God a right, nor yet perceiue the Scrip∣tures according to their true mean∣ning. Muche hath the doctours fanta∣sied of these seuen claspes or spea∣rynges of thys booke, wythout the

aucthoritie of Gods word, calling thē all maner of obscurities & darkenes∣ses. Where as in verie déed they are nothing els but the strong and vnua∣riable decrée, or set diffinition of God, before the constitucion of the world, that none should be able to read right∣ly therin, nor know the iust meaning therof without the spirit of his sonne, and vnles it be méekly asked in faith. And this one decrée of god, so oft loc∣keth vp these heauēly secrets frō mā, as it findeth hym carnall, couetous, wilfull, blinde, malicious, proude, and false, with such other lyke. The num∣ber of seuen doeth onely respect the opening of the seales in all ages. For in euery age hath God opened y^e tru∣eth vnto some Godly men by his spi∣rite, with Abell and Enoch, with Noe and Sem, with Abraham and Iob, with Moyses and Samuel, with Da∣uid and Helias, with Hieremie and Daniel, with Iohn Baptist & Peter.

4 And I sawe (sayeth S. Iohn) a strong Angell, which betokeneth e∣uerie faithful minister of gods word,

coueting all men to be taught of god, and sending them only vnto Christ, for they are the Angels of the Lorde of hostes. Which Angell cryed with a loude voyce, with an earnest zeale of the glorie of God, and with a fer∣uent desire of his neighbours health.

5 Who is worthie to opē this booke, and to vndoo the claspes thereof? As though he should say, None but he a∣lone. Séeke him therfore that he may open it vnto you, els are yée lyke al∣wayes to be blynde, foolishe, and vn∣learned lyers before the Lord, séeme ye neuer so wyse, eloquent, and well learned in the sight of men.

6 And in déede no man was founde able to doe it, neyther in heauen, nor in earth, nor vnder the earth, yet was there a diligent search made, & many did attempt it. The Angels that by apostasie fell from God, when they were in heauen wrought maistryes about it. And in the earth héere, the Philosophers among the Gentiles, the religious fathers amōg y^e Iewes, the Pharisies and Scribes, the law∣yers

and priests, and amōg the Chri∣stians, y^e false Apostles & Antichrists, the Sophisters and Papists, y^e sectes, and scoole doctors with all the world∣ly wyse hath craftily compassed the thing. Yea the messēgers of Sathan (whose dampnation is certayne) sub∣tily to perswade, and fraudelently to deceiue the innocent soules, haue al∣so done their parte. But what hath folowed? After their vayne enter∣pryse, they haue bene so astonyed at the maiestie or sight of y^e booke, that neyther were they able to open it, nor yet to looke thervpon. So high were the mysteries thereof, so vnserchable the iudgements, & so inuestigable the wayes therevnto.

7 And I fell in sore wéeping (sayth Sainct Iohn) muche dolour was it to my heart to see that none was found worthie, no creature able, neyther Angell nor man, good spirit, nor diuil, to open, and to read the booke, which is cléerely to know the will of God therein, nor yet once to looke therevp∣on, that is sincerely to perceyue the

least veritie cōtayned therin. No cre∣ature vnderstanding could attayn vn∣to it. All were ignorant, all darke, all blynde.

8 And as I was thus mournyng one of y^e elders, euen Iacob by name, comforted mée with his prophecie of Iuda, Esay, Micheas, & Esdras, bea∣ring witnesse to the same.

9 These with other ascertained me, that he was the Lyon of the Trybe of Iuda, which should ouercome the world, & haue the victorie ouer death, and hell, for in déed they with Abra∣ham sawe it a farre of, and much re∣ioysed. He is the strong & inuincible Lyon that subdued the prince of this world, tooke from him the pray, and hathe deuyded the spoyle.

10 He is the verie roote of Dauid, the ground and originall cause of all godly promises made vnto him of de∣liuerance, victorie, and raygne, and a∣lone in him are they fulfilled. Only hath he obtayned by his death, resur∣rection, and ascension, to make o∣pen the hydden mysteries of thys

booke, or whole ordinaunce of God, and to loose the seuen seales thereof, or to take away the vniuersall impe∣diments wherby the said booke could in no case be séene, as is carnalitie, ig∣norance, darkenesse, blindenesse, wil∣fulnesse, couetousnesse, malice, hypo∣crisie, lyes, with such lyke. So was it afore speared by the decrée of God, that none could reade in it till he re∣moued the vntowardnesse from their heartes.

11 All this I beheld (saieth S. Iohn) and as I looked further, I sawe y^t in the midst of the seate (which is y^e vni∣uersall congregation of God) & of the foure beasts (which are the constaunt ministers of his worde) & also in the middest of y^e auncient elders) whych hath bene y^e sincere witnesses of hys veritie since the beginning.)

12 There stood a fayre, méeke, & most innocent Lambe, as though he had bene newly slain. I knew that Christ was this Lambe, for he was woun∣ded for our offences, & tooke away the sinnes of y^e world. He was that méek

Lambe prefigured in the law whom the faithfull fathers so earnestly de∣sired. He was that gentle Lamb that was caried away to be slayne, and that opened not his mouth before the shearer. This Lambe standeth vp e∣uermore for vs before God, as our onely medyator, aduocate, peace ma∣ker, Sauiour, helper, counsellour, de∣fender and teacher

13 This Lambe had seuen hornes, which betokeneth his stronge and in∣finit power, vertue, victory, kingdom, glory, bounteousnesse, and maiestie, with such lyke, and in the whole his vniuersall reigne.

14 He had also seauen eyes, whiche are all the powers, graces, & fruites of the holy ghost, called héere the seuē spirits of God, For so much as they are the singuler gifts of him whiche is his essenciall spirit. And them he hath sent by his apostles, & other god∣ly preachers into y^e seuen climates of the erth or vniuersal world, y^e people w^t them to be replenished. These are wisdome, vnderstandinge, counsell,

strength, knowledge, pittie, & the fear of god. These are also loue, ioy, peace, pacience, gentlenesse, goodnes, fayth, méekenesse, long suffering, cleannes, and temperance, with diuersitie of tongues, interpretacion, prophecie, cures, healings, miracles, and iudge∣ment of spirits.

15 And the sayd Lambe came foorth as one through méekenesse, hauyng victorie ouer sinne, death, & hell, & hée reuerently tooke the sayd booke from the right hand of him that sate vpon the throne. Which made me anon to consider that the heauenly father had giuen vp vnto him the whole admy∣nistration of his spirituall kingdom, with all aucthoritie & power in hea∣uen and earth, to open or to speare, to choose or to reiect, to take or to refuse, to saue or to loose, to rewarde or to dampne. For he it was that first ope∣ned the vnderstanding of men, that they might perceyue the scriptures. He it was that sent the holy spirite of God to deduce them into all veritie, and gaue them grace to instructe all

people. He it is also y^t shall thorowe them into euerlasting fire, with the diuil & his Angels that resist y^e same.

THE TEXT.

1 And when he had taken the booke, the liij. beastes and the .xxiiij. elders, 2. fel dovvn before the Lambe, hauing harpes, 3. & gol∣den vialles full of odours (vvhich are the prayers of the Saincts) 4. & they sung a nevv song saying, 5 Thou arte vvorthie to take the booke, 6. and to open the seales therof, 7. For thou wert killed, 8. and hast redemed vs by thy bloud, out of all kinreds & tongs, and people, and nacions, 9. and hast made vs vnto our God, Kings, and priestes, 10. and vve shall reigne on the earth.

The Paraphrase.

1 And when he had receyued y^e sayd booke of the hande of God, with full authoritie and power, the iiij. beasts, or the present protestours of the veri∣tie, here liuing in the world, and the xxiiij. Elders or auncient witnesses of the same, departed cleane from thys worlde, as were the olde fa∣thers, the Patryarkes, Prophetes,

and Apostles, méekly submitted them selues before the Lamb, much reioy∣singe in his triumphant victorye for them.

2 They fell downe before him, they praysed hym, they worshipped hym, they gaue thanks and recognised him for their mercifull Lorde and Saui∣our, hauing in their handes harmoni∣ous harpes, which there represented the melody of their faithfull soules, or the inward reioyce, that they had in faith of the eternal verytie of god. For that is the agréeable concord and swéet harmony y^t he most delighteth in. And as well had they harpes that were long afore Christe, as had they that folowed hym, the effecte of hys death being equall to them both. So wel reioysed Abraham, which saw him a farre of, as did Iohn Baptist, which shewed him persent.

3 Each one of them had also in hys hand a golden viall full of swéete o∣dours, whiche is a faithfull harte to God, full of swéete desires and whol∣some praiers, whiles they liued here.

And these vessels of prayer, or harts of the faithfull beléeuers, couetinge mercy to themselues and all other, were very precious, pleasaunt, and beautifull in the sighte of the Lorde, which onely desireth the harte.

4 They sang also with their instru∣ments a new songe of reioyce recor∣ding the great benefit of God. They vttered the glad tidinges of peace. They published the Gospel of Christ. They told of his comming. They de∣clared him present & past. This songe was euer new vnto flesh & bloud. It séemed very strange, yea and folish to the children of this worlde, yet is it the power of God vnto saluation for euery one that beléeueth. Now it is also for so much as it nothing allow∣eth in our aged man of sinne, but al∣wayes calleth vpon renouation in the spirite.

5 This was the conclusion of that song. Thou alone swéete Lord (sayde they) art founde worthye to take the Booke to receiue power and admini∣stration of the kingdome of God.

6 Thou only art able to opē y^e seale•• thereof, to take from vs all impedi∣ments of darknesse, hypocrisie, lyes, ignoraunce, wilfulnesse, blindnesse, and sinne, and to deduce vs into all godly knowledge.

7 For thou wert not only despised and wounded, but most cruelly slaine for our offences, whereby thou hast obtained our perpetuall peace, and attonement with god.

8 Thou hast clerely redéemed vs out all spirituall bondage by y^e price of thy bloude, and by the vertue of thy passion and death, thou hast ga∣thered vs together into one kingdom of God from all the nacions of the world, and hast chosen vs out of all kinreds, languages, & peoples of the vniuersall earth. Thou hast made vs also pertakers with thée in thy pecu∣lyer vnction, that we are now called Christians.

9 Thou hast annoynted vs Kinges by the gift of true faith, to haue victo∣ry ouer sinne, death & the deuil, and cōsecrate vs priests by y^e grace of thy

holy spirite, to offer vp our selues and vndefiled sacrifice vnto our euer∣lasting God. So that we are now the chosen kinred, the kingely pristhoode, the holy generation, the peculyer pe∣ple, that should manifest the workes of thée, which hast called vs out of darknesse into the merueilous light.

10 And by the benifit of thy onely grace and goodnesse we shall raigne prosperously on the earth, not héere wher as is sorow, care, penury, scars∣nesse, and death, but our porcion shal be in the pleasant land of the lyuing, where as is the peace, ioy, tranquili∣tie, comfort, and life euerlasting.

THE TEXT.

1 And I behelde, 2. And herde the voyce of many angelles about the throne, and a∣bout the beastes, and the elders. 3. And I harde thousand thousandes, saying with a loude voyce. 4. Worthye is the Lambe that was killed, to receaue power, and riches and wisdome, and strength, and honoure, and glorye, and blessinge, 5. And all creatures, vvhiche are in Heauen, 6. And on the

earth, 7, And vnder the earth, 8, And in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I, saying, 9. Blessing, honour, glory and power, be vn∣to him that sitteth vpon the seate, 10. And vnto the Lambe for euee more. 11. And the fowre beastes said amen. 12. And the .xiiii. elders fell vpon their faces, 13. and vvorship∣ped hym that liueth for euer more.

The Paraphrase.

1 Furthermore saith Saint Iohn, I saw an infinit host of Angels behol¦ding the face of the heauenly father.

2 I heard also the voyce of a great number of them about the throne of God, geuing laude and prayse vnto hym, and about the beastes and aun∣cient elders. For they are not onely the immediate ministers of God, but also the seruantes of those men, which shall be the heyres of saluati∣on. Where ••••ould they be els than? but about them that feare the Lord, to sée to them and preserue them in all their wayes, lyke as he hath ge∣uen them in commaundement.

3 And the number of them was a

thousande thousandes, or a number beyond our estimation. And they cry∣ed with a loude voyce, signifiyng in their sort no corporall noyse, but for so much as they are but spirits, but a vehement zeale of most perfect loue and reioyce for the glory of God, the victory of Christ, the redempcion, de∣lyuerance, and helth of man. It be∣tokeneth also their excéedinge glad∣nesse in the openinge of the veritie and conuertion of the sinner.

4 Worthy is the most méek Lamb (sayd they) which was cruelly done vnto death, and by his death ouer∣came the worlde, hell, death, and the deuill, to take vpon hym the title of all power, heritage, wisdom, strēgth, honour, glory, and blessing, and to be called of all creatures most mightye, most rich, most wise, most valiaunt, most worshipfull, most gloryous, and most blessed, conueniente names for the king ouer al. Yea finally to haue ••he vniuersall aucthorytie in heauen and in the earth, to gouerne euery where, and al to be subiect vnto hym.

5 I hard also (saith saint Iohn) all the creatures that God euer created as the angeles in heauen, the sunne, the Moone, the planites, the starres, the fyrmament, the fyre, the water, the ayre.

6 And all that was vppon the earth, as man, beast, foule, fish, moun∣taines, valleys, welsprings, floudes, windes, wethers, times, trées, herbs fruits.

7 And al that was vnder or with∣in the earth, as rootes, wormes, ser∣pentes, vermine.

8 And all that was in the sea, or that moued in the waters, with all that are conteined in these, eche one in his kinde saying.

9 The euerlastinge God, whiche sytteth vppon the eternall throne, with power and maiestie, be euer∣more blessed, worshiptfull, gloryous, and almightie.

10 And vnto the Lambe (which is his onely sonne Iesus christ) be bles∣sing, honour, glorye, and power from him for euermore. And in this al crea¦tures

desireth no longer to be subdu∣ed vnto the vanitie of the wicked, nor yet to serue the same. But to be wholy deliuered from the bondage of corruption, and in libertie to serue the children of God, to the glorye of of hym that made them.

11 To this the fowre beastes or al the true seruants of God here liuing answered Amen, or so might it be in effect, as ye haue desired.

12 And the .xxiiij. elders, as, the pa∣triarks, the Prophetes, the Apostles, with other that hath passed this life, fell downe flat vpon their faces, they submitted them selues.

13 They worshipped, lauded, and gloryfied him that lyueth for euer and euer, one God in thrée persons, the father, the sonne, and the holy ghost. This signified the Angels and Sainctes euermore to be ioyous as any thinge is done in the creatures to the manyfest glory of God.

The sixt Chapter.

THE TEXT.

1 And I sawe vvhen the Lambe opened one of the seales, 2, and I heard one of the iiij. beastes say as it were the noyse of thun∣der. 3. Come, and see. 4. And I savve and behold, there was a whyte horse, 5, and he that sate on him had a bovve, 6. and a crovvne vvas giuen vnto hym, 7. and hee vvent forth cōquering, & for to ouercome.

The Paraphrase. 1

COnsequently (sayeth sainct Iohn) as I was beholdyng these won∣ders, I sawe that the Lambe (which is the sonne of God) opened the first of the seuen seales, declaring the first misterie of the booke. These openings betokeneth not onely the manifesta∣tion of Gods trueth for seauen ages of the world, but also for the .vij. seue∣rall times, and after vij. diuers sortes from Christes death to the latter end of the world. The first seale was re∣moued, and the mysterie there vnder

contayned, made open, when the A∣postles & disciples of Christ aboūdāt∣ly replenished with the holy Ghost, did cōstantly preach the gospel ouer the vniuersall world.

[illustration]

2 And at the openyng of the sayde seale (sayeth hée) I hearde one of the beasts in shape lyke a Lion, by whom are signified the strong witnesses of Gods veritie, by constancie of fayth resembling Christ the verie Lyon of the stocke of Iuda, whose voice was mightie and strong as it had bene the noyse of a thundering, and vehe∣mently it sayde vnto me.

3 Come hither and sée, drawe nigh and be taught, beléeue and thou shalt

vnderstand.

4 And anon I saw euidently that there was a white horse, which sig∣nifieth the Apostles and first disciples of Christ, for why the scripture doeth so call thē. These horses were white, they were made pure, rightuous, and cleane by Iesus Christ, and bare him by their preaching the worlde ouer. Such a whyte horse to the glorie of God was Paule, whan he beare the name of Christ before the Gentiles, the Kings, and the children of Isra∣ell

5 He that sate vpō this white horse (which was Christ him selfe) had in his hande a bowe, which figured the hartes of the foresayd Apostles and disciples, out of whom he fiercely sēt foorth the arrowes of his word into his chosen people. Their hearts were in his hand, for y^t his verities myght the more effectually passe foorth, and the more surely lyght vppon hys e∣lects. For without his spirit nothing could they doe.

6 From God the father vnto hym

was giuen a crown of magnificence, honour, worthinesse, and victorie, in his resurrection and ascention.

7 And when he had stomaked them by the holy Ghost, to shoote foorth hys word without feare, he wēt forward with them by his grace, conqueryng in them the prince of this worlde, in processe of tyme by their doctryne so to ouercome him and all his wycked armie. Were the Antichristes ne∣uer so madde, torment they neuer so sore, slea they neuer so fast, Christ wil ouercome them. Let them inhibit his trueth, and forbid his Gospell, take, spoyle, imprison, exyle, murther, hāg, head, drowne, & burne, yet wil Christ haue the victorie ouer them, though it otherwyse séeme to the fleshly chil∣dren of darknesse. In many coūtreis, Cities, and townes, hath Gods word bene taught, where as it is now for∣bidden vnder the payne of death. Is Christ therefore the weaker? which chose the weake to confounde the strong? No truely.

It hath wrought in thē whō he hath

called, and ro••ted in them whom he hath sought. So that the faithfull children of Abraham and true Isra∣lites in no wise can perish nor be ta∣ken from Christ.

THE TEXT.

1 And vvhen he opened the second seale, 2. I harde the second beast say, 3. Come and see, 4, And there vvent out an other horse that vvas red. 5. And povver vvas geuen to him that sate thereon, 6. to take peace from the earth, 7, & that they shuld kil one an o∣ther. 8. And there vvas geuen vnto hym a great svvord,

The Paraphrase.

1 What the estate of the Christiā churh was immediatly after the A∣postels time, it is vnder misterie de∣clared in the openinge of the seconde seale. For so soone as the sayde Apo∣stles and fyrste Disciples of Christe were taken from the world, yea and partly in their time also, many per∣nicious errours did springe and in∣crease by craftie teachers and sub∣tile

seducers in dyuers quarters. Some coupled the lawe with the go∣spel, and circumcision with baptime, to bring Christian libertie into bon∣dage. Some sayd the generall resur∣rection was past, to subuert y^e wayes of the Lorde. Some denyed hym to come in the fleshe. Some brought in ceremonies and beggerly shadowes to yoke vs with Iewishe superstici∣ons. Some forbad mariage as an vn∣cleane thing, to bring in all abhomi∣nations and filthinesse. Some dyd in∣hibite meates sanctified of God, vn∣der colour of abstinence to set vp hy∣pocrisie. Some called Sainct Paule an Apostata from the lawe. Some taught the Gospell carnally, denying Mathew and Iohn, and fantasied go∣spels vpon their owne brayne vnder the names of Peter, Andrew, Tho∣mas, & Barthelmew, Mathias, Tha∣deus, & Barnabas. And of this sorte in the Apostles tyme, was Nicolas of Antioche, Hermogenes, Hymeneus, Philetus, Alexander, Elymas, Car∣pocras, Cerinthus, Hebion, Helion,

with their affinytie. And after theyr tyme Basilides, Ualentinus, Hera∣cleon, Cerdon, Merciō, Apelles, Ta∣cianus, Menander, Montanus, and other.

1 In significatiō of this, the Lambe opened this second seale of the booke. He remoued once agayne the darke cloudes of ignorance, he replenyshed with hys grace, & strengthened with his spirite certayn of the Gréeks and Gentiles which beléeued, to confute the errours, & condempne the lyes of those false teachers & deceiuable An∣tichristes. Of this number was Ig∣nacius, Policarpus, Theophilus, An∣tiochenus, Iustinus Martyr, Agrip∣pa, Castorius, Aristides, Quadratus, Meliton, Apollenaris, Theodocion, Hyrenius, Appollonius, Melcyades, Rhodon, & diuers other. These bolde∣ly cōfessed Christ, they taught his ve∣ritie, they put aside the darknes, they ministred the light, they confounded the aduersaries both w^t tonge & pen.

2 And when the Lambe had thus o∣pened this seconde seale declaryng

the misterie thereof, I heard the se∣cond beast (saith S. Iohn) which was to my sight a calfe, signifiyng those ministers which had mortified and wholly giuen vp them selues as a sa∣crifice for the preaching of the same, saying also vnto mée.

3 Approch nigher, & looke, perceiue, and take héed, mark & beare it away.

4 And sodeinly I saw y^t there went foorth an other horse all diuers from the first, for he was outwardly read. This horse resembleth the sayd false teachers, borne & brought vp in flesh and bloud taught of the same. Such went from the Apostles & were not of them, they cursed y^e true preachers out of their sinagogs, they persecuted them from citie to citie, they accused them as y^e sturrers vp of sediciō, they caused y^e rulers to imprisō thē, scorge thē, & flea them, thinking therby they did God high seruyce. They turned y^e grace of god into beastlines, & brought in lying sectes. These were those false bretheren & deceitfull maysters whom y^e scripture calleth straūgers,

hirelings, théeues, scorners, and ra∣uening wolues, not sparing the flock. These were those bloud thirstie doc∣tours and puffed vp prelates, which are partakers with their fathers in the bloud of the Prophets, whose suc∣cession for a token of the same is clo∣thed in read scarlet to this day. Such a red horse was Barichu, which resi∣sted Paul & Barnabas at Paphos. So was Alexander y^e copper smith which did Paule much displeasure. So was Demetrius which moued sedicion a∣gainst him, so was Ananias the high priest that commaunded hym to bée smitten, so was Tertullus the Ora∣tour that accused hym to the debitie, so was Diotrephes that sought the préeminence, and reproued Iohn.

5 And power was gyuen to hym that sate vpon this horse▪ By the suf∣ferance of God to trye his electes, the wicked rulers and Prynces of thys world perswaded, and set forward by these bloudie beastes, hath exercysed all crueltie, fircenesse, and tyrannie.

6 To take from the earth the swéet

peace of God & Christiā vnitie, which made of the Iewes and Gentiles one people, & knit vs altogither through fayth and baptime, as members of one bodie in Christ Iesu. This peace haue they broken, this vnitie of faith haue they torne, this coate of Christ without seame haue those souldiours deuyded, & abusing the power (which is the high ordinaunce of God) they haue mayntayned the manifold sects of diuision.

7 Of whome one hath kylled an o∣ther, as in the distruction of Hierusa∣lem the vnchristian gentile slewe the vnfaithful Iew. And now in y^e church of Antichrist one Bishop poysoneth an other, one priest an other, one re∣ligious as other.

8 And vnto this terrible horse man was there giuen a great swerd. Lōg hath the Lord suffred those tyrantes to raygne, much mischiefe to worke, great crueltie to vse. Much was the persecution, tyrannie, and murther, vnder Nero, Domicianus, Traia∣nus, Aurelius, Seuerus, Maximinus,

Decius, Ualerianus, Aurelianus, Dioclecianus, Maxencius, Iulianus, and such like, & muche christian bloud in their time was shedde.

THE TEXT.

1 And when he opened the third seale, 2. I heard the third beast say. 3. Come, and see. 4. And I beheld, and lo a black horse. 5. And he that sate on him, had a payre of Balaun∣ces in his hand. 6. And I heard a voyce in the middest of the .iiij. beastes say. 7. A mea∣sure of wheat for a penny, 8. and three mea∣sures of barley for a penny. 6. And oyle and wyne see thou hurte not.

The Paraphrase.

1 Under trope or secret misterie of the thyrd seale opening, is specyfied the estate generall of the chrystian church, after the tyme of the martirs and strong witnesses of Iesu, which were most cruelly afflicted and slayne for confessing hys name and trueth. Not that the Martyres were onely and that tyme, and not afore and

after, but for so much as they did than most abound.

For in the Rome churche besides o∣ther, were slayne all the mynisters of the word or Byshoppes as they call them, from the tyme of Peter vnto the dayes of Siluester, to the num∣ber of xxxij. not one of them escaped. After theyr tyme as the tyrannie of rulers was stilled, and theyr gagyng crueltye pacyfyed, there arose an other fashioned sorte all diuers from the other, giuen to bodily ease and de∣lightes of the worlde. More desirous, were they to rest then to labour, to sléepe then to worke, to take then to giue, to bankette, then to preache, to dally then to dye. Then stroue they among them selues for the premacy, them sought they ambiciously to raign ouer all. Not one Martyr was then among them, vnlesse hée were a styn∣kyng Martyr made amonge them∣selues.

But all were confessours. For prea∣ching was layd a part, and pryde had take vp his roume. Yet were they not

long without contradiction. For then arose heresies and scismes, sectes, and deuisions, and were spred the world ouer, lyke as y^e histories mencioneth. The Sabellians, Arrianes, Euno∣myanes, Macedonianes, Priscillya∣nes, Nestoryanes, and Euticyanes, then diuersly erred in faith and opy∣nion of the Godhead. The Manichées dispysed the olde Testament. The Donatistes helde it necessarie to bée rebaptised. The Pelagianes taught that men might merit heauen with∣out grace, with such lyke. Then Scis∣mes were plentuous among bishops euery where. In the church of Rome were many alterations about the e∣lection, much strife, & diuision was for the Papacie, betwixt Liberius and Felix, Damasus, & Urcisinus, Bo∣nifacius & Eulalius, Simachus and Laurencius, Bonifacius and Dyos∣corus, Constantine & Philip, Eugeni∣us & Sisinius, Formosus & Stepha∣nus, Sergius and Christophorus, Benedicte and Leo, Gregorie, and Iohan, with dyuers more.

In the which some were noted of he∣resie, some accused of incontinency, some called insolent, some Rustical, some rude. Some were accurssed, some deposed, some slaundered, some exiled, some poisoned, some strāgeled. Some had their eyes thrust out, some were most spitefully murthered. No colour, cautel, craft, subtiltie, nor vyo∣lence vnsought to fulfil theyr mischie∣uous purpose.

1 The Lambe therfore opening the third seale, disclosed the mistery ther∣of vnto Iohn.

2 Which heard the thyrd beast in simylitude of a man, betokenyng suche preachers as hath wysedome in the spyrite saying vnto hym.

3 Drawe nygh and perceiue, con∣sider and waye.

4 And anon hée was ware and be∣helde a blacke horse, in fygure repre∣sentyng the aforesayde heretiques, and vnpure mynisters, ambicious Prelates, and false teachers, full of errours, lyes, pryde, and vncleane∣nesse. Uppon these and suche other

rydeth Sathan the world ouer, for he is theyr mayster, Lord, Kyng, and fa∣ther. Such Christophers of the diuill were Phassur and Semeias in y^e olde lawe, Annas & Cayphas in the new lawe, Mahomet and the Pope in our tyme, with all such prelates, priests, Moonks, doctours, and other spiritual dowsipers, as setteth forthe them∣selues with arrogancie, pryde, pomp, glorie, & magnificence of this world, not sincerely preaching Gods word.

5 He which sate vpon that horse, or that reygneth in thys congregacion hath in his hande a deceiptfull payre of Balaunces of abhominable iudge∣ments, waying all things according to the doctryne of errour and lyes of hypocrites, not prouing the spirites whether they be of God or no

6 And after this vision (I heard saith sainct Iohan) a voyce among the iiij. beastes. No tyme hathe there bene, wherein the faithfull beléeuers and constant witnesses of the veritie in this lyfe, hath not resisted the may∣sters of lyes, and confounded their er∣rours,

preseruing the vndefiled scrip∣tures. In those dayes were amonge the Gréekes, Origine, Eusebius, A∣thanasius, Didimus, Gregorius, Na∣zianzenus, Cirillus Basilius, Ioānes Chrisostomus, Hisichius, Euagrius, Ioānes Damascenus, & Theophilac∣tus. And amonge the Latines were Tertulyane, Cypriane, Lactancius, Hilarius, Prudencius, Ambrosius, Hieronimus, Augustinus, Orosius, Sedulius, Prosper, and Beda, with such lyke. What though all they in many poyntes haue erred to declare them selues men, and least their au∣thoritie shuld be takē among the peo∣ple, aboue y^e aucthoritie of gods word.

7 This is the voyce whyche come from those holy beastes, or faythfull seruauntes of the Lorde. A measure of wheate for a penny, and thrée mea∣sures of barly for a penny also. The wheat is the new Testament, faire, pleasaunte, and swéete in the eating.

8 The barly is the old, more grosse, heauie, and heard of digestion, yet is theyr pryce all one. So muche

in value is the one as the other. So precious are the scriptures of the old lawe for the Christian erudicion as of the newe, for both they are the worde, veritie, spyrite, and promise of God. So perfect also is the one as the other, (eche grayne in hys kynde considered) as the law to cōdempne, and the Gospell to saue. So necessa∣rie is it to the sinner to knowe hys fall, as to sée hys rayse. In that the barley is .iij. measures, and y^e wheat but one, is signyfied that the old Te∣stament containeth the lawe, Psal∣mes & prophecies, and the newe the only doctrine of Christ, confessyng altogither .iij. distinct persons in one Godheade agaynst the aforesayd he∣retikes & erronious prelates. When∣soeuer therfore the dyuill goeth forth with hys blacke horse or deceiptfull doctours, to subuerte the wayes of the Lord with his vntrue balaunces of crafty interpretaciōs & false iudge∣mēts in the scriptures, attend you to thys voyce of the faythfull fathers, and stande by the trueth, whyche

is the only price of both testaments, with Christ which fulfilled the law, and commaunded vs to serche the Scriptures, and with his Apostles, which alledged the same. When the figure troubleth you, confer it with the verytie, and the shadow with the light.

9 The dulcet wine and the fra∣grant oyle sée thou hurte not, sayeth the sayde voyce, hynder not the word of God, whiche is the swéete wine that replenished the hart with glad∣nesse, and the wholsome oyle that comforteth the soule in trouble. De∣licious it is in aduersytie, and solaci∣ous in all weakenesse. Corrupte not the texte with false gloses, take not from vs the swéetnesse thereof, de∣fraud, vs not of the frutefull Sa∣uour. Let the text be whole, the sence vncorrupt, and the iudgement right. And that shall well be if nothyng be added vnto it, nor nothinge taken from it.

THE TEXT.

1 An when he opened the fourth seale. 2▪ I harde the voyce of the fourth beast say. 3. Come and see, 4, And I looked, and behold a pale horse. 5. And his name that sate on him vvas death. 6. And hell follovved after him. 7. And povver vvas geuen anto them ouer the fourth part of the earth. 8. To kyll vvith svvord and vvith hunger. 9▪ And vvith death of the beastes of the earth.

The Paraphrase.

1 In the fowrth Seale opening is vnder secrete figure mencioned the vniuersall estate of the christen Churche after the increase of the a∣foresayde heretykes, and the raise of the ambicious Prelates. And though the Arryanes and Eutyci∣anes with such lyke Heretyks were than put to sylence, and all thinges pacyfyed, partlye by the publyke power, and partlye by the continuall disputations and writinges of the

faythfull Doctours, and catholyke Fathers, yet continued the Bys∣shops styll in their vanyties, and the Prelates in theyr pryde, whereby the trueth was blemished and the lyghte had a sore Eclips. Daylye they sought for newe promotions. Euermore they compassed to aug∣ment their dignyties. Continuall was their study to get preheminēce, to win honour, and to obtayne supe∣riorytie, not withoute the destructi∣on of kingdomes, the vtter decay of communalties, and vnspeakeable murther of peoples.

Iohn the Archebyshoppe of Constan∣tinople contended to be the vniue••sal Patriarke,

Boniface the thirde of that name Byshoppe of Rome, tooke vpon hym to be the head Byshoppe of all the worlde, and Gods onely Uicar in earth,

Mahomet boasted hym selfe to be the great Prophete and messenger of GOD.

Thus was Christes coate withoute seame among them deuided, and his church most rufully dispersed. Thus out of y^e corrupted & depraued scrip∣tures tooke y^e Iewes their Talmud, y^e Saracens their Alchorane, and the Byshops their popish lawes and de∣crées. Then folowed innumerable sectes of perdicion vnder the romishe pope, in Europa, vnder Mahomet the false Prophet in Afryca, and vnder prester Iohn in Asia, whiche with their execrable tradicions and rules banished Christ and his pure doctrin for euer. Than set they vp songe in the church with Latine seruice, bell ringing, and Organ playinge. Than builded they monasteries, auaunced Images, inuented purgatorye, not without many strange reuelacions. Than came in that ceremony, & that, as sensing of Images, Procession, and holy water, with candles, ashes, and palmes. Than were shauen crownes commaunded, holy orna∣ments deuised, mariage and meates inhibited, and hallowing of churches

practised. At the last crepte in the worshipping of reliques and shrines, with holy oyle and creame, with the paschall and paxe, with feastes and dedications, with latines, masses & dirges for the dead, and many great miracles followed. Thā were kings deposed and made Moonkes, Empe∣rours put downe and parrish priests set vp. No gospell might then be taught, but to maintaine this ware for aduantage. Uniuersities were then builded and generall studies founded the worlde ouer, with all kindes of crafty learning to vpholde this new Christen relygyon or pre∣stish supersticion. The Antichristes thus spred and theyr kyngdome well set forwarde, the light was cléerely extincted, and darknesse ouer wente the whole worlde.

1 Much meruayled alwayes the poore chosen flock of christ, and were greatlye troubled in their mindes, to beholde this great confusion, tyll the Lorde opened vnto them the fourth seale of his booke, in the which

all was written from the begining. In that Seale openinge, the Lorde shewed what the head rulers of his Church were, euen very hypocrites, rightly compared vnto a pale Horse. For after their dissembling manner they shewed sad countinaunces out∣wardlye to appeare fastinge, and babled very much to séeme deuonte men.

2 And as the Lambe had opened the fowrth Seale (sayeth Saincte Iohn) I hard the voyce of the fowrth beast, which séemed vnto me an Egle representing those godly beléeuers that are most highly desirous of the glorye of GOD.

3 Come hyther sayde that voice. Note what thou shalt sée here, & en∣prent it well in thy minde.

4 And sa I looked foorth, I behelde a pale Horse, whome I tooke for the vniuersall Synagoge of hypocrites or dissembling church of Antichriste, pale as men without health, & bleyk as men without that freshe lyfe

which is in Christ Iesu.

5 The name of hym which sate vpon this pale Horse was death, for their doctrine is death and dampna∣tion. What bringeth hypocrisye with hym, but destruction of health? What carrieth dissimulation, but the vtter decay of lyfe? Are their last fruites any other then confusion and dys∣payre.

6 For why hell commeth after them to swallowe in those that are taught by them. Eternall dampnati∣on doth folow them to eate them vp for euer, whome they shall deceiue. Such is the finall rewarde of those cursed hypocrits that treadeth down Gods truth, and destroyeth his word vnder a fayned pretence of the con∣trarye, God graunt them therefore once to open their eyes, and to consi∣der it, that they are the Horses of death, least Hell héere after deuoure them.

7 Unto these gaudish hypocrites and beastly Antichristes whith are

the horse of death and carieth all to darknesse, and dampnation, power is geuen (whiche is the sufferaunce of God) vpon the fourth parte of the earth. A great part of the world shall they destroy, much people by thē shal perish and be lost.

8 After diuers sortes shall they depriue them of the lyfe euerlastyng. Some shal they slay with the sword of their false doctrine, hauing a glori∣ous shine of wisdome in supersticion and deuilishnesse Some shall they famishe for wante of GODS true worde, whiche is the bread of Chyl∣dren, and the lyuinge foode of the soule.

9 Some will they also poyson with the contagious leauen of their pestilent lawes and tradicions, which are dayly ministred & taught by the vile vermine of the earth, their suffraganes, Archedecons, offi∣cials, doctors, ministers, false preach∣ers, curates, persons, parrish priests, and religions, verye beastly both of lyfe and studye. Lorde ones delyuer

from these deceiptfull and rauenous wolues, whiche are neuer satisfied, thy poore seruants that confesse thy holy name. Amen.

THE TEXT.

1 And when he opened the fift seale, 2, I saw vnder the aulter, 3. The soules of them that were killed for the word of God, and for the testimony which they had,

4. And they cried with a loude voyce, saying 5. How long taryest thou, 6, Lord, holy and true, to iudge▪ 7. And to auenge our bloude on them that dwell on the earth? 8. And lōg white garments were geuen vnto euery one of thē. 9. And it vvas saide vnto thē. 10. That they shoulde rest for a litle season. 11. vntill the number of their felowes and bre∣thren, 12. And of them that shoulde be kil∣led (as they were) were fulfilled,

The Paraphrase.

1 Euident it is by that hath ben séene and sayde afore in these fowre horses, what the estate of the christen church was, & is now in these latter

dayes. Such horrible confusion hath the Antichristes made with their wicked lawes and decrées, and with their deceiptfull doctrine of errours and lies to vpholde their filthy king∣dome of pryde, slouth, hypocrisie, and beastlynes, that scarcely is any thing cleane, pure, and godly. Now do they nothing but slea. None other studye haue they in these dayes, but to per∣secut, emprison, and famish, to burn, head and hang. Now haue they ob∣tayned to enter the iudgement hall, and to syt vpon lyfe & death, without defiling of thēselues. Now may they both a accuse and iudge, both indite and condempne, & yet not soyle their consecrate handes. If any controle their customes, or say against their witchcraftes, they are ready to run ouer hym with death, whom they ca∣rye to slea both soule and bodye.

Neuer was this more euident, then after the time of Berengarius in the Waldeanes, Publicans, and Alby∣geanes, of whom an hundred thow∣sande were slaine, an hundreth and

[illustration]

fowre score br••nt for that they wold not abiure, besides that is séene now in this age, so many poore innocentes murthered. For no where is it law∣full rightly without supersticion to confesse the name and verytie of Christ, a few Cities except, vnlesse men will ve torne of these wolues. And thus is it lyke still to continue to y^e end of y^e world, both by this prophe∣cie, and also by the prophecye of Da∣niell.

1 This hath the Lord shewed in mi∣stery vnto Iohn in the fift seale ope∣ninge, by whom are ment the true Christen beléeuers at this time so well as at al other times sence Chri∣stes assension.

2 And when the Lambe opened the fift seale, or declared in figure what should be y^e estate of that time to assertaine his chosen friendes therof, I saw (saieth Saincte Iohn) vnder the Aulter of God, which is Christe (vpon whom the whole sa∣crifice of our redempcion was offe∣red.)

3 The soules or spirits of those constant beléeuers, whiche through the violent handlynge of the afore sayde false prelats and Antichristes were cruelly put to death by diuers maner of tormēts, not only for y^e vn∣defiled word of god, but also for y^e sin∣cere testimonye of Iesu, which they had by the gift of his only spirit. Un∣der this Aulter remaine all they which haue bin killed for that wit∣nesse of truth. In his faith they slept and still rest now in his hope. In him now they liue for whom they once dyed. Under his shadow they dwell. Under his winges they flocke, vn∣der hys couerte they cloyster. He is

their comforte, kéeper and defen∣der. With hym are they now, whose presence they euermore coue∣ted.

4 In that they cried with a lowde voice, is signified that their innocent death fercely asketh and requireth the great indignation, vengance, and terrible iudgement of GOD, vp∣pon those tirauntes, lyke as dyd the bloude of Abell vppon that murther Cayne.

5 And this is their daylye crye. O Lorde God almighty, so holy thou art that thou hatest all euill, so true and so iust that thou abhorrest al lies and peruerse doctrine, so manifest is the filthy lyfe of the spirituall anti∣christes that thou séest it, so euidente is their vnshamefast crueltie vpon thy seruantes, that thou knowest it. Yet doest y^u leaue them vnpunished, and suffer them vncorrected. Howe long time wil it be ere thou iudge them to dampnation? What yeares wilt thou take ere thou reuenge our bloud?

6 Sure it is that thy lawes are ho∣ly, and thy wordes are faithfull and true. Why doest thou then permitte these proud homicides and spightfull murtherers to defyle them with their errours, and blaspheme them with their lyes: Kyllyng vp thy ser∣uants without pittie, for holdynge with them, and reigning héere as Gods vpon earth in ambiciousnesse, vayne glory, pompe, glotony, and le∣••herye, with other abhomynable vi∣ces. Thus these beastly bellye Gods doth dayly dispise thée. They treade downe thy testimonies and shed in∣nocent Christen bloud in despight of thée.

7 Looke once vpon them there∣fore according to thy promisse, and sée thou rewarde them according to their wickednesse. Thys reuenge∣ment doe we not aske for our scath, but for the contempt of thy truethe. Not for our harme, but for the blasphemy of thy name.

8 And longe white garmentes

(sayth Sainct Iohn) very large and comely were geuen vnto euery one of them. A full innocencye, perfect∣nesse, and cléerenesse was powred o∣uer them, and abundantly spred vp∣on them. Indued they were with an inestimable purenesse by Christe, for whose veryties sake they dyed.

With him they are now in peace, ioy, and swéetnesse. But whether they be in full glory afore God or no, that wyll we not temerously define. Sure we are that they be deliuered from all payne, sorrow, and care, and that they clearely be assertayned so haue that glory complet both in bo∣dy and soule at the latter day. More swéete is their estate for y^e time, yea more delycious and pleasaunt, then all the delightes, prosperytye, and wealth that euer was yet in thys worlde.

9 And as they were in this swéete solace, much desirous of their bodyes delyueraunce from corruption, they were requyr••d by these secrete

heauenlye mocyon of Christe (as we are in this life by the outwarde word.)

10 Paciently to pause for a while and quietously to rest for a season.

11 Untill such time as the com∣plet nūber of their cōstant fellowes and faithfull brethren.

12 Yea and of all those poore crea∣tures that shoulde be kylled by these vnsaciat blud suckers for his truthes sake, like as they were afore shuld be fulfilled and wholy accomplished ac∣cording to the eternall prediffiniti∣on of God. And so much the rather to content themselues with their peace¦able and quietous estate for their brethrens sake, that it should not be¦longe ere their death were reuen∣ged, and they restored to a full tran∣quillitie. For nothing in comparison are the sufferinges of this time, to that glorye whiche shall be shewed vnto the chosen sort in that day. Let no man think where as Christ hath willed those soules to rest, that they

sléepe in death, for they rest in hym which is lyfe. Out of hym they are not, he is their Aulter, he is theyr co∣uert. They lyue, they decerne, and in swéetenesse they abide the latter day, and all vnder him. Their white gar∣ment of innocencie they haue onely by him. Worship him then and not them. Pray and call vpon him and not vpon them. For he is the onely medi∣tour, and generall aduocate to God the father, so wel for them as for you. Nothyng can they doe but by hym. Their office is not to heare suters causes, nor to goe to and fro, but still to rest abyding the glad day of theyr deliuerance. It is Christes onely office to receyue all complayntes to pleate them, and to iudge them.

THE TEXT.

1 And I beheld when he opened the six•• seale, 2. & lo, there was a great earth quake, 3. and the sunne was as black as a sack cloth made of heare. 4. And the moone vvaxed e∣uen as bloud. 5. And the starres of heauen fell vnto the earth, 6. euen as a figge tree ca∣steth from hir hir figges, vvhen it is shaken

of a mightie wynde. 7. And heauen vany∣shed avvay, as a scroull vvhen it is rolled to∣gither. 8. And all mountaynes and yles, vvere moued out of their places. 9. And the kings of the earth, and the great men and the riche men, 10. and the chiefe captaynes, and the mightie men, and euery bond man, and eue∣rie free man, 11. hid themselues in dennes, and in rockes of the hilles, 12. and sayde to the hilles and rockes, 13. Fall on vs, 14. and hyde vs from the presence of hym that sit∣teth on the seate, 15. and from the vvrathe of the Lambe. 16. for the great day of hys vvrath is come. 17. And vvhō can endure it.

The Paraphrase.

1 Not yet is the pale horse downe nor his iniquitie ended, but still hée he rageth the world ouer. Still rayg∣neth the Antichristes, with theyr hy∣pocrisie and false doctrine, the Pope héere in Europa, and other not all vn∣like vnto him in Asia and Africa. But for that Europe is only knowne vn∣to vs, of that will wée only dyffyne. In naming the Pope wée meane not his person, but the proude degrée or abhominacion of the papacie. The great Antychriste of Europa is the

[illustration]

king of faces, the Prince of hipocry∣sie, the man of sinne, the father of er∣rours, and the master of lyes, the Ro∣mish Pope. He is the head of the sayd pale horse, whose bodie are his Pa∣triarkes, Cardinalles, Archebishops, Bishops, fat prebends, doctours, prie∣stes, Abbottes, Pryors, Moonks, Cha∣nons, Fryers, Nunnes, Pardoners, and Proctours, with all the sectes and and shorne swarme of perdicion, and with all those that consent with them in the Romish fayth, obeying theyr wicked lawes, decrées, bulles, pry∣uileges, decretales, rules, tradici∣ons, tytles, pompes, degrées, blessynges, counsayles, and consti∣tucions,

contrarie to Gods trueth. The wickednesse of these hath so dar∣kened the blynde worlde, that scarse was lefte one sparkle of the veritie, or of the true Christian fayth. No where can men dwell to greater losse of their soules health, thē vnder their abhominacions.

1 This know they well whome the lambe hath deliuered from their dark sinagoge, & to whom he hath in these dayes opened the sixte seale of the booke, raysing vp the spirites of ma∣ny to detect by his holy worde theyr shamefull abhominations. Blessed be the name of that Lord, which hath now so mercifully vysited hys poore people from aboue, sending his word vnder y^e tipe or figure of this Lambe, to open vnto them at this sixt time of darkenesse, the vj. seale of the hydden misteries of the booke. I looked yet far∣ther (sayeth sainct Iohn) and as the Lambe Christ disclosed the sixte seale to manifest the cléernesse of his truth, to shewe the estate of his church, a∣non I behelde a merueylous earth∣quake

arise. Most liuely was this ful∣filled such tyme, as William Courte∣ney the Archbishoppe of Caunterbu∣rie with Antichristes sinagoge of sor∣cerers sate in cōsistorie against Chri∣stes doctrine in Iohn Wycleue. Mark the yeare, day, and houre, and ye shall wonder at it.

2 The Gospell once preached, and the veritie sincerely opened, (whose nature is to condempne their super∣sticions) the earthly and carnall An∣tychristes swell, fret, and waxe mad, they threaten, curse, and blaspheme, they runne vpon the faithfull myni∣sters with terror, crueltie, & fiercens, hauing at their hand the ayde of wic∣ked princes and blynde gouernours. Such a terrible earth quake was the general counsel of Constance against Iohn Hus and Hierome of Prage, and here in Englād against the King (when he set foorth the Gospell) the sedicious rising of Lincolneshere, and the traiterous vprore of Yorkshiere, in their pylgrimage without grace, where as neyther wanted the false

counsayle of Byshoppes, the riches of Abbeyes, & benifices, nor yet y^e cru∣ell harts of priests. A thousand bowes and as many billes, beside other wea∣pons were there among priestes and religious to one poore Testament of Christ to subdue the veritie. Yet hath the Lambe ouercomen them, and de∣clared their great wisedome in that enterpryce foolishnesse, lyke as he did also in Germanie among them, which maintayned the same spirituall qua∣rell. Yet is not this earth quake paci∣fyed, but styll they ryse vp agaynst Christ and his word, and dayly they counsayle togither to condempne his trueth, that wée should know him to be the signe of contradiction, the stum∣bling stone, and the rock of reproch.

3 The Sunne appeared so blacke as a sacke cloth made of heaire. What though Christ being the cléere sonne of ryghtuousnesse, and the shynyng Image of God, can not bée darke in him selfe, no more then can the mate∣riall son in his owne nature, yet may his clerenesse beholdē from vs by the

mystes of false doctryne, lyke as is the sunnes brightnesse by the shadow of the cloudes. For the more men de∣light in ceremoniall tradicions, the blynder they are, and the lesse know∣ledge they haue of God. To them sée∣meth not Christ the fayrest amonge men, well coloured and beutifull, and gentle as a Lambe, but ill fauored, blacke, and stubborne. And therefore they haue no mynde to hym. They rather séeke helpe, health, and light of other then of him. They think it much better to pray to dead Sainctes, and offer to Idolles, then to call vpon God ••n spirite & veritie, and to helpe theyr ••oore neighbour at his néede. More ••leasure they haue to followe mens ••reames, thē the veritie of God. For ••hat is to thē blacke as y^e heiry sacke doth. It is dark, rough & foolishe vnto ••hem, they can perceiue no beutie in 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

•• The Moone became altogither as ••lud. The church being somtime fair ••s y^e Mone, & taking hir light of christ, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 now waxed all carnal. Now is shée

taught onely of flesh and bloud, refu∣sing the doctrine of God & his spirite. Now reigneth euerie where the cor∣rupt fantasies of men, a fewe places excepte. And sure we are that neither flesh nor bloud shall obtayne the king∣dome of God. Neuerthelesse yet all the world hath not peryshed in thys bloudie church. Alwayes hath there bene some that hath had the spirite of the childrē of God, what though they haue erred sore in many thinges. Though Benedict, Bernarde, & Bru∣no, Alberte, Francis, and Dominicke, with many such other, were farre out of square from the rule of Christes Gospell, yet doubt I it not, but the mercie of God hath saued thē through faith for Iesus Christes sake. In the middest of false doctrine and diuilishe tradicions hee hathe preserued them lyke as hée preserued the thrée chil∣dren, in Daniell from the heate of the burning fornace. Though all at that tyme were bloud through cruell decrées, yet were not all men so taken afore God, for then should none haue

bene saued, none should haue possessed his heauenly kingdome.

5 And the starres from heauen fell downe vpon the earth. The ministers of Gods word which should declare his rightuousnesse, and be the lightes of the world, were fallen from y^e hea∣uenly doctryne of Christ, and from the sincere scriptures, to worldly lear∣nyng and earthly fantasies. Nothing can be more euident then thys, spe∣cially to them that hathe redde the tryfling workes of the Sophisters, sentencyoners, schoole doctours, Ca∣nonistes, and summystes. As are Dons, Dorbell, and Durande, Tho∣mas of Aquine, Gerarde, and Gyles of Rome, Bonauenture, Bacōthorpe, and Guido, Caldrinus, Bobius, and Baldus, Panormius, Rosellus and Roxius, with an infinite rable of such dyrtie dottages, and filthie dreg∣ges. Besides the great heape of the foolishe sermons of Barnardyne and Uincent, Pomerij and Soccij, Mal∣lyard and Barlet, De voragine and de Hungaria, Discipuli and Dormi

secure, Uade mecunt, and Rapiunt hinc inde, with all such beastly begge∣rie and lousie learning.

6 These stars hath thus myserably of a lōg tyme fallen, lyke as doth the infected figges when the figge trée is shaken of a mightie strong wynd. Foūd fickle vanities, desire of world∣ly promotions, feare to haue displea∣sure of friendes, aduersitie, vexation, and trouble, with such other blastes here, hath caused the vnprofitable in∣structers of the people to fall from Gods heauenly veritie vnto fables, lyes, tryfles, and most pestilent wic∣ked errours.

7 So that heauen hath vanished a∣way from them, as doeth a scroule when it is rolled vp togither. True preaching of the word which is very heauen, hath bene withdrawen, the veritie hath bene closed vp. Christ hathe take his leaue, the spirite of God hath forsaken them, the sincere faith hath fayled, Christian workes hath decaied, whē their dark diuinity, dead ceremonies, & crooked customes

of their fathers hath bene in place. Nothyng hath remayned spirituall, Godly, heauenly, holy, rightuous, hol∣some, nor worthie our christian voca∣cion among their solempne shadows and sacred sorceryes. If it hathe, it was neuer yet séene. And that know they full well, which hath vnfayned∣ly receiued Christes Gospell.

8 All mountaynes and yles were remoued from their places. Not one∣ly the high mynded Antichristes, but also the dyssembling hypocrites are enforced many tymes & against their willes, compelled by the open veritie and euident scriptures; to deny that afore they highlye affyrmed, and to graunt that afore they highly deny∣ed. The Bishop of Roome was afore. Gods vicar & head of the church, hée is now neither of both. They had som∣tyme a purgatorie, & nowe they haue none. Pardons are forgotten, pylgri∣mage is not spokē of, Faith in Christ now iustifieth without their vayne will workes. They haue put man to death for that they now affyrme, yet

are they not ashamed of that cruell murther. I hope in a while they shall out of more places, and graunt will they nill they, to more christian very∣ties, though theyr selues be neuer the nigher saluacion, for that they doe it not of good will, but compelled.

9 The Kings of the earth, more loo∣king for theyr owne prehemynence then for the glorie of God, the great men more séeking their owne plea∣sures, then the common wealth of the people, the ryche men oppressing the poore.

10 The Captaynes deceyuing the commons, the strong men ouerthrow∣ing the weake, euerie bond seruaūt dooing vntrue seruice, and euery frée master vngodly occupying his faculty.

11 Hath hidde them selues in dennes of the sayd rocks & hilles. When they haue done all mischief and wrought all wickednesse, tyranny, manslaugh∣ter, rape, adultery, lechery, extorcion, Idolatry, sacrylege, w^t all other abho∣minacions, & can doe no more, thē run they to those hipocrites, thē séeke they

vp those Antichristes. Ther must they be cōfessed, there must they hide their sinnes. They must be couered w^t hys dyrty merites, & with his holy whor∣dome. And to be prayed for, that mo∣nastery must be builded, & that prebē∣dary or chauntery must bee founded. There must be Masses & dyrges, ther must be anuaries & bead mē. He must be buried in S. Frauncis gray coate, and he in our Ladies holy habite. He must haue S. Dominikes hoode, and he sainct Augustines girdle.

12 And thus they cry to those earth∣ly hils and rocks, to those filthy dunge heapes, or dennes of wylde beastes with a fearfull desperate conscience.

13 Fall vpon vs with such stuffe as ye haue. Couer vs with your works more than néed. Pray, pray, pray, sing, sing, sing, say, say, say, ring, ring, ring. Giue vs of your oyle, for our lampes are out. Helpe vs with your latyne Psalmes. Reléeue vs with your lippe labour though all be but dunge and earth. Comforte vs with Placebo. Helpe vs with Requiem eternam.

Powre out your Trentall masses, spew out your Commendaciōs. Sing vs out of that hotte fierie Purgatorie before we come there.

14 Hyde vs from the fearefull pre∣sence of him that sitteth on y^e thorne, whom we neuer knew to be a mer∣ciful father in all our romish medita∣••ns, and the scriptures we abhorred that so would haue taught vs.

15 Conuey vs clean from the wrath of the vngentle Lambe, whose doc∣tryne we neuer fauoured, nor whose goodnesse we neuer yet trusted.

16 For the great day of his wrath is come. So certayne we are of hys terrible iudgement, as it were now in doing. So sure we be to féele him a rightuous iudge, as we are sure he liueth.

17 And who can bée able to endure it: who can abide it doing so muche crueltie, rape, murther, briberie, with all other abhominacions, as we haue done, leauing wicked lawes behynde vs still to continue the same? Well, with you we haue left our whole roc∣kening,

ye know our déeds. Answere you for vs then, for we dare not bée séene. If your idle merites helpe vs not, we looke for no grace at his hād. If your soules be not for ours at that day, we perish for euer and euer. For we haue not reléeued him a hungred, a thirst, harbourlesse, naked, sick, and imprysoned, in hys poore bretheren, confessing his name and veritie.

But rather wée haue abhorred, re∣uiled, blaspheamed, spoyled, impri∣soned, shamed, and persecuted hym vnto death in them, deuysing moste terrible torments for them. Thus is there among the wicked sort, princes and other (where as the word of God is published) not only a doubt of their ruinous fall or decay, but also a fear∣full expectation of the terrible iudge∣ments of God for cōtempt of y^e same.

The .vij. Chapter.

THE TEXT.

1 And after that savve I foure Angels, 2. stande on the foure corners of the earthe,

3. holding the foure wyndes of the earth. 4. that the windes shoulde not blowe on the earth, 5. neyther on the sea, 6. neyther on any tree. 7. And I savv another Angell, 8. ascend from the rysing of the sunne, 9. vvhich had th•• seale of the lyuing God. 10. And he cryed vvith a loude voyce, 11. to the foure Angels (to vvhō povver vvas giuen to hurt the earth and the sea) 12. saying Hurte not the earth, neyther the sea, neither the trees, 13. till vvee haue sealed the seruaūts of our God in their foreheades.

[illustration]

The Paraphrase.

MOre manifestly yet are descry∣bed héereafter, still vnder y^e my∣sterie of the sixte seale openynge, the Hypocrytes, Antychrystes, Ty∣rantes,

and cruell magistrates, for∣bidding the truth and condempning the word of God. After this (sayeth Sainct Iohn) I saw fowre Aungels of darknesse suffered but not sent of God. These are the aforesayde hypo∣crites with their false doctrine, the Antichristes with their pestilent de∣crées and traditions, the cruell prin∣ces with their tirannous lawes, and the vngodly Maiestrates with their ignoraunce and blindnesse.

2 These stande vpon the fowre corners of the earth, they reigne in the fowre quarters of the worlde, with lyes in hypocrysie, errorus, in superstition, with tyrrany in power, and crueltie▪ in executinge humayne lawes.

3 They witholde the fowre windes of the earth. The doctrine of the spy∣rite, which GOD hath sent to be blowen the worlde ouer, they with∣stande, resist, stop, vexe, and euermore persecute.

4 least it should blow vppon the

earth, which is the garden of God, dryuinge away from thence all filth and corrupcion.

5 Or on the sea, which is the waue∣ryng conscience, bringing men to a quietous holde and sure stay in the Lord.

6 Or vpon any trée that is growing héere, which are men whom GOD hath planted on earth to fructifie in Christ to the comfort of other. Wind can be héere no fickle vanitie as the winde of this worlde is, for so much as it commeth from aboue. These fu∣rious Angels care not what crueltie they exercise to driue away this hea∣uēly blast. They lay about them like Termagauntes, they inhibit, seque∣stre, banish, emprison, sley, hang, head burne, and drown the poore preachers of the verytie, the vessels of the elec∣tion, and organes of the holy Ghost, and their fiercenesse hath none ende. Their power in darkenesse prospe∣reth vpon earth, and shal do till they haue fulfilled the whole measuere of

their wicked fathers, and made vp the number of Gods chosen flock vn∣der the aulter.

7 And whiles these execrable angels were yet stopping this winde, or let∣tinge the frée passage of the Gospell preaching, I behelde (sayeth Sainct Iohn) another Angel of a diuers na∣ture from them, for he was the true messenger of God, betokeninge the Prophets, Apostles, and all iust prea∣chers.

8 He came forth from the rising of the sunne, or as one taught of God in the syncere doctrine of Christe, he hath stepped forwarde to publish the same, ascending vpward from y^e low spirit of méeknes to do y^e godly office.

9 He had the seale of y^e lyuing God in his hande, which is the effectuall word of trueth in his mouth, to exe∣cute it. The true ministers of Gods verity haue power to mark his faith∣full seruants vnto saluation. Their tongs ar•• y^e writing pens of the ho∣ly ghost, by whō y^e word of god is re∣gistred in y^e harts of them y^e beléeue.

For faith is the very signe, whereby Gods seruantes are knowne to be the children of adoption, or of the in∣herytaunce promised by grace.

10 And the sayde Angell cryed with a lowde voyce, he bouldlye and with an earnest spirit vttered the ve∣rytie, fearing no worldy displeasure. This voyce against the vnbeléeuing Antichristes was neuer more ear∣nest than now in our time, as wel in wrightings, as in preachinges. And further hath it gone by bookes wryt∣ten, then by wordes spoken, and much more people conuerted.

11 An earnest message from God was thys voyce to the sayde fowre Angels of hys wrath, which were by his sufferaunce permitted cruelly to handle and to hurte hys people to their saluation and their owne dam∣nation, which people dwelled as well vpon the sea, as vpon the land, as well in the close Ilandes as in the open countrye.

12 And the voice was this. Seque∣stre your fiercenes for a time, & in no

case presume after any cruell sorte to harme neither the earth, nor the sea, nor the growing trées. Suffer the Gospell to haue his frée course, stop not the passage of Gods worde, let the winde of his verytie blowe without impediment.

Though some hartes be worldlye, some conscinces wauering, and some mindes barren and vnfruitfull, yet may they repent and come to good∣nes. When the séede is sowen, some falleth vpon the good earth, & bring∣eth foorth fruite in abundaunce. Za∣cheus of a great extorcioner became a rightuous man, Mathew of a Pub∣lycan a true Apostle, and Paule of a fierce persecuter a gentle preacher.

13 Cease therfore from with hold∣ing the swéet blast of the Scriptures till we haue sealed vp the chosen ser∣uants of our eternall God in theyr foreheades, or emprinted fayth in their hartes by his spirite, which is the marke of saluation, and tyll we haue tokened vp the whole number of them. Thus to be marked vp for

the seruants of God, is not onely to beléeue after the minde of Ezechiel, but also to lament the abhominatiō, and bewayle the wickednesse that is done héere. None are of that sorte vnlesse they sorrowfully mourne to se god blasphemed, y^e name of Christ disdayned, the trueth troden vnder foote, and the perfect Christen church despoyled. By the aforesayde Angell is not ment one Christen preacher alone but many, for so much as it is héere sayde. Till we haue sealed the seruants, &c. For after that one hath begun, many doth continue it. In that hath bene spoken afore is it manifest that wexe the tirants neuer so mad and persecute they neuer so sore to stoppe Gods worde of hys course, yet canne they not so preuayle a∣gainste it, but it commeth to them whome God hath appoynted to be marked vp for his. They with all the deuils in hell cannot withholde it from them, whom God hath prefixed to make vp his number. And though that the Antichristes and murthe∣rers

thinketh them to be very few, by reson of their wicked lawes, cruel constitucions, threatnings, and terri¦ble tormentes, yet is their number infinite lyke as here doth folow.

THE TEXT.

1 And I hearde the number of them which were sealed. 2. And there were sea∣led an hundreth and xliiii, M. of al the tribes of the Children of Israell. 3. Of the tribe of Iuda were sealed, xii. M. 4. Of the tribe of Ruben were sealed .xii. M. 5. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed .xii. M. 6. Of the tribe of Asser were sealed .xii. M. 7. Of the tribe of Neptalim were sealed .xii. M. 8. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed tvvelue M. 9. Of the tribe of Symeon were sea∣led xii. M. 10 Of the tribe of Leuy were sea∣led .xii. M. 11. Of the tribe of Isachar were sealed .xii. M. 12 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelue thousand. 13. Of the tribe of Ioseph vvere sealed tvvelue thou∣sande. 14. Of the tride of Beniamin vvere sealead .xii. M.

The Paraphrase.

1 And I hearde (sayeth Saincte Iohn) the number of them rehear∣sed, whiche were sealed with the sure token of faith, and marked vp for the heauenly inheritours with Christ, not for one countrye, but for the whole world. Fyrst were the Is∣raelites named, for so much as they were the peculiar nation, whom God fyrst chose for his owne people. Israell is mine eldest sonne, sayeth the Lorde. After them followed in course the Gentiles as the yonger Sonne, that we shoulde thereby knowe that all people, whiche fea∣reth god, and worketh rightuousnes, is accepted vnto him.

2 And there were sealed vnto the Lorde an hundred and xliij. thousandes of all the tribes of the children of Israell, to haue the lyfe euerlastinge, of euery tribe twelue thousande persons.

3 Of the chosen tribe of Iuda the fourth sonne of Iacob, of whō christe descended, were sealed vnto God .xii. thousand.

4 Of the mighty stock of Ruben the first sonne of Iacob by Lia, were marked vnto the Lord .xij. thousand.

5 Of the happy kindred of Gad the vij. sonne of Iacob by Zepha, were tokened vnto life .xii. thousand.

6 Of the blessed tribe of Asser the eight sonne of Iacob by Zepha were sealed vnto the heauenlye felowship xii. thousand.

7 Of the plentuous ofspring of Nep¦talim the vi. sonne of Iacob by Ba∣la, were signed to be pertakers of ioy with christ .xii. thousande.

8 Of the notable parage of Manas∣ses the eldest sonne of Ioseph in the stede of Dan, because of y^e ydolatrie, were noted for the friendes of God twelue thousand

9 Of the humble tribe of Symeon the second sonne of Iacob by Lia, were sealed to the heauens felicitie xii. thousand.

10 Of the sanctified successe of Leuy the thirde son of Iacob by Lia, were marked vnto saluation twelue thou∣sand.

11 Of the pleasant posterytie of Isa∣char the .ix. sonne of Iacob by Lya, were tokened to y^e ioyes euerlasting xii. thousand.

12 Of the famous tribe of Zabulon the .x. sonne of Iacob by Lya, were sealed to the kingdom heauenly .xii. thousande.

13 Of the rightuous stock of Iospeh the .xi. sonne of Iacob by Rachell, were sanctified to Christes inheri∣taunce .xii.M.

14 Of the godly kindred of Benia∣min the twelf sonne of Iacob by Ra∣chel, were elected vnto the eternall herytage twelue thousande. This set number of twelue thousande for euery tribe of the Israelits, betoke∣neth a notable multitude in euer kin¦dred of them, certenly appointed of God vnto saluation. And it is not to be vnderstanded vpon them that are past, but rather vpon them, whom it

shall please God to call in this latter age vnder the vi. seale opening. Whom Paule calleth the remnant which shal be saued, according to the election of grace. For lyke as by the fall of the Iewes Synagoge for vnthankfullye receauinge the veri∣tie, saluation then hapened vnto the Heathen, so shal it now againe from their carnall church to the Iewes for the same. god hath not thrust out his people, but their conuersion shall be as is life from the dead. Thys shall the carnall synagoge of Anty∣christes, hypocrites, tyrauntes, and cruell maiestrates, no more perceiue at that day then they now decerne those poore creatures whom they spightfully persecute and kyll, to be the true Churche of CHRIST. When Helias thought no more true beléeuers but hym selfe left alyue, al∣mighty God shewed him of vij. thou∣sand more whom he knew not. If he were then ignoraunt, muche more these fowre Angels of darknesse,

which now sleyeth vp God seruants as the Iewes dyd Christ. Not for no∣thing hath god geuen so much know∣ledge in the Hebrue tongue. The Iewes muste be sealed with the worde of veritie. They must haue the sure signe of faith. They must know and confesse Christ, whom god afore promised by the Prophetes, that twelue thousand of euery tribe may be sealed vnto saluation. For that time must the Antichrists cease. Their false interpretations of scrip∣ture, their wicked traditions, their doctrine of deuilles, their lies in hy∣pocresie, their errours, their stinking chastitie (whom God and his angels abhorreth and the deuill most high∣ly alloweth) with all their other fil∣thynesse they must lay aside. Where as afore time they haue immagined other waies of the health and righ∣tuousnesse then by Christe, as by in∣finit sectes of perdition, Idol worshi∣ping, pardons, and other abhomina∣tions w^tout number, they must now be compelled against their wil to re∣signe

them, not onely by the mani∣fest truthe, but also by those which as yet are enemies both to them and also to the sayde veritie. I can not sée it but it worketh euen now as it did in the primatiue churche. When the Hethen perceiued the Apostles and Disciples expulsed out of Iewry for the Gospell preachinge, for the hate they had to the Iewes they gladly receiued them, which was vn∣to their saluacion, though they thought nothinge lesse.

Not vnlyke is it in this age, but that the true prechers and learned men, compelled also by tiraunts to decline to the Saracens and Turkes, may in lyke maner be accepted of them in spight of the Romishe deuill and his Church, and so conuerte them to the true Christen faith, whiche they before abhorred. Such fauour may they finde amonge them nowe, as did Ioseph, Daniel, Hester, Mar∣docheus, Zorababel, Nehemias, Es∣••ras, Tobias and other amonge the

infidels then. And lyke as the Iewish sinagoge did at that tyme wholly pe∣rish for reiecting Gods word, and ne∣uer could recouer since, so may that false counterfayte churche of Anty∣christ come to distruction for con∣tempnynge the same and neuer ryse vp agayne.

Muche is it to be feared, yf they stoppe GODS woorde as they haue begunne, least that plague fall on them that lyghted vppon the IEWES at the Siege of Hierusalem, by the TURKE nowe, or by some other worse then he.

For though they suffer the By∣ble to be abroade in the mother tongue in BRABAND, HOL∣LANDE, FLAUNDERS, FRAUNCE, SPAYNE, ITALYE, and other places, yet are they styll as they were An∣gelles of darkenesse, Tyrauntes, Persecuters, Antichristes, and Hy∣pocrites forbiddinge the ryght course

of it. And not withstandinge their violence, yet breaketh it foorth so, that innumerable peo∣ple are dayly sealed vnto GOD.

THE TEXT.

1 After this I behelde, and loe, a great multitude (vvhiche no man coulde number) 2. Of all nacions, and people, and tongues, 3. Stoode before the seate. 4. And before the Lambe, clothed vvith longe vvhite garmentes, 5. And palmes in their handes, 6. And cryed vvith aloude voyce, saying, 7. Saluation be ascribed to hym, that sytteth vppon the seate of our GOD, 8. And vnto the Lambe, 9, And all the Aungelles stoode in the compasse of the Seate, 10 And of the Elders, and of the fovvre Beastes, 11, And fell be∣fore the Seate on their faces, 12. And vvorshipped▪ GOD, sayinge, Amen.

13, Blessynge, and glorye, and vvise∣dome, and thankes, and honoure, and povver, and might be vnto our God for e∣uermore, Amen.

The Paraphrase.

1 After this (saith sainct Iohn) I be∣helde an exceeding multitude of the Gentiles or Heathen, marked into the felowship of Christe, whom no man was able to number.

[illustration]

2 These were of all nacions of the earth, of al peoples of the world, and of all languages vnder heauen, Gréekes, Latines, Hebrues, Calde∣ans, Parthyans, Medes, Elamites, Capadocians, Asianes, Phrigian, E∣giptianes, Arabianes, Syrians, Af∣fricanes and Indians.

3 They stoode all before y^e imperyall seate of God. It was giuen them by the holy ghost to sée him in faith reig∣ning in hys true church, and to take hym for theyr mercyfull Lorde and father.

4 They stoode also in the presence of the poore Lambe, beutifully cloathed with long whyte garmentes. They beléeued Christ to be theyr only saui∣our and redéemer, and were moste highly accepted before hym for that beléeues sake. They lyued purely ac∣cording to his worde, & did all things of a sincere conscience, taking him for their only health and comfort.

By hym onely they trusted to haue their sinnes forgiuen, wherfore they were by him iustified and restored to perfect innocencie.

5 Palmes had they in their handes large and beutifull, in token of victo∣rie ouer sinne, hell, death, & the diuill, which they haue through Christ.

6 And they cryed all with a loude voyce. In an earnest fayth they made this strong protestacion, saying.

7 No merite, health, nor goodnesse be attributed vnto vs, nor yet vnto any creature in heauen nor in earth for vs. But all our whole saluacion, lyfe, and deliuerance, be onely ascry∣bed vnto hym that sitteth vpon the throne of our God, reigning by hys spirite not in the false counterfayte church, but in the true christian con∣gregacion.

8 And vnto the swéete Lambe Ie∣sus Christ, which alone dyed for the same. For health is onely the Lordes, so is the eternall blessyng, and ney∣ther of our works, nor yet of our good déeds, for the best of them are defiled.

9 And all the Angelles or ministers of heauen, compassed the throne ac∣cording to their offyce. They assisted the true faithfull church which is the seate of God.

10 The xxiiij. elders they compas∣sed also, so dyd they the .iiij. beastes. For ministers they are to the saincts departed, and seruaunts to them that be yet aliue.

11 They fell downe flatte on theyr

faces before the throne. They méeke∣ly acknowledged them selues the cre∣atures of God, and seruaunts to hys congregacion.

12 And they worshipped not y^• seate, but God which sate on the seat. Most highly they magnified him and pray∣sed him for restoring their lost num∣ber saying: So be it euermore as we shall now desire.

13 Euerlastyng prayse and glory, perpetuall wisedome and thankes, continuall honour and poure wyth might which can not be measured, be referred vnto our eternall God of all his creatures for euer and euer, yea for all that he hath wrought in them, Amen.

THE TEXT.

1 And one of the elders answered, saying vnto me▪ 2. What are these which are arayed in long white garmēts, & whēce came they. 3▪ and I said vnto hī, 4. Lord thou vvottest. 5. And he sayd vnto me. 6 these are they vvhich

out of great tribulacion, 7. and made theyr garments large, 8. and made them whyte in the bloud of the Lambe. 9. Therfore are they in the presence of the seate of God, 10. and serue him day and night in his Temple. 11. And he that sitteth in the seate, will dvvell among them. 12. They shall hūger no more, neyther thurst, 13. Neyther shall the sunne light on them, 14. neither any heate. 15. For the Lambe vvhich is in the mids of the seate shall feede them, 16. and shall lead them vn∣to fountaynes of liuing water. 17. And God shall vvype avvay all teares from their eyes.

The Paraphrase.

1 And one of the auncyent elders (sayth sainct Iohan) made aunswere vnto that, whiche I was inwardlye most desirous to knowe concernyng this innumerable multytude, saying vnto me by maner of question.

2 What are these comely persons, which are thus beutifully apparelled in long whyte garmentes, large and fayre? And from whence came they as thou supposest.

3 And I as one ignoraunt of the mi∣steries of God, of myne owne nature

without the speciall gifte of hym, an∣sweared after this sorte.

4 Syr, thou wottest what they are and from whence they come, by such knowledge as the Lorde hath giuen thée.

5 And hée sayde agayne vnto mée thus.

6 These are they which come vnto Christ by fayth, out of the great try∣bulacion of worldly wickednes, flesh∣ly cares, and disquieted consciences.

7 Abhorring the doctrine of mens in∣uencions, they set sure holde vpō the liuing word of the Lord. There fette they out forgiuenesse of their sinnes, and made their garmentes large to couer theyr olde deformities.

8 They washed their lyues in the sorowes of repentaunce, and fashyo∣ned theyr déedes to his swéete lawes and commaundementes. They made their garments white in the precious bloud of the Lambe, beléeuing to bée purified by the meryte of his death.

9 And therfore are they at this time in the presence of his maiestie, accep∣ted,

takē, and alowed for the citizens of heauen.

10 They serue him day & nyght in the Temple of their soules, and they prayse his glorious name in spirite for euer more.

11 The Lord that sitteth on y^e throne will alwayes dwell among them, as their most mightie defendor, theyr solace, and their comforte.

12 The spirit shall so refresh them, they shall no more hunger nor thirst. Though concupiscence dwel in them they shall desire none euill.

13 Neither shall the sunne so lyght on them, which is this worldes pro∣speritie, that they shall forget theyr Lord God at any season.

14 No heat shall hurt them, nor ad∣uersitie of this worlde ouercome thē, but in y^t they suffer or doe, all thyngs shall worke to the best.

15 For the innocent Lambe Christ which is in the middest of the seat, or the cōgregacion of God by his word, shall norish, féede, & releue thē w^t hys promise, shal preserue, comfort & lead

them by his spirit. Yea he shall so or∣der them, they shall haue néede of nothyng. And if he bée their light, health, and strength, of whom should they be afrayed

16 He shall bring them vnto the foū∣taynes of the lyuing waters, & make them such well springs as shall flow vp into the lyfe euerlasting. His doc∣trine must doe it and none other, for none commeth to y^e father but by him.

17 And God shall wype away all teares frō their eyes. Aduersitie shall be vnto them a very consolacion. No sorows shal they care for, no tormēts shall they regard, no troubles nor yet death shall they feare, but thinke in their hartes alwayes, y^t the suffrings of this lyfe are nothing to the glorie to come. The aforesayde elder myght séeme to be Iacob, whose prophecie might tell Iohn, that Christ should washe his garment in wine, and hys mantel in y^e blud of grapes. So might it be Dauid or Esay, which also con∣firmeth the same.

In this as in a glasse may be séene what they are afore god y^t at this pre∣sent

age, or vnder this sixe seale ope∣ning vnfaynedly cleueth to his word, foloweth it in effect, and liueth accor∣dyng vnto it. Fyrst they are cléere a∣fore God, and no sinne shall be impu∣ted vnto them for their faithes sake. Consequently, they are deliuered of a troublous cōscience. The Lambe hath restored them to innocency, & God ac∣cepteth them for his children. These séeke no doctryne but the scrypture. They serue God in spirite and in no deade thinges. They hunger not for mens tradycions, they thirst not for hipocrites good works, they are well, and fully contented with the Lambe. They séeke no prosperitie, neyther care they for aduersitie. The word of God is their gyde, and therein they minde to depart. None o∣ther but such are sealed vn∣to god, nor none els walk before him in whyte garmentes.

The viij. Chapter.

THE TEXT.

1 And when he had opened the seuenth seale, 2. there was silence in heauen about the space of halfe an houre. 3, And I savv se∣uen Angels, 4. standing before God. 5. And to them vvere giuen seuen Trompettes. 6. And an other Angell came, 7. and stood be∣fore the aulter, 8. hauing a golden censer▪ 9. And much of odours vvas giuen vnto hym. 10. that he should offer of the prayers of all saynctes vpon the golden aulter, 11. vvhich vvas before the seate. 12. And the smoke of the odours vvhich came of the prayers of the Sainctes ascended vp before God out of the Angelles hande. 13. And the Aungell tooke the censer, and filled it vvith fyre of the aul∣ter, 14. and cast it into the earthe, 15. And voices were made, and thunderings, & light∣nings, 16. and great earthquake. 17, And the seuen Angels vvhich had the seuē trumpets, 18, prepared them selues to blovv.

The Paraphrase.

1

IN the seuenth seale openyng (which is the next & the last) there was silence in heauen (saieth Sainct Iohn) by the space of halfe an houre. This signifi∣eth that there shall bée in that age, that peace in the Christian churche, which Christ brought with him from heauen, and left héere with his discy∣ples. Then shall wretched Babylon fall, then shall the bloudie beast full of blasphemous names perishe, then shal y^e great Antichrist with his whole generaciō com all togither, to naught, then shall the fierce Dragon bée tyed

[illustration]

vp for a M. yeres. Thē shal raign peace & cōcord, y^e truth shal be beloued, gods word shal be had in estimacion, & hys

seruants shall liue w^tout check. Hap∣pie are they that shal sée those dayes.

2 This silence shall endure but half an houre space, whiche may bée the thousande yeares that are spoken of héere afore, consideryng that all the age after Christ is but the last houre, and a thousand yeares before God is but as the day that is paste. In the time of this swéete silence shall Isra∣ell be reuyued, the Iewes shall bée conuerted, the Heathen shall come in agayne. Christ will séeke vp his lost shéepe and bryng hym agayne to hys folde, that they maye appeare one flock, lyke as they haue one shepe∣herde.

3 And I sawe (sayeth sainct Iohn) seuen Angels standing before the ma∣iestie of God, which signifieth y^e prea∣chers of his worde for the seuen seue∣rall times of the vij. seales opening, to euerie seale corresponding an An∣gell. For all that the preachers hath done from the beginning of the Gos∣pell, to the tyme of this last seale o∣pening, shall then appeare at once.

In that day (sayeth Esay (the Trum∣pet shall be blowen, they that were lost shall come from the Ascirians, the scattered flocke shall come from E∣gypt, & worship y^e Lord in Ierusalem.

4 These Angels stoode before y^e pre∣sence of God, as mynisters of accepta∣cion, readie to execute his heauenly will and commaundement.

5 And to them was giuen vij. hol∣low trumpettes, the ministracion of his worde was vnto them commit∣ted. They ran not foorth vnsent, they spoke not vncommaūded. They blew their trumpettes one after an other. As the seales were opened, the miste∣ryes they declared as came to theyr course.

6 And another Angell (sayeth sainct Iohn) of a much higher nature then these, came forth, yea euen the Angel of the couenaūt that was so sore lon∣ged for, came to hys holye Tem∣ple.

7 He stood before the aulter, he hum∣bled him selfe, hée became man, hée tooke the shape of a seruaunt.

8 He had in his hande a golden cen∣ser. This Lorde Iesus Christ the so∣ueraygne messenger of our saluacion tooke it vpon him alone to be our me∣diatour our aduocate before God, and the onely attonemente for our sinnes.

9 And much incense of odours was giuen vnto hym by the great fayth of Abraham, Iohn Baptist, and of all the sanctified number.

10 That he shoulde offer vp vnto God so much of the prayers of all the faythfull beléeuers vpon the golden aulter or in his glorifyed nature, as was right afore him.

11 Which aulter is now before the throne of God. He hath an euerlasting priesthood, he is able to saue them that come vnto God by hym, and lyueth ••mmortal, standing on his right hand as one euer readie to make interpel∣••acion for vs. All they consented in ••ne that hée should be theyr generall ••ttourney, consideryng he was their ••nely sauiour and redéemer.

12 And the swéete smoke of the odo∣rous

incense, which came of y^e whol∣some and fe••uent desires of them that had fayth, ascended vp before God out of y^e Angels hande. By his onely meryte was their fayth accepted, and for his deaths sake their works plea∣sed God.

13 The sayd Angel tooke the censer, he prepared his godlie spirite. He fil∣led it with fire of the aulter, whych was his eternall charitie.

14 And he cast it into the earth, with poure he sent it downe in clouen fye∣rie tounges vpon hys Apostles, of whose plentuous aboundaūce all wée haue receyued.

15 And as it was come down, there were noyses, thunderings, and feare∣full lightnynges, for it rebuked the world of sinne, of rightuousnesse, and of iudgement. It reprooued the world of vnfaythfulnesse, for contempnyng the light of Gods veritie. It threate∣ned it for supersticions, hypocrisie, and outwarde obseruacions. And vt∣terly it condempned it for obstinacie of corrupte interpretacions.

••6 There was also a terrible earth∣quake as it was comen into y^e world. The vngodly rulers were mooued, the ambicious prelates were vexed, ••he couetous lawyers fretted, the hy∣pocrites and priestes waxed madde, yea they are not yet quyeted to thys day. They still lye & prate, they blas∣pheme and accuse, they persecute and kill, they hange, burne, and drowne, their malice hath none ende.

••7 And the sayd vij. Angels (sayeth Iohn) which are the vniuersall prea∣chers of Gods veritie, hauyng theyr vij. trumpettes or full aucthoritie gi∣uen them of the Lord.

••8 Prepared them selues by power of the holy Ghost, to execute their of∣fices, & to blow ech one in his course.

THE TEXT.

1 The first Angell blew, 2. And there was made hayle and fyre, vvhich vvere mingled vvith bloud, 4. and they vvere cast into the earth. 5. And the third part of the trees vvas brent, 6. and all greene grasse vvas brent.

The Paraphrase.

1 The first Angell first stoode foorth, and blewe his Trumpet. The Apo∣stles after y^e first seale opening (which was at the comming of the holy ghost) went forward with the gospell, and taught it the worlde ouer. And when they had beléeued and throughly re∣ceiued the word which were predesti∣nate of God to bée partakers of the glorie with Christ, the residewe still blynd & obstinate, perseuered in theyr infidelitie, and so perished.

2 For vpon them came hayle & fyre, which were myngeled with bloude. Their wickednesse ouer went them, their stubborne stomakes sturred vp their furie, their fiercenesse kindled e∣uer more and more, & theyr madnesse made them blynde.

3 And these they coupled alwais with crueltie & murther. For when Chri∣stes disciples had preached the Gos∣pell, the wicked sort of the Iewes and Gentiles in no case would beléeue it,

but their obstinacie so blinded them, and their malice so inflamed them, that they sought their death and pro∣cured the effusion of their blood. O∣uer all the Actes of the Apostles this is euident.

4 And they were cast into the earth. So occuppied their earthly hartes this wilfulnesse and anger with thirstynge of innocent bloude, that all grace in them was extingu∣ished, and all goodnesse cleane consu∣med.

5 The third part of the trées was brent, and all the gréene grasse came to nought. Though the chosen peo∣ple were euer the lesser number, and the wicked the much greater (as in Zacharie) yet are they not héere so noted, for so much as in the sight of the Lord the infinite rable of infidels are nothing to the smal flock of faith.

Consider also that in Zacharias time, the Iewes were the people of God, which were nothing in compa∣rison to the Gentiles. But now are the Gentiles his people, which euer

excéeded them in number. The thride part of the Trées wythered in their wickednesse were founde without fruit in the Gentiles.

6 All the Iewes which somtime were the gréene grasse by the many∣folde gifts of God, and by Christes comminge of them, were then brent vp cleane. True faith went from them, and their owne malice blin∣ded them.

Though this were veryfied of them onely, which were at the first Seale openinge, and the fyrste Trumpet blowinge, yet doth it touche the bloo∣dye Antechristes, Hypocrites, and vngodly rulers, withstanding Gods word to this present day, the poore Christians beinge gréene, and bringinge foorth fruit in pacient suf∣feraunce.

THE TEXT.

1 And the second Angell blevv, 2, And as it were a great mountaine burning with fier, 3, Was cast into the sea. And the thirde parte of the sea turned to bloude. 5, And the thirde parte of the creatures vvhich had lyfe, dyed, 6. And the thirde parte of the shippes vvere destroyed.

The Paraphrase.

1 The seconde Angell blew his Trumpet at the seconde Seale ope∣ning, which signifieth the preachers, declaringe the secrete misteries of Gods verytie immediatly after the Apostles time.

2 And as they were at the pleasure of the Lorde so doynge, a monstrous thinge in manner of a great moun∣tayne burninge with fier was cast into the sea.

A cruell sorte of false disciples and wicked brethren arose vp frō among them, all earthly minded to couetus∣nesse,

puffed vp with pride and ambi∣cion, inflamed also with anger, spight & vengeāce, they boysterously entred in among the people, so mutable and fickle as the sea, which chaungeth with euery winde. These are the mountaines that swell vp thinkinge much of themselues. These are the rysing hylles that boast so much of their good workes, of whose ouer∣throw by Gods word both Esay and Iohn Baptist dyd prophesie. Such fyery mountaines were Iānes and Iambres, that maliciously resisted Moyses, so were Phassur and Seme∣ias, which vexed the Hrophet Hiere∣my.

Such burning hylles were Cayphas and Annas against Christe, Diotre∣phes, Herpocras, Hebion, and Cerin∣thus against Iohn the Euangelist, Demetrius, Bariehu, Himenius, and Alexander against Paule, with such lyke moody prelates resistinge the truth to this present day. Suche smocky mountaines of contradiction

both dayly withstande Christ in the edifying of his Christen Church, as rebuked Zorababel in y^e building of the Iewes temple.

3 They sturre vp the sea, they moue the weake people, and make them blynd as Asses. In their hate they prouoke the Princes to cruelty and malice. They cause them to pu∣nishe the poore Preachers, and put asyde the trueth least they should fal vnto it.

4 By reason of this burning hyll fallyng into y^e sea, the third parte of y^e water turned into blood, y^e third part of y^e people seduced by them became hatefull murtherers. Not only they accused GODS seruauntes, but as bloud thirsty beastes they con∣sented to their deathes, not consyde∣rynge that he which doth but onely hate his brother is an homicide.

5 The thyrde parte of the crea∣tures, which had lyfe dyed. Of those which séemed to be faithfull amonge them, a great number were worse then nought. Dissembling with faith

they betraied the truth, and wrought much wickednesse. Many martirs were then euery where.

6 So that the third part of the shippes were destroyed also. Many Churches or pryuate congregations called parrishes, for feare of loosinge their goodes, and for doubt of impri∣sonment and death, refused the faith and fell cleane from the trueth, and so were perished and loste. For Shippes in the scriptures betokneth them.

THE TEXT.

1 And the third Angell blevv, 2. And there fell a great Starre from Heauen, 3. Burning as it vvere a Creshet. 4. And it fell into the thirde parte of the Riuers, and in∣to fountaines of vvaters. 5. And the name of the Sarres is called vvormvvode, 6. And the thitd part of the waters vvas turned to wormevvod. 7. And many men dyed for the vvaters, because the vvere made bitter.

The Paraphrase.

1 When the thirde Angel blew hys Trumpet at the third scale ope∣ninge, there fell from heauen a great mighty Starre, burning lyke a Cre∣shet,

2 As the preachers of that time opened the trueth of god, many great doctors and excellent learned men, as Arius, Macedonius, Cutices, Ua∣lens, and such other, declined from the sincere faith, and fell to blasphe∣mous opinions concerning the God∣head.

3 These séemed gloryous to the earthly minded people, they appeared notable and famous to the blind for∣saken sort, yet was their learninge madnesse, and their doctrine fables and lyes. But this is here to be no∣ted, that they which are true techers remaine still in heauen, they perse∣uer in the christen church, where as the other are fallen cleane frō thēc•• by apostasie, and errours, so that they are none of Christes.

4 This starre fell into the thirde parte of the ryuers, whiche are the scriptures peruerted, and into the fountaynes of waters, whiche are Gods owne very wordes depraued. These haue the false doctours, yea pernicious heritikes infected with their errours, corrupted with their lyes, and with theyr false interpre∣tations made them bitter and vnsa∣uerye.

5 For the name of the starre was wormewoode, whose nature is to withdraw all swéetenesse. These with their bitter heresies and their noysome doctrine destroyed the pits of Abraham, they troubled the Text, they mixed the truth w^t falshod, they poysoned the waters, they tooke a∣way the louesomnesse of them, they left them vnpure and vnperfite (not that they can be so of thē selues, but of their false workinge) they made them vnpleasant, vnprofitable, yea and most perylous vnto many.

6 For it followeth, When the third parte of the waters (whiche are the scriptures corrupted by them) was

turned into woormwoode, or bitter∣nesse of errours.

7 Many men dyed of them. They perished by those doctrines, bicause they were made bitter. Yet were not all men cast away, for two parts were left vndefyled, and many that dronke the poysoned waters, enome∣ted them againe. Onely were they lost that retayned thē styll. The pure waters are héere doubled vnto the waters infected. For double in va∣lue is the verytie before GOD, and the true minister therof worthy dou∣ble honour, where as the other are nothing at all.

THE TEXT.

1 And the fourth Angell blew, 2. And the third part of the Sunne vvas smitten, & the thirde parte of the Moone, & the third parte of the Starres. 3▪ So that the thirde part of them was darkened. 4. And the day was smitten. 5. That the thirde parte of it shoulde not shine, and lykewise the night. 6. And I beheld and heard an angell flying through the midst of heauen. 7. And saying with aloude voyce. 8. Wo, wo, wo, to the dwellers of the earth, 9. Because of the voices to come of the Trompetes of the three An∣gels, which were yet to blow.

The Paraphrase.

1 At the fourth Seale opening the fourth Angell stoode forth and blew his Trumpet. Neuer was the time yet so perylous but some trewe preachers hath bin in it. Were there neuer so many herisies abroad, yet haue there reigned some godlye ministers, what though they were vnknowne to the worlde. Many sincere fathers were in the desert wildernes when most mischief was in doynge amonge the cruel tiraunts which priuyly resortinge to Cities, taught them whom God had appoin∣ted to be saued.

Of this number was Paulus Anto∣nius, Hilarion, Macharius, Pambo, Theonas, Effrem, & suche lyke. And longe since their time Anastasius, Persa, Theophilactus, Fulgencius, Beda, Alcuinus, Strabus, and such other many.

Not with standinge all that they taught and wrot was not gospell. All was not without superstition though they lyued in much purenesse of lyfe.

1 These blew the Trumpet as they had receiued that time. But the false Hipocrites and the Antichristes so preuayled more and more vnder Mahomet and the romish pope that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christianitie and spirituall holynesse was turned into supersticious sects. None was well christened that had not a moonkish disguising. None was thought spirituall, vnlesse he were shauen on the crown. Then brought thei in many new waies of saluatiō, to proue Christ but a second Sauy∣our, as pardons, pilgrimages, Masses and fryday fastings. Then was god able to helpe no disease, but images were sought vp euery where, saincte Iob for the pox, Saint Roke for the pestilence, sainct Germine for the a∣gue, saint Appolyne for the tooth ake, sainct Graciane for thrift losinge, and sainct Barbara for gonnshote.

That Lady in that place, and that Lady in that. This Roode héere, and that Roode there. And he that dyd miracles héere, coulde doe nothinge there. Thus was all chaunged into diuilishnesse, and their preachers for lucre confyrmed alwayes the same, whiche were many more in number then were the true messen∣gers of God,

2 In this most corrupted and dolo∣rus age, the fourth Angell blowinge his trumpet, the poore forsaken dis∣ciples shewing the trueth, the thirde parte of the sunne was smitten, so was the thirde parte of the Moone, & also the thirde part of y^e stars. Good creatures they found y^e third part of Gods heauenly word sore blemished by the hypocrites, the Christen Churche piteously disfigured by the antichrists and the inferioure mini∣sters thereof, darkned by Tyraunts and cruell magistrates.

3 By their wicked strocke the light of GODS verytie was hydden, and appeared lesse by y^e thirde part then it was afore.

Lesse was Christ the sonne of righ∣tuousenesse knowen, lesse was the Christen Church faithfull, and lesse were the preachers godly. More igno∣rant was at y^e time then afore, more supersticion, hipocrisie, and falshod, wherfore the third parte of them all was darkned.

4 At that time also by reason of them, the day was so smitten, that the thirde parte thereof shewed no clearenesse, and so was the night lykewise.

5 In no case might Christe shine in the Curates and religious, which ••ooke themselues for the day, nor yet Christen fruits in the common peo∣ple whiche were estéemed the night, Onely were their will works alow∣ed, and their dyrty traditions thought godly.

The true trumpet blowers or mi∣nisters of the word, were then com∣pelled by cruell cōmaūdements, & the ••ōmons by cruell lawes enforced in ••o case to medle w^t y^e truth, least their ••bhominable doynges were espyed.

In this therefore marke, what a de∣testable thinge false doctrine of hypo∣crites is, for it bringeth in all dark∣nesse an ignoraunt blindnesse, and it shadoweth vnder pretence of ver∣tue, all wickednesse, and sinne.

6 And then (saith saint Iohn) I behelde an Angell, flyinge through the middes of heauen, as it had bin an Eagle, which betokeneth certaine peculiar seruauntes of GOD, illu∣mined with some knowledge, and lea••ing an high conuersation in the church. Such were Ioachim Abbas, Cirillus of Carme, Angelus of Hie∣rusalem, Theolespherus of Cusenci∣a, Raynhardus, and other. And since their time Petrus Iohannis, Ro∣bertus de vsecio, Iohannis de rupe∣scissa, Arnoldus de villa noua, Hiero∣nimus Sauonarola, with suche lyke.

7 These perceiuing the light of Gods veritie, and the true teachers therof dayly deminishinge, conside∣ring also the mighty increase of dark¦nesse with a lowde voyce they cryed

earnest writings they sēt the world ouer, vnder the title of reuelation and prophecie.

8 Saying by the threatninges of scripture, wo, wo, wo, to the inha∣bitours of the earth. More wicked∣nesse is comming, more blindnes and more darknesse to the vngodly infy∣dels and earthly minded people. It will stylll be worse and worse to the foolish ignoraunt sorte, through the errours, lyes, and abhominable superstitions of the false Anty∣christes and cruell Chaplaynes of Baal.

9 And this rebuking crye, was because of the voyces of the other thrée Aungels were yet to blowe with the Trumpet, whose blastes they shoulde also more déepely con∣temne. By prophesies & scriptures, hath many godly men perceiued a∣fore hande with Paule, the fall of faith, the increase of errours, and that diuers shoulde decline from the truth, and earnestly they haue pre∣monished the gouernours of it.

Yet haue they neglected the warn∣ing, and vtterly dispised them for it, leadinge the People into the depth of all errours and filthy abhomina∣tions.

The .ix. Chapter.

THE TEXT.

1 And the fifte Angell blew. 2. And I sawe a Starre fall from Heauen vnto the earth. 3. And to hym vvas geuen the key of the bottomlesse pit, 4. And he opened the bottomlesse pyte. 5. And there arose a smoke of the pytte, as it were the smoke of a fur∣nace. 6 And the sunne and the Ayre vvere darkened, by the reason of the smoke of the pyt. 7. And there came out of the smoke Locustes vppon the earth. 8 And vnto them vvas geuen povver. 9. As the Scorpions of the earth haue povver.

The Paraphrase.

THe fift Angell which blew his trumpet vnder the fift seale o∣penyng of the Lambe, were they which had the worde of God for that age of Christes Church, and that published it to his electes. And these doeth not onely séeme to bée fewe in number, but also they appear to haue taught priuily in priuate congregaci∣ons and houses.

[illustration]

2 For whē this trumpet was blow∣en, Iohn beheld a starre fallen downe cleane from heauen into the earthe, no parte thereof reserued, neyther of

the starre in heauen, representing the spirituall church, nor yet of the earth from the starre, betokening y^e world∣ly people. Neyther were the spiritu∣altie of Christes church, nor yet the laytie cléere from their poysons anye where. This glittering starre or shy∣ning multitude of prelates, pastours, and religious fathers, were fallen a∣way from the doctryne of the spyrite, from the liuing word of the Lord, and from the right conuersaciō of Christ, into the earthe of their owne decrées and lawes, nothing sauouring but car∣nall tradicions, dumme dark ceremo∣nies, and doctryne of diuilles, fashio∣ning their lyues all after the same. Then soughte they vp Plato, Aue∣roys, and Auicenne. Then was Ari∣stotle thought necessarie to interprete the scriptures. Then was there an infinite rable of Sophisters & schoole doctours of reals and nominalles, of sentencioners and summistes of col∣lyginers and Canonystes, of Sco∣tistes, Thomistes, Olcamystes, Al∣berstystes, Baconystes, Anconistes.

And euerye man thought hys owne wysedome best, which God hath pro∣ued starke foolishenesse, all and moste ydiotishe dottage. When the blynde world supposed they had the truth by this fallen starre, they had nothyng lesse. Under the fifte seale openyng this darkenesse was not séene, but the sixte now discloseth all. Onely y^e slayn sorte complayned that tyme desiryng theyr bloud to be reuenged, where as an answer was made them, that ma∣ny more yet should bée kylled to ful∣fill theyr number. And it was proued true. For none in those dayes once hyssed agaynst them, but suffered death for it. Yea of Emperours and kings that offended them, some were accurssed, some deposed, some slaine, some poysoned.

Neyther spared they power nor yet noble blud. In Englād héer they slew King Herolde, poysoned King Iohn, and famished King Richard the ij. by their own historyes, they burned sir Roger Actō knight, sir Iohn Oldeca∣stel, the Lord Cobham, & sir Raynolde

pecock byshop of Chychester they im∣prisoned to death, besides an infinite number of poore simple soules, no lawful cause known, but lyes of their owne forging. Yea and the articles that they dyed for than, they affirme nowe to bée good. But no maruayle though they dyd suche myschiefe in those dayes.

3 For to the starre was giuen the key of the bottomlesse pitte. After they were fallen from the wisedome of God to the corrupt dreams of men, folowyng rather the creatures then the maker of them, hée gaue them o∣uer vnto theyr owne imaginacions and fantasies.

4 Thē had they poure in darknesse, by their carnall, beastly, and diuilishe diuinitie to open the well of dampna∣cion. For what is the wisedome of the fleshe els but death? What are theyr practises but fighting weapons against lyfe? They had licence to de∣ceyue, and leysure to doe mischief in outward things, as had Sathan vpon the body of Iob. But no doubt y^e good∣nesse

of God yet preserued y^e inwarde soules of many simple Iobbes for tyme of that daungerous world.

5 And whē they had opened y^e bottom∣lesse pit with y^e key of their false doc∣trine, there wēt vp a black filthie ayre as it had bene y^e smoke of a great for∣nace. There arose all errours, lyes, heresies, supersticions, idolatrie, coue∣tousnesse, pryde, incontinencie, false∣hood, hypocrisie, with all other filthi∣nesse, which are the fruits of hell, and they wēt abroad y^e world ouer. Thus hath these cursed Apostates y^e pope & his Chaplaynes the keyes in deed, not of heauen but of hell. They may open but they can not spear againe, vnlesse they spear from heauē, as they doe al∣wayes. They may hurt, but they can not heale, they may distroy, but they can not help, they may well dampne, but they can not saue. For the nature of their keye is onely to make blinde, obstinate, foolyshe, harde harted, and euer more worse and worse. He one∣ly giueth light, grace, faith, & health. He taketh away all darkenesse and

sinne, which hath the keye of Da∣uid. For he alone hath trodē down the wyne presse, hauyng the whole victorie ouer death, sinne, hell, and the diuill. He hath power onely to speare vp both death and hell. The fyre of Gods wrath, they be not able to quench. The smoke of the dyuils malyce and continuall wickednesse, they be not able to kéepe downe. Eua could not w^tstād one simple suggestiō of Sathan. A smal taste of this smoke lost Adam with his whole posteritie. And now these Antichristes hath fil∣led the world with it. For what is it els but wicked perswasions? a lear∣ning of diuilles, and a doctryne con∣trarie to y^• doctryne of God? poysoning all, destroying all, & leading vnto hell.

6 The sun by this smoke was dar∣kened, so was the holesome ayre. The Gospell they defiled with their false interpretacions. Gods word they cor∣rupted with their gloses, cōmenta∣ries, and postilles. They myngled the scriptures with the dirtie dregges of their own lawes, tradicions, and olde

rotten customes of their popishe fa∣thers. So that in the church no good ayre could be had, no swéete smell of the truth could be found. There was much ydoll worshipping, strange cry∣ing, and lippe labouring, sensing, foo∣ling, & charming, crossing, mowyng, and iugling, gasing, knéeling, & knoc∣kyng, but no true Gospell preaching.

7 Out of this pestilent smoke came innumerable locustes, a verie mon∣struous vermyne and horrible to be∣hold, créeping ouer all y^e earth. These were the disguised swarme of Cardy∣nalles, mytred Bishoppes, doctours, shauen priestes, Abbottes, Moonkes, Chanons, Fryers, Nunnes, sisters, and heremites, in read, white russet, graie, blacke, blewe, and all other co∣lours. Of these were y^e Benedictines, the Bernardines, Gerondines, Gil∣bertines, Celestines, Scopetines, Grādimontensers, Camaldulensers, Cruniacensers, Premonstratensers, Carthusianes, Carmelitanes, Am∣brosianes, Rhodianes, Gregorianes, Purgatoryanes, Guilhelmytes,

Iesuites, Iohannites, Hieronimites, Niniuits, Cellites, Thaborits. Tem∣plars, Hospitelers, Crucigers, Augu∣stinianes, Dominicianes, Francisca∣nes, Brygydanes, Basilianes, of Io∣saphats valley, and of the dark alley, and suche other, with innumerable swarmes of them euerie where. Pe∣ter prophecyed afore of thys smokie multitude, when hée gaue warnyng that there should come into the Chri∣sten church false teachers, which pri∣uily should bring in damnable sectes, denying the Lord that bought them, and many should follow their damna∣ble wayes, thorough whom the truth should haue ill reporte. But fewe hath marked that warning.

8 And vnto these noysome locustes was poure giuen, but yet none other poure, then haue the scorpyons of the earth, whose craftie nature is fyrst to créepe softely, then gréeuouslye to sting, & last of all to venim. Thys pe∣stilent vermine, God hath suffred for the wickednes of his people, first flat∣teringly to créepe, to dissemble, glose,

glose, and speak fayre, promising pro∣speritie, victorie, long lyfe, and hea∣uen, after this departing. And by such meanes gote they vnder them Em∣perours, Kings, gouernours, and all the world besides.

9 Then did they sting their consci∣ences with terrible dreames and vi∣sions, and with fearefull reuelacions of purgatorie and of hell, to buylde them vp faire houses, and to lyue in wealth and pleasure. Fynally, they venimed their fayth with their poiso∣ned counsayles and promyses, and so tooke they from them the true hope in Christ, making marchandise of them through couetousnesse & faire words. Thus cloistering togither like locusts they haue left nothing gréene, but all they haue withered and distroyed. No workes might then be vsed of Gods prescription, but such as were fanta∣sied by them for aduantage, as masse founding, chaunteries building, priest singing, Image gilding, kissing of re∣lyques, prayinge to death men, and such lyke.

And when they were once frank and fatte, they stood vp togither proudly a∣gaynst the Lord and his word.

THE TEXT.

1 And it vvas sayde vnto them that they should not hurte the grasse of the earth nei∣ther any greene thing, neyther any tree, 2. but only those men vvhich haue not the seal in their foreheades 3.

And to them vvas it cōmaunded, that they shuld not kil them, 4. but that they shuld be vexed fyue monethes. 5. And their payne vvas as the payne that commeth of a Scorpi∣on, vvhen he hath stung a man. 6. And in those dayes shall men séeke death, and shall not finde it, 7. and shall desire to dye, and death shall flie from them.

The Paraphrase.

1 Yet were they commaunded that they should in no case hurt the grasse of the earth, neyther any gréen thing, nor trée. Though they were permyt∣ted by the sufferaunce of God to doe much mischiefe, yet could they harme none but such as wanted fayth.

He ordayned from the beginning al∣wayes to saue his. Neuer could Sa∣than hynder the soule of Iob, onely did he vexe the outward carkasse and goods. Where as fayth is growing, true hope in Christ springing, and workes of charitie fructifying, they shall doe no hurte by the promyse of God. Where the gift of the spirite a∣boundeth, they can in no wyse pre∣uayle. If any hinderaunce doeth fall, it is where fayth is wanting.

2 For onely had they power vpon those men which had not the seale of God in their foreheades. They onely are in perill that haue not the sure fayth. And the more want they haue therof, the more is their seathe when it commeth.

3 Yet had those locusts in commaun∣dement, that in no wise they shoulde kill them whom they had noyed. For the wil of God is that no wicked per∣son should perishe, vnlesse he resisted the holy ghost, but rather to turne frō sinne and to liue.

4 Onely was it permytted that

they should be vexed v. moneths. On∣ly for their lyfe tyme were they suf∣fered to ouer loade their poore consci∣ences with their beggerly tradicions, to trouble them with their trumpe∣rie, to gréeue them with their curses, and to torment thē with their threa∣tenings of their purgatorie and theyr hell. Though they blynded for want of the scripture, erred in all popishe diuilrie, and for lacke of true know∣ledge had not the token of fayth, yet perished they not wholly, no more thē did Nicodemus and Gamaliell which were but carnal men. But their ends the Lord reserued to his own mercy∣full goodnesse, for confessing y^e name of Iesus Christ.

5 Yet were they sore vexed for the tyme, and theyr payne was as the stinging of a Scorpion, when he hath hurte a man. A prickyng of a more then halfe desperate mynde, a feare of a wonderfully troubled conscience, yea and a great doubt of saluaciō ha•• they, till God shewed his mercy vpon them, opening their faint hartes and

strēgthning thē w^t his inward power.

6 And in those dayes shall men séeke death, and yet shall not fynde it. For the gréefe of their loaded consciences they shall in confessyons take coun∣sayle of them, which is very poyson and death, yet shall God so preserue them, it shall be no death vnto them. For no dampnacion can be vnto them which are in Christ Iesu. Loth dwel∣led in Sodome, yet peryshed he not with Sodome.

7 They shall desire to dye, and yet death shall flée from them. Whē they féele the terrible gnawing of inward fearefulnesse, they shal séeke vp their stinking remedyes, and require their dyrtie merytes, which is cleane to dye from Christ, and to forsake his li∣uing waters for their filthie puddels of hypocrisie and diuilishnesse. Yet by the singular grace and vnspeakeable mercie of God, that they séeke shall flée cleane from them, and that they haue not sought for, shall saue them, which is the onely bloud and death of Iesus Christ. Thus shal they haue

life vnlooked for, and be taken vp with Enoch from the wickednesse of thys world, and sée the God of Gods in Si∣on without their deseruing.

THE TEXT.

1 And the similitude of the locustes, vvas lyke vnto horses prepared vnto battayle. 2, And on their heads vvere as it vvere crovvnes lyke vnto gold. 3. And their faces vvere as it had bene the faces of men. 4. And they had hayre as the hayre of vvomen. 5. And theyr teeth vvere as the teeth of Lions. 6 And they had habbergyons, as it vvere habbergions of yron. 7. And the sounde of their vvinges vvas as the sounde of charettes, 8. vvhan manie horses runne togither to battayl. 9. And they had tayles lyke vnto Scorpions, 10. and there vvere stings in their tayls. 11. And their povv∣er vvas to hurte men fyue monethes. 12. And they had a Kynge ouer them vvhich is the Angell of the bottomlesse pitte, 13. vvhose name in the Hebrue tongue is Abadon, but in the Greeke tonge Appollyon. 14. One vvo is past, and beholde tvvo vvoes come yet af∣ter this.

The Paraphrase.

1 And the locusts in similitude were lyke vnto horses prepared vnto bat∣tayle full of stomake, stryfe, contenci∣on, anger, and hate, rygorous in exa∣minacions, fierce in excommunicacy∣ons, moodie in disputacions, mad, ha∣stie, and cruell agaynst the veritie, and euermore grudging among them selues one secte agaynst another.

2 Upon their heades they had coun∣terfect crownes in maner of gold. Glo∣rious names of dignitie had they, and shynyng tytles of hyghe prehemy∣nence vndeserued. Most holy fathers, most gracious Lordes, and moste re∣uerende maysters commonly were they called. They made large theyr phylacteries, & set abroad their skirts, they sought the highest places in the sinagoges, and salutacions of reue∣rence in the stréetes.

They were not as other men be. The simplest holy water priest amōg them was sir at the least, which is no lesse

than Lord. By presumptiō, pride, and ambicion, they exalted them selues a∣loft as the Ceader trées of Lybanus, aboue Emperours, Kings and Pryn∣ces. Yea they set their seates in hea∣uen, & became Gods vicars to dampne and saue at their pleasure. But w•• be to the proude crown of thys dron∣ken generacion, whose God is theyr belly, and whose glorie is but duste, and shal be their shame & confusion.

3 Their faces were not vnlyke to the faces of men. And outwarde pre∣tence they had of wisedome, grace, and godlines, yet was there nothing lesse with in them. Uerie prudent, wyse, & learned they séemed in theyr commoning, discréet in behauour, and sober in their lyuing, yet were they but paynted combes full of all sinne and filthinesse. The counterfait good∣nesse they shewed outwardely, was onely to be séene of the world.

4 Hayre they had on theyr heades most lyke to the hayre of women. All wauering were theyr myndes, incon∣staunt fickle and foolyshe. Theyr

harts were geuen to vncleanesse, their fleshe to voluptuous desyres and pleasures, so that in them ray∣ned all beastly abhominations. All execrable lustes flowed in them as the water of the Occean sea.

5 Their téeth were as the téeth of Lyons. For they were wholy geuen to gréedinesse, rauine, fierce∣nesse, and cruelty, not sparing, but de∣uouring the flock, not sauing, but loo∣singe, not helpinge, but destroyinge. These were those wilde beasts that trod downe the viniarde of the Lord, those vnresonable Bores, that hath rooted vp all, and those blood thirstye woulues that hath rente the poore Lambs in péeces.

6 Habbergyons had they vpon them lyke Iackes of Iron mayle, which signifieth their obstinate ma∣lice, their harde frowarde stubborne hartes against the verytie of God. For wilfully they resisted it, blas∣pheminge the holy ghost with the Pharisées and Scribes, whose sinne shal neuer be remitted in this world

nor in none other.

7 And the sounde of their winges was as the stout noyse of charrettes, when many horses bus••le together towardes a battayle. The wings of these abhominable locustes, that set them aloft so farre aboue them selues, are their dignities, offices, ry∣ches, liberties, Priueleges, Lawes, and such lyke, whiche boldeneth them in all thinges, be it neuer so vniust.

8 The noyse of these is greate, the note, the rumoure, the fame is mightye the worlde ouer, as well in Cromeles and writings as in the speache of the people. Yea vnder the title of God they bolster their wic∣kednesse to make it the stronger. All must be Gods dignities, Gods ser∣uice, Gods lawes, Gods religions, when it is stark deuillishnes. They make what lawes they lyst, they commaunde and forbid, they set vp and pluck downe, they both cursse and blesse, yea they doe all mis∣chiefe and all in his name. Be it ne∣uer

so vngodly, cruell, and false, yet must it forth in y^e name of god. Thus mightier winges they haue then had the great Eagle in Ezechiel. Ney∣ther could Pharo in Egipt, nor Na∣buchodonosor in Babilon, nor Antio¦chus in Iury do that they might do héere in christendome.

9 For they had tayles lyke vnto Scorpions, and there were sharpe stinges in their tayles. Theyr study, labour, and practises was euer for a false conclusion. The ende of their faire compassed crafts, was alwaies to maintaine their errours and lies.

10 And this had a very sharpe sting. For death was towardes them that withstoode their ginnes. Destruc∣tion of body and goods was euermore at hand

11 Yet was their powre only to hurt men for v. monthes space, to harme them in this sencible lyfe, deuided in fiue partes. No power had they vpon y^e soules hence departed. Then could they not hynder with all their censures, black curses, suspencions,

disgradings, interdictions, excommu∣nications, and all such terrible thun∣derbolts, with Booke, Bell, and Can∣dle. Farther extended not their vio∣lence, then vpon the poore bodies. The soules were in Gods handes, whose mercy is neuer farre of.

12 A King they had ouer them, which is the Angell of the bottom∣lesse pit, for he is the head captayne of all the children of pride, the ma∣ster of errours, and the father of lyes. Néedes must the diuell be their king whiles his smoky doctrine hath nou∣rished them, fed them, and set them foorth in their coulours.

Sure we are that they are straun∣gers to God, for the heauenly father neuer planted them. Well, such peo∣ple, such gouernour, such swarm, such stinking leader.

13 The name of this their capi∣tayne in the Hebrue tongue is Aba∣don, and in the Gréeke tongue Apol∣lyon, and both signifieth a spightfull destroyer. His nature is to persuade all euill, to infect the minde, to cor∣rupt

the hart, to plucke away faith, to make the soule blinde, to robbe man of all goodnesse, to seperate hym from God, and to dampne hym with hym selfe for euer. Wo is that wretched army that hath such a Ca∣pitaine, and that forsaken multitude, which hath such a king.

14 One wo is past. One cursed season of execrable blasphemy, dark∣nesse and deuilishnesse, vnder the fift seale opening, and the fyft trumpet blowing is at an ende. But looke to it well, for two other woes, yet shall come after this vnder the sixt and vii. as here after wyll appeare.

THE TEXT.

1 And the sixt Angell blewe. 2, And I hearde a voyce from the. 3. Foure corners of the golden Aulter, which is before God, 4▪ Saying to the sixt Angell, which had the Trumpet. 5. Lose the fowre Angelles, which are bounde in the greate ryuer Eu∣phrates, 6. And the fowre Angels were lo∣sed. 7. Whiche were prepared for an howre,

for a day, for a month, & for a yeare, 8. For to slea the thirde parte of men. 9. And the number of horsemen of vvar vvere tvventy times ten thousand. 10. And I hearde the number of them. 11. And thus I savv the horses in a vison. 12. And them that sate on them, hauyng fyerye habbergions of a ya∣lovv and brimstonie coloure.

The Paraphrase.

1 Consequently the sixt Angell stoode forth and triumphantly blewe his Trumpet. Constantly the sincere preachers of this present age hath taught Christ and hys veritie, vnder this sixt seale openinge, wherin they haue disclosed the detestable errours and shamefull abhomynacion of the other age afore.

2 And as this Trumpet was blowen I harde (saith saint Iohn) a swéete voyce from the fowre corners of the golden Alter whiche is before the eyes of God.

The Alter which is most preci∣ous, most deare, and most acceptable

[illustration]

vnto GOD the Father, is Iesus Christe full of grace and verytie. Uppon hym was offered one plea∣saunt offeringe, whose aboundaunt swéetnesse hath releued all faithfull beléeuers. And nothinge is accepted before GOD to this present day, vnlesse it be offered vppon hym. None Alter els alloweth he for the sacrifice of peace, neither Mary, nor Iohn, Peter nor Iames.

Uppon him we offer when we trust only in hym, and also when we liue according to true faith in hym re∣straining our olde Adam, with his fleshly desyres.

3 The fowre corners of this al∣ter is the Gospell, which he hath left by his Apostles in the fowre quar∣ters of the vniuersall worlde. The voyce is the ioyfull tidings or mes∣sage therof. And this signifieth Christ not onely to haue his church within the dominion of Rome vnder bon∣dage, but also in all other partes of the world in lybertie

All these fowre corners hath but one voyce. The Gospell euery where taught hath but one heauenly mes∣sage of mercy and peace from God the father, one glad tiding of health, and saluation from Iesus Christe, and one swéete smell of the grace of God and of victory in Christ from the holy ghost.

4 And this one voyce commaun∣ded the sixt Angell which had the Trumpet or the true faithfull prea∣chers vnder the sixt seale openinge, which had the administration of the word at the onely gift of God.

5 To goe foorth and to lose the fowre Angelles which are bounde in the

great riuer of Euphrates. Many hath the Lord anoynted with his spirit in this age to preache delyueraunce to the captiue, to open the pryson to thē that were in bondage, and to declare the acceptable yeare of health. By whose preaching he hath now vntha∣••••led the children of the dead and set them at libertie to preache his name in Syon, and to worshippe him in Hierusalem. Manye that afore were fettered with fantasies, yoked with vnaduised vowes, & ouerchar∣ged with intollerable burthens amōg Byshoppes, Priestes, Monkes, Cha∣nons, Fryers, and Noones, are now graciously delyuered, and with a frée conscience confesseth the verytie of God,

6 So that many among the fowre Angels, or a great number of them that were sometime Antichristes, Hypocrites, Tyrauntes, and mur∣thers, are now losened from Euphra∣tes the great flood of wauering fan∣tasies, and of the sickle pleasures of this worlde.

For though they were sore bound in their conscience and lyfe, yet wanted they there no wanton delightes, to nourish and féederal fleshlinesse. They lacked nothing that might maintaine their pompe, vayne glory, couetous∣nesse, pryde, glottony, and lechery, but they had it in abundance. And though the nature of Gods worde be as of a key to open vnto them that beléeue, and to speare vnto them that beléeue not, yet is it fayde héere to o∣pen vnto both. But yet in diuers re∣spects. For in the chosen sort it ope∣neth to loue, in y^e other it openeth to hate. The one bringeth forth hony by it w^t the Bée, y^e other venim with the spyder. The one is made more méeke and gentle, the other wareth more cruel and mad. As Paule saith vnto some it is the sauer of life vnto lyfe, and some againe it is that sauer of death vnto death. For hard is that worde to the execrable Angelles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 children of Sathan, callinge them from Euphrates.

They can in no wise abide it. Yet were the fowre Angels loosoned frō thence, and hath lost a great parte of theyr pleasures. Since the Gospell came in, the Antichristes hath lost the prophets of their Buls, pardons, confessions, pryuy tythes, ydol offe∣rings, purgatory, masses, bell christe∣nings, church hallowings with other loose endes. The Hypocrits hath lost their more then princely habitati∣ons, their monasteries, couents, hos∣pitalles, preben••••••ies and chaunte∣ries, with their fat féeding & warme couches, for yll gotten good will home againe. The tiraunts and murther∣rers haue not now their pleasures in all poyntes as they had afore tyme, what though their cru••ltie be stil as much as it was and rather more. For the people is not now to their minde as then.

And as these Angels are losoned in this quarter of y^e world, so shal they be in all then other quarters, the Lorde appoyntinge theyr tymes.

One corner of the aulter hath geuen his voyce I doubt it not but the o∣ther thrée will shortly doe the same.

7 The fowre yll Angels were pre∣pared (saith saint Iohn) for an houre, for a dae, for a month, and for a yéere. At no time are the Antichristes vn∣ready to doe mischiefe, the hypocrits to deceiue, the tiraunts to persecute and kyll. Since Christes time to this day neuer ceased they, but styll euermore they haue ben doyng. Yet hath their fiercenesse bene more and longer at one time then at an other, more vehement in some places then in some. And at this time, their con∣tinuance is some where longe, some where short. Some where is their crueltie more, some wher lesse. Their dayes are not alwayes alike, nor their liues of one length.

8 Notwithstandinge for their time they shrinke not, but styll 〈◊〉〈◊〉 goe forward to slay the third part of men. None other can the tyraunt be but a Tyraunt, nor the Antichriste but an Antichriste. None other

parte can the hypocrite play but hys owne, nor yet the spightfull murthe∣rer. Euer séeke they to kill the inno∣cent people. Euermore practise they to bringe out of the way, the rightu∣ous seruants of God, taken héere for the third part of men or in the smal∣ler number, for so much as héere is neither bloud, nor fyre, wormwoode, nor smoke.

9 And the number of their hors∣men, lyke vnto y^e horsemen of armes in warre, was twenty times tenne thousand, or ten score thousand. An innumerable multitude haue they sent forth the world ouer, to deceiue and blinde, to destroy and kyll. Hor∣sed they are with their beastly lawes and decrées, and armed with their fierce authoritie and cruell power. And who is not now an horseman of theirs, and a cruell Saul, making ha∣uock of Christes poore congregation? Euery where they by them and sell them, betray them and accuse them, persecute and emprison them, indite them, and burne them.

10 And I heard the number of them (saith sainct Iohn) or knew cer∣tainly asorehand that y^e truth in those daies should haue many such enimies I vnderstood it in spirit, I beléeued it and surely marked it vp for a war∣ninge to them that shoulde come af∣ter.

11 Consequently I saw the set∣ting forth of them. I behelde in a vi∣sion the horses, frank, fat, and fearce, which were none other then the a∣forsayd locustes that crept out of the smoke from the bottomlesse pytt••.

In the fift opening or blast of the Trumpet, which was the rank time of their goynge forth they were but locustes, leane, bare and néedy. In their beginning the Antichristes and hypocrites, as Byshoppes, Priestes, Monkes, Chanons and Fryers, were poore, abiecte and vntydy. But vnder the sixt they grew vnto great horses. They were so pampered with posses∣sions, fatted with pleasures, and bol∣dened with aucthorytie.

And when they were once comē into

the estimacion of the worlde, then waxed they high, heady, fierce, proud, and cruell. Then were they horses of pleasure for Princes, and worldly magistrates, to carye them at theyr owne lustes, for they were vnbride∣ded. No lawes had they for them. The scepture, Crowne, sworde and power, might then passe none other∣wise in Emperours and kings then they had fantasied.

A faut then done against them, could be no lesse then both heresy and trea∣son. If they sayde but burne, then must they be both drawne, hanged, and burned, no remedye. For that that toucheth thē, toucheth the prin∣ces honour also, to make the matter more greuouse. They shoulde not els be both partners in y^e venge∣ance of God for innocent bloud shed∣ding. Yet hurt they not the rightu∣ousnes in all their mischiefe, though ••t so appeareth vnto thē, for so much as their death is precious in y^e sight of y^e Lord, and their dwelling place y^e alter of god, Christ ful of rest & peace.

12 And the men that sate on these horses had fyerye Habbergions of a yalow and brimstone coulour. The Princes and Rulers prouoked by the craftes of these false Prophetes and deceiuable teachers to ryse a∣gainst Christ and his worde, are ar∣med with crueltie in vnrightuous∣nesse, with a false charitie, and with a counterfeit wisdome. In the exami∣nation of causes they wyll oft tymes séeme fauourable, louinge and wyse, when in effect they are nothing lesse. For moue them once with the truth, or the quick learning of the spirit, and then wyll they do as doth the Brim∣stone that is touched with fier. They flame out their malice, they spit forth their wickednesse, and their filthye iudgementes stinketh the worlde ouer.

Many such swéet sauers of their poli∣tique wisdome or rather fleshly foo∣lishnesie, haue they left behind them in the chronicles and histories that vnwholsōly sauoreth yet to this day.

And this haue they of their vnbride∣led horses, their ghostly fathers, con∣fessours, & coūsellers, ouer whō their selues haue neither power nor auc∣thoritie but as they list.

THE TEXT.

1 And the heades of the horses were as the heades of Lyons. 2. And out of theyr mouthes went foorth fyre and smoke, and brymstone, 3. And of these three was the thyrd parte of men killed. 4. That is to saye, of fyre, smoke, and brimstone, which proce∣ded out of the mouthes of them. 5. For their power was in theyr mouthes, 6. and in theyr tayles. 7. For their tayles were lyke vnto Ser∣pentes, 8. and had heades, and vvith them they did hurt. 9. And the remnaunt of men, vvhich vvere not killed by these plages, 10. repented not of the deedes of theyr handes, 11. that they shoulde not vvorship diuilles. 12. and Images of golde and siluer, & brasse and stone, and of vvoode, 13. vvhich ney∣ther can see, neyther heare, neyther goe. 14. Also they repented not of theyr murther, and of their vvitchcrafte, 15. neyther theyr vvhoredome, neyther of their thefte.

The Paraphrase

1 The heades of these horses were in similitude as the heades of Lyons, which betokeneth their proude, bold, and mightie malice against gods ve∣ritie. In the other age when they were but locustes, they had the faces of men, for some reason yet appeared in their lawes and dooings, though they stoode not all with Gods word. But since they grew vp in courage, and becam furious horses, they haue layde away those faces and nowe ta∣kē to them fierce Lions heads. Now is there nothyng in them but open malice, crueltie, and spight. Now are they termagauntes all togither, and very diuilles incarnate, where their dyrtie tradicions be not kepte. So e∣ger they are, theyr horse men can not restraine them, their princes can not rule them in suche a matter, vnlesse they will be torne in péeces, as ma∣ny of their predecessours haue béene afore tyme both Emperours, Kings, and other gouernors.

2 For out of theyr mouthes goeth fyre, smoke, & brimstone, Gods worde they preach not, for they are become horses. Their office is now to carrie whither it shall please them, and to leade the princes at their lust. Nowe roare they lyke Lyons with theyr great grandsyr Sathā, séeking whom they may deuoure. Now breath they foorth of their execrable mouthes the hote fyre of their threatenings & cur∣ses. Now vomet they abroad the fil∣thie smoke of their vanities and fa∣bles. Now spew they out the stinking brimstone of their lies and errors.

3 So that they haue kylled with these thrée plages the third parte of men. But yet none other els than those which hath giuen creadence to their errours, beléeued their fables and feared their curses.

4 For none other were slaine, but they only whiche tasted of the fyre, smoke, and brimstone, that went out of their mouths. None other els were lost & depriued of the life which is in Christ Iesu, but such deuout dottrels,

and worldlye wyse people as they taught and brought vp in false wor∣shippinges.

5 No doubte of it but the power of these cruell beastes was most in their mouthes. The strength of the decey∣uable teachers to begile the wretched Idiothes and blynd asses of y^e world, is euermore in their spéech, in theyr sermons, confessions, and priuy coun∣sayles. There with doe they infatu∣ate them, blynde them, & kill them.

6 Much power haue they also in their tayles behinde, which is not onelye their hypocritish lyfe, but also theyr pestilent traditions, lawes, and cu∣stomes, with these doe they sore in∣fecte and gréeuously poyson.

7 Let no man thinke their noyance to be light nor their gréeuance smal, considering that their tayles are lyke vnto serpents, and haue heads wher∣with they hurte. Not onely doth their doctryne for theyr lyfe tymes styng, venim and corrupt the sillie soules, but also their examples, constitucy∣ons, and vsages, lefte behynde them

to be performed of other which fol∣loweth, to the ouerlading of their cō∣science also, doeth poyson them vnto death. They infect their beliefe, and prouoke them to trust in vain things, and are ieoperdous euery where.

8 Oh horrible beastes, and most cru∣ell monsters. Noyfull are they both in the head & in the tayle, before and behinde, comming in and going out. No where are they good, if they once appeare. Let him that will not perish shurne their company, consideryng that no man dwell with them with∣out great perill. In their mouthes is venime, in theyr tayles is poyson. Both theyr lawes and theyr lyues, theyr counsayles & their ceremonies, their holinesse and blessings, are all hypocrisie, sinne, & pestilent doctrine of diuilles. Only are the lawes of the Lord holy, true, & perfecte, conuerting the poore in spirite, and gyuing wise∣dome vnto children. The Antichristes and the hypocrites thus put frō their swéet Euphrates, wherin they swim∣med in all plesure, welth, & ease, what

is more in this age to be loked for the terrible warre? Consider that héere in this prophecie they are no lesse thē cruell horses and vengeable beastes, hauyng before them Lyons heades with fyre, smoke, and brimstone, and behynd them serpents heads to sting, venim, and kil. Ponder this also, that they haue power to carrie the Prin∣ces & magistrates at their pleasure, for they are vnmoseled. Yea, what though some notable gouernors hath gotten victoriously of them, y^e pryma∣cie of their owne realmes, to bée the supreame, highest, & immediate heads of their clergie héere in earth vnder God (which is a wonder) yet are they scarce able to put aside one corrupte custome or dirtie ceremony of theirs. But all their diuilishnesse must néeds stand still vnder y^e colour of laudable rites, decent vsages, & polytique or∣ders. For whie, they are perilous beastes, and their mouthes yet open, wherin they haue both fyre, smoke, and brimstone, which are most ter∣ryble thynges, and in theyr tayles

poison, which is moste daungerous. What a fearful blast is this to them, which more feareth men then God? If your grace doe suffer this newe trade still to goe forward, ye shal pro∣cure yea the mallice of all reygons, the hate of all Princes, and the cru∣eltie of all peoples. They shal inuade your realm, consume your substance, and distroy your commons, with such lyke. Where as if ye take an other way, ye shal haue their beneuolence, loue, and fauour. Thus dallie they with their heade rulers, and ney∣ther make them faithfull, Dauids, wise, Salomons manfull Iosaphats, valiaunt Iehues, godlie Iosiases, nor holy Ezochiases, but very fearefull & faint bartod Caines, thinking y^t euery man, which commeth by y^e way will kill thē. This will be the rule of this present age no doubt of it. For vnto kings hath not. God giuen it to sub∣due these beastes. Onlie is it reser∣ued to y^e victory of his liuing word. On∣ly shall y^e breath of his mouth distroy

them, grinde them to dust, and throw them into hell fyre. Let the faithfull beléeuer therefore considering y^e mis∣chiefe of this time wherin nothing is lyke to be certayne and sure, in land, shiere, citie, towne, no, nor yet house, appointe him self to persecution, losse of goods, exyle, prison, sorow, & death, of bodie for the truthes sake, thinking that his porcyon is in the lande of the lyuing. For nowe are the perillous dayes vnder y^e voice of y^e sixt trompe, these madde, fierce, ragyng beastes being abroad. Where as vnder y^e se∣uenth, the carnal church reiected, and the Antichristes ouerthrowe, y^e ryght Israell of the Iewes and Gentyles tokened with fayth, shall be pacya∣ble restored into the possessiō of God. In the meane season let them that liue now pray, and haue theyr whole hope and comforte in the Lord.

9 And the remnaunt of men (sayeth Sainct Iohn) that were not kylled with these plagues, which are they whom God hath called in this age by the true preachers, from theyr dete∣testable

doctrine & erronious wayes, vnto the sure knowledge of his godly veritie and Gospel. These remember not the singular benifite of God, they magnifie not his holy name for their deliueraunce from these moste daun∣gerous plages of no lesse thē dampna∣cion in them selues, but remayne al∣togither vnthankefull.

10 They repente not from the hearte the déedes of theyr handes. They haue no remorse in conscience of their olde wycked workes. No, they amende not theyr lyues, nor yet fashyon them selues to the true trade of the Gospell. But rather they are slaunderous vnto it, by vn∣discréetly vsing the liberties thereof, ministring occasions of fallyng vnto the weake.

11 They sée the people in dyuers points of Idolatrie runne headlings to the diuill, yet doe they not brother∣ly admonishe them by the scriptures of the daungers therof. They shewe thē not y^t the worshipping of Images.

12 Which are made of dead things,

as gold, siluer, brasse, stone, and wood, is the very worshipping of diuils.

13 They tell them not that they bée sinful mens workes, and can neither see nor heare, speake nor goe. They wil be called Christian brethren, yet is it no dolour vnto them to sée their brethren perish, for whō they ought to ieoperde their lyues. They muste séeme Samaritanes, yet wil they not heale the woundes of them that are more then halfe deade, yea, is not to bée feared that for doubt of punish∣ment and losse of their goods, they looke backe agayne towarde Sodome with Lots wyfe, consenting to theyr abhominations? Let them not think that so doeth, but a double plague fo∣loweth them. More worthie is he to perish y^e throweth him self willing∣ly into a perell knowing it afore, thē he which neuer knew it.

14 Neyther repented they (sayeth Sainct Iohn) of their murther, theyr witchcraft, their whordom, nor their ••••eft. They sée of their owne congre∣gation in pouertie, penurie, prisō, and exile, & they know it is for none other

then the testimony of Iesu. Yet haue they no mynde to help them. No cou∣rage haue they to comfort thē. They dare not be acknowne to fauour that sorte. When any trouble commeth, they are none of them. They are wel contented to haue Christ in daliaūce, but if he put them once to payne, or aske ought of them, thē bid they him adue, they can no skill of him, they know him not, the farther of the bet∣ter. Thus are they become neyther hote nor cold, ready to be spewed out of the mouth of God None other are they then murtherers that succoure not their brethren. Worse are they then infidels that helpeth not y^e hous∣hold of faith. The witchcrafts of y^e hi∣pocrits they know by y^e euidēt scrip∣tures, yet will they not flée frō thē.

15 They know the open whordom of the babilonicall strūpet, they know hir theft and robbery, euermore spoi∣ling God of his honour, yet wil they r••nne to it, séeke it, and take parte of it with the vnfaithfull. What is hée ••ls that runneth wyth a théefe,

but a théefe also. Alacke they treade vnder their feete the precious gift of God. Lyke vnprofitable seruauntes, they hyde his godly treasure vnder∣neth the grounde. And lyke vnreaso∣nable dogges they turne agayne to theyr vomete. The heauenly father of his eternall mercy, graunt such to amend▪ For a much greater plague a∣bideth them than the other, thought it be not here named. For many stripes are due to that seruant which know∣eth his Lordes will, and doeth it not, yea, to sinne against knowledge, is a∣gainst the holy ghost & irremissible.

The tenth Chapter.

THE TEXT.

1 And I sawe an other mightie Angel, 2. come dovvn from heauen, 3. clothed vvith a cloude, 4. and the Raynbovv vpon his head. 5. And his face, as it vvere the sun, 6. and his feete as it vvere pillers of fyre 7. And he had in his hande a little booke open. 8. And hee put his ryght foote vpon the Sea, and hys lefte foote on the earth. 9. And cryed vvith a loude voyce, as vvhen a Lyon roareth. 10.

And vvhen hee had cryed, seuen thunders spake their uoyces. And vvhē the vij. thūders had spoken theyr voyces, 12. I vvas aboute to vvright. And I hearde a voyce from hea∣uen saying vnto mee. 13. Seale vp these thinges, vvhich the seuen thunders spake. 14. And vvryte them not.

[illustration]

The Paraphrase. 1

IN the middest of this moste vengeable tyme, wherin the Antichristes & hipocrites most fiercely sturreth about them, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vexe all the worlde with theyr ••erie blastes, theyr filthie smoke, ••nd theyr stinking brymstone, to re∣store

agayn theyr pleasaunt Euphra∣tes, the Lorde hath sent to the com∣fort of his certaine peculiar and cho∣sen learned men, moste constantlye to defende his veritie. And then, this present reuelation compareth to a strong Angell.

1 I sawe (saith sainct Iohn) an other mightie strong Angell come downe from heauen. With a stoute power came thys Aungell from God to withstand the furious beastes in thys sixt age of Christes church, wherein they rage so sore. God hathe raysed some godly persons now, by whome many things are opened that afore tyme were hidde, accept it were to a fewe poore soules in corners. Cōstant are these and earnest, yea inuincible warriours by the word of God. For who can bée more strong then they which fi••ht with an inuincible wea∣pon? Which is the veritie of God. That valiaunt cōquerour hath victo∣rie in them, which promised to giue them such mouth and wisedom as all enimyes should not bée able to resist,

2 This Angell, or ministers signi∣fied by him, descende downe from heauen with Christ their maister, as messengers sent of God. The Apo∣states and Antichristes falleth down from heauen with theyr Captayne Lucifer, lyke starres of darkenesse. And as wicked séede not planted of God they ryse vp in the world.

3 This Angell was cloathed with a cloude, betokening these godly sup∣porters of the Lords truth to be com∣passed with many harde showers and troublous crosses of opprobrious re∣bukes, scornes, slaunders, lies, and open blasphemyes, to the vttermoste tryall of their weake fleshe. And this cloude hideth from the world all that is in them spirituall and godly, lyke as it did in Christ, that to many they séeme not y^t they are in déed. Bicause they are dispysed of the craftie gene∣ration, and euill spoken of by the hy∣pocrites, y^e simple Idiotes and decey∣ued multitude doth iudge them ill do∣ers, yea, they suppose them very here∣tiques, and so doeth spyghtfullye

call them. Where as in verie déede they are the Angels of God, and most high chosen messengers. The Apo∣stles thus vsed also of y^e world, were named cloudes of Esay the Prophet verie long before they preached the Gospell. What are these (sayth he) that flyeth lyke cloudes. These were and are they that euery where pou∣reth downe the sweete dewe & rayne of the mysteries of God, and seasona∣bly moysteneth the grounde of fayth∣full heartes, causing them to bryng foorth their fruites in due season.

4 Upon the head of this Angel was the Rainebow. And in thys are they noted to be the Angels of the coue∣naunt, and the messengers of peace▪ For so much as the Raynebow was the signe of Gods couenaunt concer∣ning the floud. Theyr message is that Christ is the only sauiour of y^e world, and that none can perish beleeuing in him. No dampnation is there to them which are in Christ Iesu. No though they neuer knowe one ceremony or popish constitution of theirs.

Though they neuer heare Masse nor goe procession, though they neuer be greased, shauen, nor disguised, though they neuer haue Beades, Latine Primers, portifolyomes, nor other signes of hipocrisie, yet are they pro∣mysed to haue attonemente with God.

Most rightly hath this Angell the raynebow on hys head, for all the stu∣dy, practise and dilligence of the faith∣full ministers, is to declare the frée mercy of God, and most friendly be∣neuolence in Christe withoute any pointe or iote of mens deseruinges, least they shoulde perishe with the Pharysy for trustinge in their owne workes.

5 The face of this Angell was as the bright sun. Their outward shew is altogether Christe, whiche is the sonne of ryghtuousnesse. None other lyght shew they but hys. None other doctrine declare they but hys holy Gospell, neyther decrées, nor decre∣tals, fathers constitutions nor Sino∣dals.

But them they leaue to the darke bloddy starres which are fallen from heauen. Onely teache they the shining charytie of God, the fer∣uent zeale, and burninge desyre to∣wardes mans saluation. Neyther aduance they ceremonies nor rytes, holy dayes nor offeringes, dirges nor masses, purgatory nor reliques.

And as concerning their lyues, more GOD desyreth not of the Christian minister, then to expende hys whole study, labour, and time to the lyghte∣ning of other. He neyther com∣maundeth them to be shauen, nor disguised, to be popishe Prieste nor Monke, to saye mattens nor Euen∣song, to fast fryday nor vigill, to ab∣horre maryage nor meates. Onely he wylleth them to edyfye his flock, with none other learninge then hys Godly trueth. This is theyr onely office.

6 The féete of this Angell were in similitude as pillers of fyer. Stronge sustentacles and sure staies hath god made y^e vpholders of his true church.

Feruent affections hath he geuen them, constant stomaks, and so inuin∣cible a power as no violēce can resist. Douty & stronge is the administrati∣on, where the verytie remayneth, for it bringeth with it the magestie of God O how bewtifull (saith Esay) are the feete of the Embassadours of the Lord, which bringeth y^e message of peace, and the tidinges of health vnto Syon?

7 He had in his hand a little booke open. In their administration are y^e scriptures euydent and cléere, ope∣ned by the Lambe, and much godlye knowledge is receiued of other by them. Blessed be the Lorde whiche hath opened y^e booke. Now may the creple stand vp, y^e blind sée their way, y^e poore féede & be satified. Desire ther∣fore w^t faithfull Dauid from y^e very hart, to haue vnderstāding & to know y^e testimonies of god. Are méekely and haue, séeke wisely and finde, knocke gently and the dore wyll be opened. Uery lyke is it that the Lorde God doth minde plentuouslye to spreade

the doctrine of his spirite in this sixt age of his churche, this booke beynge thus opened.

And that all the worlde shall re∣ceiue it, rebell the hypocrits neuer so sore. When the Gospell appeared in Christes tyme, the Iewes were the first that receiued it, after the Greks, and last of all the Latines. Now in this later time it openeth to the La∣tines by the administration of this mighty Angel and his affinitie, and from them is going to the Gréekes, for many of them now of late hath graciouslye receiued it, as we haue harde. And laste of all it shall re∣turne agayne to the Iewes, as now very apt also to receiue it. That Christes prophecye may be founde true. The last to be the fyrst, and the fyrst the last. For he that hath disper∣sed Israell, shall bringe him againe to his folde, as Heiremy recordeth. Thus shal the glory of God be with∣in few yeares séene the world ouer, to the comfort of many.

8 This Angell set his righte foote vpon the sea, and his left foote vpō the earth. As well shall the weake peo∣ple receiue this verytie as the strong, the poore as the rich, the lowe as the high, the sicke as the whole, the sin∣ner as the rightuous, the begger, as the king, the vnlearned as the lear∣ned, the laboring man as the priest, and much rather. For the right foote is towardes them. The Ile that is speared vp with the maine sea, yea, and they also which be vpon the sea, shall so well haue it as the open wide country, or as they, which dwell vp∣on the most pleasaunt lande. From none shall the Booke be speared. E∣uery where shall the trueth be open, as well by writings as wordes, and as well by bookes as preachinges. Upon both shall thys Angell treade. Both sortes of people shall be sub∣iectes to that verytie, whiche those Godly messengers shall bringe, sub∣mitting themselues as foo••s••ooles vn∣to it. Some vngodly rulers there be both by sea and lande, both in the

Iles and the open countrye, that wyll none of this Angell with this open Booke. In no wise will they suffer hym to set footeinge within their regions, but commaun∣deth vnder payne of death, that no man teach his doctrine nor heare it, that no man prynte his bookes, bye them, sell them, reade them, holde them, fauour them, nor beare them vpō hym. But al is in vayne. Let thē wax mad, swell, and fret themselues to death, yet wyll he treade vppon theyr ground. Let them persecute, fetter, stock, famish, slea, hange, head, burne, drowne, yea, and bu••y quicke with all other mischife and tyranny, yet will the trueth abroad.

9 For the Angell crieth with so loude a voyce, as the Lyon when he roareth. So mighty and strong is the worde y^t they preach, and the verytie that they shewe, as was the sharpe lyuinge worde, that Christe spake, which was the inuincible Lyon of Iuda. And so mighty is that as made both heauen and earth, so stronge as

destroyeth the power of hell, so sharp as deuideth the soule from the spirit, and the ioyntes from the marye, and so waighty as when it falleth, grin∣deth to powder all pryde, power, magnificence, wisedome, ryches, and vaine pollycye of this worlde, none shall be able to abyde it.

10 And when the Angell had cry∣ed, and vttered this terryble noyse, seauen thounders spake their voy∣ces.

The fearefull iudgementes of the wrath of GOD, whiche are infi∣nite, and can neyther be numbered nor yet measured of the creatures, o∣pened their terrible misteries, which shall at their times appoynted of hym, light vppon the children of vn∣beléeue.

The tyrauntes, which hath resisted the heauenly verytie of the Lorde, wyll once be punished as was the ••ost of Senacherih kinge of Assur. Once wyll he fearefully visit theyr multitude in the thunder of hys yre.

Once shall the terrible sound of hy•• crack stryk the earth smothe, reuen∣ging the contempt of his worde. In Italye, Spaine, Fraunce, Germany, and other christian regions, the An∣gell hath shewed the booke open, and roared out the voyce of the Gospell with stomacke as doth the Lyon, yet will it not be taken, but some they haue beaten for it, and some moste spightfully murthered.

Let them not thinke but after the lightning y^e thunderclap will folow. The verytie opened, and thus dispi∣sed, most gréeuous plagues of derth, warre, or pestilence wyll shortlye fal by the great vengeaunce of God. Principles hath bene séene in some quarters, of the worlde, let them not thinke but much more is comminge, and wyll not cease tyll Chryste hath made of his enimies hys foote•• stoole.

11 And when the seuen thonders had spoken their voyces, or shewed theyr certentie that they shoulde so surely as God lyueth come to passe

at their time appoynted.

12 I was about (sayth Saint Iohn) to take penne and inke in hande, and to wryte them I thought to register them in a booke to the admonishmēt and warning of them that shoulde fo∣low. And anone I heard a very ear∣nest voyce from heauen, saying vnto mée in this maner.

13 Seale vp those things which the seauen thunder spake, and in no wise wryte them. Register the thunders, but not the voyces. Note the figures, but vtter not the misteries till God appoynt it. It is not for all men to know the times which God hath in his power.

Many secret thinges hearde Paule, which was lawfull for no man to vt∣ter. The outwarde sounde of Gods secrets may be heard of all men but the inward workinge is reserued to the spirit. The Lorde alwaies with the holy ghost so informeth them in∣wardly, that they perceiue the effect of many thinges, the other heareth but a noyse. For so much as the voice

of gods thundrings is vnsearchable, and his secret iudgementes the most mighty depth, they are not open but to such as he electeth.

14 Therfore was Iohn commanded in no case to writ them, or to open y^e secret meaning of them. That point the Lord reserueth peculyerly to him selfe, to open to whom, what, or how much him lusteth. Much wide ar th•••• which thinketh that they can of their owne wit, and industry declare such causes, vnles God openeth them by his worde or some euident signe, as he hath done in this age most plentu∣ously to many. Lesse can we not ga∣ther of these thunders, whē the mes∣sage of God is dispised, abused, forsa∣ken, neclected, troden vnder foote, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 damnable lyes preferred vnto it, tha•• y^t his wrath must folow. Somewhat hath bene séene already, much more wil appeere whē they geue ful 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪

THE TEXT.

1 And the Angel which I saw stand vpō the sea. & vpō the earth. 2. Lyft vp his hande to heauen. 3. And swore by hym that liueth for euermore. 4. Which created heauen and the things that therin are. 5. And the earth, and the thinges that are in it 〈◊〉〈◊〉, And the sea, and the thinges which are therin. 7. That there shal be no more time, but in the dayes of the voyce of the seauenth Angell. 8. When he shall begin to blow. 9. Euen the misterie of God shall be finished. 10. As he preached by his seruantes the Prophets.

The Paraphrase.

1 And the Angell (saieth Saincte Iohn) whom I saw in this wonder∣full reuelation, thus standynge with one foote vppon the sea, an other vp∣pon the lande, after the sorte afore named.

2 Lyft vp his hand towardes hea∣uen, so strōgly to affirme hys message to be true as the Lorde lyueth, and to promise it so in fallibly iust as god siteth in heauen.

3 What do the true preachers els

in this age, but maintaine their doc∣trine by the mighty word of God, af∣ter the example of Christ and his A∣postles which alleged the lawe, pro∣phecies and Psalmes, to confirme their sayings with They neither al∣ledge decrée, nor decretall, constituti∣on, nor Synodall, Legende nor fable, monks rule nor saintes lyfe, doctors nor fathers, Gregory nor Anselme, Thomas nor Dons, Plato nor Ary∣stotle, nor such lyke filthy dregs. But they come to the verye true touche∣stoane with Iohn, they proue the spi∣rits whether they be of God or no, cō∣sidering that all men are lyers, and haue erred, one except.

4 He sware by him that lyueth in himselfe with incomprehencible ma∣gesty, power and glory for euermore, which in the beginning created the heauē aboue w^t the inuisible things that are therin contained.

5 Which formed the pōderous earth beneth and the visible creatures that are therin remaining.

6 Which fashioned the flowing seas

and the corruptible thinges that are there in continuinge.

7 With an earnest constant spirite he protested, and by the strong worde of God he affirmed, so taking hym to witnesse, that there shall be no more time, no more leasure, no more sinful occuping héere frō henceforth, but in the dayes of the voyce of the seauenth Angell. This othe is none other than a sure assercion, that all shall be finished in this seauenth age of the church. This wold not be hid∣den from the congregations. Neces∣sary it is that both good and badde knew it. The faithfull to be assarte∣ned that their finall redemption is at hande, to their consolation. The vn∣faithfull to haue knowledge that their iudgemente is not farre of, that they may repent and be saued. Not vnlyke is this othe to the othe in Daniell of time, times, and halfe a time, whereof the time was from him to Christe. The times were the ages from Christ to the seauenth seale opening, or the seauenth trum∣pet blowing. The halfe time from

thence forth, wherin the dayes shall be shortned for the chosen sake. So much mischief shal not y^e enimies d•• thā. Their tiranny shall be as waged.

8 For when the vii. Angel shall be∣gin to blow, or the ministers of that age sincerely declare the word.

9 Euen the mistery of God shall be finished, and the full meaning therof fulfilled.

10 Like as he afore time both taught and promised, by his peculyer chosen seruants the prophets. No time shal be after this but that, which will be of all times the ende. But when that time shall begin, we know not tyll God shall open it by his seuenth an∣gel. Of the thing we are certaine and sure, but the time of it is euermore in gods hande. That is sealed vp in y^e booke til he shal please to open it, the rightuous shall not sée til it cōmeth, but rest stil in their lot w^e Daniell. And the vngodly shal haue no vnder∣standing then. They shall builde and plant, bye & sel, ryot & banket as in y^e daies of Noe & Loth, yea they shall

geue themselues to al filthy lustes & couetuousnes, And vnbewares shall death come vpon them, the terrible iudge shal cal them to accoumpt, and to y^e euerlasting fire condemne them, thus shal their daies also be shortned, when they think nothing lesse for y^e time shal be but halfe after Daniell.

THE TEXT.

1 And the voyce which I harde from hea¦uen, spake vnto me againe, and sayd. 2. go & take the litle booke which is opē in the hād of the angel. 3. vvhich stādeth vpō the sea & vpō the earth. 4. And I vvent vnto the An∣gell and said vnto him. 5. Geue me the litle booke. And he said vnto me. 6. Take it and eate it vp, 7. And it shall make thy belly bit∣ter. But it shall be in thy mouth as svveet as hony. 11. And I tooke the litle booke out of his hand, and did eate it vp. 10. And it vvas in my mouth as svveete as hony. 11. And as soone as I had eaten it, my belley vvas bitter 12. And he said vnto me, 13, Thou must pro¦phecie again vnto the people. 14. And to the Heathen, and Tunges, and to manye Kinges.

The Paraphrase.

1 And the voyce (saieth sainct Iohn) which I harde afore from heauen, spake vnto me againe. Gods holy spi∣rit touched me, moued me & compel∣led me. It graciously admonished me, taught me, and sayde thus vnto me.

2 Goe thy waies foorth Iohn, and take the lytle booke which is now o∣pen in the hand of the Angell.

Euery man hauinge grace with Iohn is héere commaunded to haue Gods word. Christ wylled all fayth∣full beléeuers to searche the Scrip∣tures to vnderstand the prophecies, and to perceiue the misteries of thē. And for the performance of hys wyll therin, he hath sent in this age this peculyer Angell, beside the common preachers, betokning those singuler lerned mē, whō now he hath endue•• with most high knowledge. Of their hands he m••ndeth vs to receiue the scriptures, and not of the blasing star, nor yet of the smoky Locustes.

Their faithfull, sincere, and godly in∣terpretacions, he willeth vs to take, specially in bookes, for so much as in person they can in no wyse be euery where present, & for that it is a booke heere named. For by them in these dayes doeth he make open his sauing health, and in the sight of all people declareth his rightuousnesse. Let thē therefore (whose hartes God moueth to instruct other in the wayes of the Lorde) diligently peruse the labours of such, whom he hath so plentuously replenished with his spirite. But in thus dooing let them not to much de∣pend vpō no mans person, but proue all things by y^e scriptures, least they fall into errours as other hath done afore for so dooyng. Uerye lightly is he deceiued that measureth the veri∣tie by mans iudgements. In y^e search therefore of godly mysteries, not the wit nor the learning of the man is to be sought, but rather the right mea∣ning of God working in the man.

3 This Angell standeth vpon y^e sea, and vpon the lande. As well is y^e true

messenger of God for the weak as for the strong, for the low as for y^e high, for the poore as for the riche, for the simple as for the learned, for y^e sicke as for y^e whole, & for the foule as for the fayre. Yea, and rather for them than the other, hauing his right foote vpon the water.

4 And I (sayeth S. Iohn) obeying the voyce of the Lord, or the heauen∣ly mocion of his spirit went vnto the Angell, and instantly desired hym to giue me that little swéete booke.

5 None other is this booke thē the holy scripture, whose openynge is a pure and right interpretation therof. This he receiueth open at his hand, which diligently readeth or heareth any sincere declaration of it by anye faithfull minister. None other is this booke fitte for, nor none other retay∣neth it in this age, but meeke Iohns, or men of a gentile spirit hauing the grace of God, and obeying his hea∣uenly voice. For the wicked must e∣uer be blinde. Wisdom shall not en∣ter into a froward soule, nor dwel in

the body y^t is giuen to sin. Iohn went to the Aungell, and receyued the booke, for hée y^t will séeke shall fynde.

6 For y^e Angel said vnto him: Take it vnto thée, & eate it vp cleane. The belly shall it make very bitter, but it will be in the mouth so swéete as hony. With good harte ought y^e scrip∣tures to be receyued of all men, in faith deuoured, & in a pure loue disge∣sted. In continual studie & meditacion therof, ought ech mā after his calling to perseuer, the King in his raign, the Iudge in his office, the merchaunt in his occupying, the labourer in hys worke, the maryner vpon the sea, and the bishop in his cure. Nothing but idelnesse worketh y^e man, which hath it not grafted within him, though he both fast & pray. Uayne are all poly∣cies, actes, constitucions and lawes w^tout it. For it is y^e life of our soules, the lanterne of our féete, the light of our passage, and rule our workes.

7 Bitter it is in the belly, & swéete in the mouth. When the knowledge of trueth is is once receyued, and

surely setteled in the harte, it engen∣dreth a spiritie of indignation, and a zeale of God, very bitter agaynst all wickednesse. It maketh vs with Ie∣remie to detest all vice, and with E∣zechiell to abhorre all sinne. It pro∣uoketh vs also with Moyses, Helias, Dauid, and the Prophets gréeuously to complayne of the worldes abhomi∣nations, & with Christ & his Apostles dolorously to lament the sore decaye of the wicked.

8 Yet is nothing so swéet in y^e mouth as it is. Nothing was to Paule so de∣licious, when he once sauored it. No, nothing so pleasaūt. Neither colours of rhetorike, paintings of poets, wise∣dome of Philosophers, nor holy tradi∣cions of fathers coulde then delight him. All were but darnal, tares, stub∣ble, chaffe, filth, rust, dreames, lyes, and vnprofitable vanities. Nothyng was in his mouth than, but that de∣lectable veritie, & that swéet Gospell of God. That tooke hée with hym as the vessel of election in many an hard iorney, and beare it foorth before the

gentiles, the kings, & the children of Israell, yea & for y^t to dye he thought it than aduauntage.

9 And I tooke the little booke (sayth sainct Iohn) out of the Angels hande, with méeknesse I receiued the scrip∣tures of God. I did eate it vp clean, I dygested them in faith.

10 And it was in my mouth so swéet as hony▪ Oh how delicious (saith Da∣uid) are thy sayings vnto my throte? More dulcet then honye are thy wordes Lord to my mouth.

11 So soone as I had eaten it (sayth Sainct Iohn) so soone as I had incor∣porate it in my mynde, & rooted it in my soule, my bellye was bitter, my harte was gréeued much to sée y^e euils of the world, my spirit was troubled to see the abusions of men, and much I pittied the losse of their soules.

12 Yet dyd not the Angell so leaue me, but he said thus vnto me: Thou must prophecie again amōg y^e people.

13 As thou hast receyued, thou must rēder, as thou hast bene taught, thou must teach againe, least thou hyding

the treasure of thy Lord, become an vnprofitable seruaunt.

14 Thou must publish the trueth to the vnbeleuers, thou must open it to people of dyuers nacions & langua∣ges, and finally manifest it to Kings of many regions, that they sée theyr people instructed in y^e same. As a trū∣pet therefore exalt thy voyce, shewe fréely the ioyfull message of saluatiō. Refuse none that will come vnto it, poore nor blynde, halte nor lame. Cō∣sider that no man lighteth a candle to hyde it, but to set it vp that men may see by it. None other are fit to prophe∣cie, but they whiche haue deuoured the booke. They must now declare the gospell in this latter age of y^e church by the appointment of the Lord. For necessarie it is that by the strength thereof, all pryde of this worlde and blasphemie agaynst God bée distroy∣ed.

¶ In the nexte volume shall follow the reste.

Notes

• Mat. 16. Ioan. 16. Act. 20. Mat. 28. Iohn. 5. Luce. 10.
• Phil. 2. Psal. 8. Iohn. 17. 2. Cor. 2. Ephe. 5. 2. Pet. 2. Iohn. 16. Mat. 13.
• Mar. 16. Heb. 1. Iohn. 15. Act. 2. Iohn, 1•• Luke. ••••. Iohn. ••••.
• Act. 4. Iohn. 1. Psalm. 118 2. Iohn. 1.
• Iohn. 19.21 1. Iohn. ••. 1. Iohn. 2. 1. Iohn. 4,
• Apoca. 22 Math, 7. 1. Cor. 12. 1. Peter. 4 1. Cor. 4.
• Ephe. 4. Math. 5. Luke 2. Iacobi. 2 Math. 7
• Iohn. 13. Psalm. 118 1. Cor. 1 1. Iohn. 4. 2. Thes. 2. Gala. 3. Rom. 1. 1. Tim. 4. Math. 15.
• 1. Tim. 4. Math. 15.
• Iohn. 13.19
• Marc. 16.
• Psalm. ••8.
• Ephe. 2.
• Rom. 8. Philip. 4.
• Math. 6 Hiere. 7 Psal. 73. Exod. 15. Miche. 4. 1. Iohn. 5. Apoc. 3.5.
• Esa. ••••. Colo. ••. Iohn. 3. Iohn. 14. Esa. 61. 1. Pet. 2.
• Colo. 1. 1. Cor. 15. Osec. 13. Act. 1. Phil. 2. 1. Tim. 2 1. Iohn. 2.
• Psal. 7••.
• Math. 28 Iohn. 17.
• Apoc. 19. Luke. 1. Math. 2••
• 1. Iohn. 4.••. Esa. 53. 1. Cor. 15. 1. Tim. 2. Heb. 9.
• 1. Pet. 1. 1. Iohn. 1.
• Exod. 19.
• Abacuc. 2.
• Apoca. 5. Rom. 12.
• Philip. 4. 2▪ Iohn. 5. 1. Timo. 6
• Zacha. 9. 2. Cor. 8. Phil, 2, Luke, 25, Iude, 1, Math, 24
• Esaie, 3. Rom, 14 2, Cor, 5 Zach, 12,
• Iohn, 19,
• Math, 23, Deut, 32, Ephe, 5, 1, Cor, 5, Heb, 13, Sapi, 5, Luke, 25,
• Apoca, 22, Rom, 8, Ephe, 1,
• Apo. 21. Esay. 41 Apoca. 22. Esaye. 44. Zach. 9. Rom. 1. Gene. 17. 1. Iohn 5. Exod. 3. Miche. 5.
• Abacuc. 3. 2. Cor. 9. Nume. 23. Psalm. 138.
• Apoc. 22. Mar. 3. Mat. 5. Luc. 6. Iohn. 15. Luc. 14.
• Hierony∣mus in ca∣thalogo scriptorum Ecclesia∣ticorum.
• Luc. 24. Psal. 142. 2. Cor. 12.
• Math. 5. Ezech. 3. Rom. 8. Exod. 19.
• Esai. 58. Apoc. 21. Esai. 48. Apoc. 22.
• Exod. 17. Abac. 2.
• 2. Cor. 11. Mar. 16.
• Eusebius Cesariensi•• in historia ecclesiastic. lib. 5. ca. 23.
• Iohn. 20. Zacha. 6. Ruth. 2. Iob. 28. Num. 8. Zach. 4.
• Gene. 2. Hebr. 4.
• Esai. 12. Iohel. 2. Math. 8. Phil. 2. Math. 28. Iohn. 10. 1. Iohn. 2. Act. 7.
• Sapi. 18. Dan. 7. Colos. 2. Dan. 10. Eccl. 45. Esai. 66. Psal. 102. Cant. 7. Iohn. 13. 2. Thes. 3.
• 1. Cor. 11. Cant. 1. 1. Iohn. 1. Cant. 5. Psal. 11.18. Mala. 4. Apoc. 2.
• Hebr. 4. Apoc. 19. Luc. 22. Iohn. 19.
• Hebr. 4. Prou. 27. Esai. 53.
• Act 8. Psal. 67. Ezech. 43.
• Dan. 10. Apoc. 5. Phil. 2.
• Psal. 117. Baruc. 3. Phil. 2. Hier. ••. Prou. 3. Esai. 41. Iohn. 9. Rom. 1. Math. 5.
• Apoc. 19. Ephe. 6. Hebr. 4. Iob. 19.
• Math. 10. Iere. 17. Luce. 21.
• Dan. 10. Math. 27. Hebr. 1. Iohn. 6. 2. Cor. 2. 2. Cor. 1.
• Dan. 10. Apoc. 22. Col. 3. Rom. 12. Psal. 43. Rom. 8. Iob. 14. Psal. 137. Iacob. 4. Psal. 87. Dan. 10. Hiere. 1. Esai. 41. Math. 17. Esai. 44. Rom. 6. Iohn. 12. Apoc. 21.
• Iohn. 14. 1. Cor. 15. Rom. 6. 1. Pet. 4. Hebr. 7. 1. Iohn. 2. Rom. 6.
• Esai. 22. Apoc. 3. Math. 16. Rom. 8. Apoc. 21. 1. Iohn. 1.
• Rom. 8. Apoc. 21.
• 1. Iohn. 1. Iohn. 5. Luc. 21.
• Apoc. 3. Dan. 12. Act. 11.
• Zach. 4. 1. Cor. 15. Dan. 12.
• Math. 5. Eccl. 50. 1. Pet. 2. Phil. 2. Iohn. 15. Apoc. 2.
• Iohn. 8. Luc. 2.
• Par. 28. Ephe. 1. 1. Cor. 7. 1. Pet. 1.
• Iohn. 19. Apoc. 1 Ephesus. Iacob. 5. Dan. 9. Luc. 19. Math. 5. Iohn. 4. Rom. 7. Phil. 1.
• Apoc. 1. Math. 28. Iohn. 17. Luc. 14. Iohn. 14. Apoc. 22.
• Exod. 3. Hebr. 4. Math. 5. Luc. 6. Rom. 12.
• Phil. 3. 1. Tim. 3. 1. Iohn. 4. 3. Iohn. 1. 2. Pet. 2.
• 2. Tim. 2. 1. Iohn. 2. 2. Cor. 11. Apoc. 1.
• Gala. 6. 1. Cor. 11. Iude. 1. Prou. 25. Gala. 5. Act. 5. Ephe. 2. Eccle. 8. Gala. 5.
• Psal. 50. Math. 10. Iohn. 15. Ephe. 4. Phil. 1. Math. 14. Luce. 13. Math. 21. Rom. 1. 2. Thes. 2. 1. Tim. 4. 2. Pet. 2.
• Apoc. 9. 1. Cor. 1. Rom. 1. Apoc. 2. Iohn. 12. Esai. 1.
• 2. Cor. 4. 1. Mac. 2. Ephe. 2.
• The Nico∣laytanes. Act. 6. 2. Pet. 2. Iud. 1. Psal. 25. Heb. 13.
• Eccle. 10. Math. 13. Mar. 4. Luce. 8. Ioan. 16.
• Mat. 5. Rom. 8. 1. Iohn. 5.
• Rom. 8. 1. Iohn. 5. Luc. 10. Rom. 14. Ephe. ••. Ioan. 17.
• Gene. 2. Cant. 4. Ioan. 20.
• Smyrna. 2. Cor. 15. Eccle. 14. Math. 10. 1. Pet. 4.
• Coll. 3. 2. Tim. 4. Prou. 13. Tobi. 2.
• Mat. 25. 1. Cor. 13. Phil. 2.
• Apoc. 1. Act. 7. Luc. 24. Ioan. 20. 1. Pet. 2. ••. Tim. 6. Ioan. 12. Sapi. 9.
• Gala. 5. Act. 14. Hebr. 10. Mat. 5. Luc. 6.
• Math. 5. Esay. 61. Rom. 6. 1. Cor. 4. Hebre. 11. 1. Thes. 2. Tobi. 14. 1. Thes. 2. Iude. 1. Rom. 2.
• Esai. 1. Ioan. 11.
• Esai. 1. Ioan. 15. Psal. 58. Hiere. 18. Ioan. 14.
• Luc. 21. Math. 5. 2. Tim. 3. Phil. 3. 2. Pet. 2.
• Mat. 4. Ioan. 8. Apoc. 12. Mar. 13. 1. Mac. 2. Luce. 21. Hebr. 11. Sap. 3. Iacob. 1. 1. Cor. 11.
• Apoc. 19. Hiere. 51. Sap. 3. Apoc. 2. Iob. 14.
• Esai. 25. Apoc. 12. 1. Mac. 10.
• Mat. 24. Ephe. 3. Eccle. 2. Apoc. 3.
• Mar. 4. 1. Thes. 4. 2. Pet. 2. Act. 1. Mat. 10.
• Prou. 4. Esai. 30. 2. Mac. 9. Apoc. 14. Psal. 115. Ezec. 33. Rom. 8.
• Pergamos. Colo. 3. Ephe. 2. Luc. 12. Mat. 16. Hebr. 11.
• Ioan. 16. Gala. 5. Psal. 78. Ephes. 6. Rom. 11.
• Apoc. 1. Hebr. 4. Ephes. 6. Mat. 10. Ioan. 16. Apoc. 19. Psal. 138. 1. Cor. 2. Hebr. 11.
• Apoc. 16. 1. Cor. 1. 2. Pet. 2. Esai. 1. Phil. 2. 2. Tim. 3.
• Luc. 2. Act. 4. Act. 8.
• Antipas Apoc. 1. Ioan. 16. Iob. 1. Apoc. 20.
• Osee. 4. 2. Pet. 2. Iude. 1.
• Nu. 22. Primasi. 9. Affrican. Nu. 24. Hier. 9.
• Prou. 6. Psal. 88: 1. Cor. 8. Esa. 34.
• 2. Pet. 2. 2. Tim. 4. 1. Ioan. 4.
• Iude. 1. Act. 6. 1. Tim. 4. Rom. 1.
• Ezech. 18. Phil. 3.
• 1. Tim. 4. 2. Pet. 2. Baru. 6. Dan. 14. 2. Tim. 4.
• Ephes. 4. Psal. 8. Iude. 18. 1. Pet. 2. 1. Tim. 4.
• Apoc. 19. Ephes. 6. Hier. 9. Soph. 3. Ose. 12.
• 2. Thes. 2. Iob. 4. Luc. 8. Ioan. 10.
• Nath. 16. Hebre. 11. 1. Ioan. 5. Math. 16. Nehe. 9. Iohn. 5. Psal. 33.
• Math. 11. Esai. 55. Rom. 8.
• 2. Pet. 2. 1. Cor. 1.
• 1. Iohn. 2. Psal. 68. Esai. 62. Iohn. 1. Ephe. 1.
• Rom. 8. 1. Cor. 12. Galla. 4. Rom. 8. 2. Cor. 1.
• Thiatira. Luce. 1. Rom. 12. Ephe. 4.
• Eccle. 2. Gal. 5. 1. Ioan. 2. Colo 3. Rom. 12. Treno. 2.
• Cantic. 7. Apoc. 19. 1. Cor. 2. Hier. 17. 1. Iohn. 4.
• Hebr. 7. Esai. 53. Hebre. 4. Psal. 181.
• Prou. 31. Act. 14. Iacob. 1. Luc. 6. Gala. 6.
• Phil. 1. 2. Cor. 8. Act. 11. Ose••. 6.
• Mar. 10. Mat. 5. ••. Reg. 16. Apoc. 2. 4. Reg. 9. Apoc. 18. Dan. 8. 1. Tim. 4. 2. Thes. 2.
• 2. Pet. 3. 1. Tim. 3. Hier. 3. Iude. 1. Esai. 10.
• Baruc. 6. Mat. 23. Iob. 24. Treno 2.
• Ezech. 16. Ephe. 2. 2. Reg. 24. Iohn. 3. Apoc. 18. Dan. 8. Apoc. 13. Apoc. 17.
• 3 Reg. 12. 2. Pa. 21. 4. Reg. 24. Nahum. 3. Franciscus Lambertus 2. Thes. 2. Math. 25.
• Apoc. 17. Esai. 1. Apoc. 18. Hier. 7. Amos. 5. Mich. 6.
• Esai. 48. Esai. 66.
• Mar. 9. Luc. 13. Ezech. 18. Apoc. 9. Baruc. 6.
• Hier. 2. Iohn. 4. Math. 25.
• Osee. 10. Luc. 21. Esai. 2. Sapi. 1. Hier. 17. Rom. 8.
• Deut. 5. Hier. 51. Mat. 16. Iohn▪ 2. Osee. 4.
• 2. Thes. 1.
• Iohn. 7. Thiatyra macedonū cyuitas.
• Prou. 16. 1. Cor. 2. Dan. 2. 1. Pet. 5. Rom. 1.
• Math. 11. Mar. 7. Col. 2. Gala. 4. Luc. 27. Hebr. 10. Iohn. 15. Luc. 10.
• Mat. 4. Mar. 8. ••. Tim. 4. Deut. 12. Act. 3. Deut. 4. Osee. 12.
• 1. Ioh. 5. Mat. 10. Deut. 12. Iohn. 11.
• Hebr. 1. Psal. 90. Mich. 7. Psalm. 2.
• Hier. 13. Sapi. 4.
• Mat. 15. Rom. 14. Iohn. 6. Mar. 16. 1. Iohn. 4.
• Apoc. 22. Luc. 12. Iohn. 17. 1. Cor. 1.
• 1. Iohn. 2. Mat. 17. Rom. 8. 2. Tim. 4.
• Iohn. 21. Apoc. 1. 1. Tim. 3. Sardis. 1. Cor. 1. Mat. 10. 1. Cor. 6. 1. Iohn. 1. 1. Pet. 1. Phil. 2.
• Luc. 18. Mat. 20. Iohn. 19. Hebr. 9. Mar. 16. Rom. 1. 1. Pet. 4. Apoc. 1. Esai. 11.••
• Apoc. 1. Mat. 28. Luc. 14. Mar. 9. Apoc. 22. 2. Pet. 2.
• Exod. 2. 2. Reg. 12. Hebr. 4.
• Zacha. 11. Math. 7. 1. Iohn. 4. Mat. 23. Act. 13. 1. Pet. 5. Iohn. 4. 2. Tim. 4. Esai. 55.
• Ephe. 6. Hebr. 1. Iacob. 1. Apoc. 18.
• 1. Cor. 13. Luc. 8. Iude. 8. Esai 64. Rom 1. Num. 25.
• Iob. 10. 2. Cor. 6. Iacob. 2. Mat. 7. Psal. 18. Iacob. 1. Psal. 49.
• Mat. 7. Luc. 13.
• Mar. 1. Act. 16. Mat. 24. 1. Thes. 5. 2. Pet. 3. Apoc. 16.
• Luc. 21. Psal. 48. Mat. 25. Mar. 13.
• Luc. 13. Prou. 10. Luc. 12. Mat. 10. Dan. 12. 2. Pet. 3. Mat. 15. Gal. 4. Phil 2. Ezech. 3.
• Apoc. 7. Psal. 31.
• Iohn. 12 Luc. 10 Mat. 19 Hebr. 11
• Mat. 10. Apoc. 14. 1. Cor 15. Deut. 25. Apoc 2••. Ephes. 1.
• Luc. 1••. Mat. 10. Rom. 8.
• Mar. 4▪ Dan. 9. Eph••. 1▪
• Iohn. 19. 2. Cor. 10.
• Act. 10. Philadel∣phia. Ephes. 5. 1. Iohn. 4.
• Esai. 58. Ezech. 18. Prou. 21. Mat. 5. Luc. 6.
• Leuit. 20. 1. Reg. 2. Iohn. 14. Rom. 3. Esai. 22. Luc. 1.
• Iohn. 10. Math. 16. Iohn. 16. Sap. 14.
• Iob. 12. Mala. 2. Rom. 1. 2. Thes. 2.
• Mat. 6. Psal. 72. Esai. 26. Hebr. 11. Mat. 1••.
• Luc. 24. Psal. 118. Mar. 4. Ephe. 1. Iohn. 16.
• Mat. 16. Apoc. 12. Iacob. 4. Mat. 23. Apoc. 28.
• Psal. 83. Mat. 5. Iohn. 14. Apoc. 2. Ephes. 5. Luc. 12. Act. 4. Iohn. ••.
• Gala. 4. Apoc. 2. Apoc. 18. ••. Thes. 4. Apoc. 2.
• Iohn. 8. Rom. 9. Gala. 4. Iohn. 14.
• Mat. 7. Mar. 14.
• Psal. 56. Rom. 11. Esai. 60. Apoc. 21. Ma••. 15. Iohn. 4. Act. 2.
• Psal. 70. Sapi. 5. Act. 2. Iohell. 2.
• Hier. 31. Iacob. 1. Iohn. 19. Luc. 23. 1. Cor. 12. Luc. 21.
• Hier. 5. Apoc. 11. Psalm. 1.
• Mat. 12. 1. Iohn. 2. 2. Pet. 2. 2. Tim. 4.
• Act. 20. Iude 1. Rom. 3. ••. Pet. 5. Apoc. 22.
• Iob. 14. Mat. 5. 1. Cor. 16. Luc. 6.
• Iacob. 1.
• Iohn. 17. Rom. 8. 2. Pet. 2. Mat. 21. Rom. 8.
• Ephes. 9. Mat. 10. Act. 6. Hiere 1. Ephes. 2.
• 3. Reg. ••. Mar. 16. Mat. 7. Ephes. 2. Iohn. 15. 1. Cor. 3. Ecclesi. 3. Iohn. 20.
• Apoc. 21.
• Rom. 1. Math. 25. Iohn. 15. ••. Cor. 6. Ephe. 2. Iacob. 1. Tit. 3. Iohn. 3. Rom. 8.
• Iohn. 1. 1. Cor. 15. Apoc. 2••. Mar. 4. Apoc. 2. Rom. 8.
• Iohn. 19. 2. Thes. 2. Laodicia ciuitas Asie Rom. 4. Mat. 6. Luc. 11. Esai. 1.
• 1. Tim. 2. Psal. 144. Iohn. 14. Apoc. 19. Apoc. 21. Eccle. 1. Iohn. 1. Iacob. 1. Phil. 2.
• Mat. 11. Iohn. 4. Hebr. 4. Prou. 24. 2. Pet. 2. Gala. 3. Rom. 2. 1. Cor. 13.
• Phil. 3. 1. Tim. 1. Gala. 2. Act. 20. Iude 1. 2. Pet. 2. Esai. 5. 1. Tim. 4▪
• Mat. 3. Luc. 3. 2. Tim. 4. Iohn. 16. Luc. 18. Gala. 4.
• Apoc. 2. Mat 25. Rom. 1.
• Iohn. 18. Mar. 8. Iohn. 12. Mar. 22. Mich 3. Luc. 9. Hebr. 6.
• Luc. 18 Eccle. 7 Apoc. 18.
• Math. 2•• Luc. 11 Iohn. 2 Soph. •• Apoc. 1•• Amos. 5 Eccle. 1.
• Psal. 143. Prou. 14 Rom. 5. Ephe. 4 Apoc. 1••.
• Psal. 55. Mat. 7. Luc. 17. Iohn. 19. Psal. 18. Eccle. 23. Mala. 3. Esai. 52. Prou. 23. 1. Cor. 4.
• Apoc. 7. 2. Pet. 3. Rom. 12.
• Gala. 5. 2. Cor. 5. Apoc. 17. Esai. 64. 1. Pet. 1. Psal. 31. Rom. 8.
• Psal. 18. Iohn. 8. Cant. 1. Esai. 63. Act. 4. 1. Cor. 1. 1. Iohn. ••••▪
• Ephe. 1. Coloss. 3. Hiere. 17.
• Prou. ••. Gene. 18. Hebre. 12. 1. Cor. 11. Esai. 5. Luc. 6. Rom. 1.
• Iacob. 1. Ephe. 4. Apoc. 2. Cant. 5. Rom. 8.
• 2. Thes. 2. Psal. 106.
• Iohn. 10. Mar. 16. Iohn. 14. Gala. ••. Luc. ••.
• Iohn. 15. Luc. 14. Math. 8. ••. Cor. 2.
• 1. Iohn. 5. Dani. 2. Apoc. 21. 1. Cor. 6. 1. Cor. ••5. Rom. 8.
• Ephes. 1. Iohn. 12. Apoc. 21. Math. 13. Phil 3. Ephes. 1.
• Apoc. 1. Iohn. 13. Psal. 120. 1. Thes. 7. Eccle. 43. Ezech. 1. Act. 14. Luc. 24.
• Ezech. 3.
• Psal. 28. Esai. 18. Iohn. 6. Mat. 6. Hier. 31.
• Ephe. 5. Col. 3. Phil. 3. Gala. 5. 1. Cor. 12. Apoc. 1.
• Rom. 8. 2. Cor. ••••. Psal. 44.
• Sapi. 9. Ephes. 1. Iohn. 14. Psal. 77. Act. 7. 2. Reg. 7. Luc. 7. 1. Cor. 6.
• Esai. 54. Ezech. 28. Dan. 7. Psal. 44. Dan. 4. Abacuc. 3.
• Psal. 16. Sapi. 15. Luc. 6. The raine¦bow is the couenaunt. Zacha. 2. Prou. 8. 1. Reg. 3. Ezech 28. Iohn. 16. 2. Cor. 13. Phil. 4.
• The .xxiiij seates are vertues. Gala. 5. Esai. 11.
• Apoc. 5. Mat. 19. Hebr 11. Eccle. 45. Ephes 4. Mat. 19.
• Numbers in the scrip¦tures. Dan. 7. Apoc. 7.
• Hebre. 11. Apoc. 14.
• VVhat are mēt by the crownes.
• Ezech. •• Psal. 96. Apoc. 16. Zacha. 6. Act. 2. Iohn. 16.
• Psal. 118. Rom. 16. Iohn. 6. Esai. 2. Iohel. 2.
• Cant. ••. Esai. 11. Zacha. 4.
• Zacha. 3. Apoc. 5. Iohn. 15.
• Ezech. 47. Apoc. 1. Iohn. 14. Psal. 11. Mala. ••.
• Mala. 3. Ezech. 1. Ioannes ba∣••othorpe. Albertus & alii. Ezech. 10. Dani. 3.
• Ezech. ••. Esai. 6. Apoc. 5. Franciscus Lambertu••
• Georgius aemilius. 1. Pet. 5. Ezech. 5. 1. Tim. 4.
• Ezec. 1.1••▪ Iohn. 15. Math. 13. Luc. 8. Iohn. 8. Haymo. 1. Cor. 2. Iohn. 6. Iohn. 16.
• Ambrostus Ansbertus. Rom. 3. Gala. 5. Prou. 30. Prou. 28. Col. 3. Rom. 8. 2. Cor. 3. Apoc. 5.
• Esai. 11. Exod. 2••. Gala. 5. Col. 3. Rom. 6. Rom. 12. 2. Tim. ••.
• Eccle. 8. Hebr. 12. Rom. 8. 1. Cor. 2. 2. Cor. 10.
• Iob. 9. Hiere. 49. Rom. 6. Phil. 3. Col. 3. Hebre. 10. 1. Cor. 10.
• Ansbertus & Haymo. Apoc. 2.
• Apoc. 1••. Gala. 5. Phil. ••.
• Lambertus Ezech. 1. Ezech. 10. Esay. 6. Esay. 4••. Hebr. 11. Gala. 5.
• Ephe. 1. Iohn. 15. Rom. 2. Tit. 2. Ezech. 1••.
• Rom. 8. Iohn. 1. Ezech. 10. Psal. 4. 1. ••or 2. Apoc. 21. 3. Reg 3. Eccle▪ 1.
• Psalm. 33. Esay. 6. Athanas••us Augustinus Fulgencius, Apoca. 1. Esay. 44.
• Primasius Aph••••. Colo. 3.
• Robertus Tuitiensis. Esay. 11. Psalm. 118,
• Esa. 6. Exod. 15. Luc. 1.
• Apoca. 5. Albertus Magnus.
• Psalm. 82.
• Gregorius magnus. 1. Cor. 1. Tit. 3.
• Psal. 85. 2. Mach. 1. Rom. 11. Hest. 13.
• Iude 9. Psal. 103. Gen. 12. Hest. 13. Eccle. 3. Ion. 1. Ephe. ••.
• Apoca. 4. 1. Pet. 5. Esa. 6. ••. Peter. 1, Exod. 32. Esa. 8. Colo. 1. Apoca. 10. Rom. 1. Psalm. 117
• Esa. 48, Esa. 40. Psalm. 4•• Io••. 32. Psalm. 118▪
• Colo. 1. Rom. 1. Math. 10. Psalm. 99, 2. Tim 3. Luke. 8, Rom 13, Iohn. 6. Gala. 4. Iohn, 1.
• Esa. 29. 1. Cor. 2. Roma. 8. 1. Cor. 1. Ioannes Bacāthorp. Nicolaus Lyranus. Albertus.
• Liranus. Albertus.
• Psal. 118. Prou. 8. Mat. 11. Rom. 8. Iacob. 1. Luke. 10. Mat. 13. Sapi. 1.
• Ioachim. Abbas. Gen. 4. Gen. 12. 1. Reg. 16. Luk. 3. Mala. 2. 1. Cor. 9. Act. 4. Mala. 2. Mat. 5. Luk. 6.
• Psal. 1••. Psal. 68. Mat. 15. Ioh. 9. 1. Cor. 3. Hier. 10.
• 1. Esd. 4. Gen. 1••. Esay. 14. 2. Pet. 2. Act. 17. Iohn, 1. Act. 4. 2. Pet. 2.
• 1. Iohn. 4▪ Rom. 3. Psalm. 63, Hiere. 2••. Esa. 29. Prou. 25. 1. Cor. 1. Colo. 4. Rom. 11. Sapi. 9.
• Math. 5. Esa. 63. Apoca. 1••▪ Eccle. 8. Iohn. 14.
• Ose. 4. Sapi. 9. Isaie. 56, Gen. 49. Esa. 32. Mich. 5, 3. Esdre. 3.
• Osee. 13, Iohn. 8. Heb. 11 Iohn. 12. Luke. 11. Esa. 11. Apoca. 22. Luke. 1.
• Colo. 2. Matth. 28. Ma••ci. 16,
• Luc. 24 2. Cor. 3. Iohn. 12. Ephe. 5. ••. Tim. 4. Ezech. 36. Io••el. 2,
• Esa. 12. Psalm. 21. Apoca. 4. 1. Cor. 4. Psalm. 106 Eccle. 8. Esa. 53. Hiere. 11 Esaie. 53. Iohn. 1. Exod. 12. Esa. 16.
• Acto. 8. 1. Iohn. 2. 1. Timo. ••. Heb. 9. Math. 2••. Daniel. 7. Psalm. 74
• Zacha. ••. Esa. 11. Apoca. 1. 1. Cor. 12. Ma••ci. ••6, Ephe. 4. Matth. 28. Esa. 11. Apoca. 22. Gala. 5. Ephe. 5. 1. Cor. 12. 1. Iohn. 4.
• Phil. 2, Ose, 13, Luke, 10, Esa, 6, Math, 1••,
• Iohn, 5, Math, 28, Iohn, 17, Phil, 2, Math. 25, Luke. 24, Iohn, 14, Iohn, 16, Act, 2. Mat. 25, Hebr, 10,
• Iohn, ••, Luk, 10, Heb, 11, Sapi, 5, Iohn, 8, Ephe, ••. Iohn, 8, Heb, 11▪
• Act. ••. Apoca. 22.
• Act••. 3. Apoca. 2••
• Apoca. 15. Psalm. 150 Esaie. 66. Prou. 23 Luck. 10. 1. Cor. 10. Esaie. 53. Iohn. 8. Iohn. ••.
• Zach. 14. Daniel. 9.
• Psalm. 61. Math. 5. Prou. 17. Psalm. 140▪ Prou. 23. Apoca. 14.
• Marci. 16 Aggei. 2. Iohn, 1. Marci. 1. 1. Cor. 1. Rom. 1. 1. Cor. 5. Colos. 3. Ephe. 4.
• Iohn. 17. Apoca. 3. Lucke. 24.
• Esa. 42. Io••••. 16. Esa 53. ••. Cor. 15▪
• 1. Iohn. 2, Titum. ••, 1. Petri. 1. Esa. 56, Psalm. 105 Iohel..
• 1. Peter. 2. Psalm 44. Acto. 11. Apoca 1, 1. Iohn. 5••,
• Hebr. 9. Rom. 12. Exod. 19, Deut. 17 Esa. 40 1. Pet. 2.
• Apoca. 22, 1. Iohn, 2, 1. Cor. 15 Psalm. 141. Apoca. 21.
• Daniel. 7, Math. 18. Psalm. 102. Luke. 2,
• Hebr. 1, Apoca. 19 Rom. 8. Tobie. 5. Iudith. 13▪ Psalm. 90 Daniel. 7, Hebre. 12▪
• Psal. 103. Luke. 2, Iohn. 20. Luke. 15. Daniel. ••, Math. 18. Esaie. 53, 1. Cor. 15. Iohn. 17, Apoca. 1 1. Tim. 6, Sap. 3, Apoca. 3. Psalm. 23. Math. 28, Ephe. 1▪
• Gene. •• Psalm. 8, Psalm. 148, Ba••••ch 3. Daniel. 3, Gene. 1, Psalm. 148. Deut. 14 Hester. 1••.
• Esa. 6. 1. Timo. 1 Apoca. 14. 1 Tim. 6. Apoca. 1.
• Rom. 8. 2. Cor. 5. Apoca. 21
• Hebre. 1.
• Psalm. 134▪ Ne••e. 8. Hebr. 11. Ephe 2. Apoca. ••.
• Apoca. 4▪ Math▪ 3. 1. Iohn. 5, Esa. 65,
• Iohn. 1, Apoca. 15, Luke. 4, Primacius Apher Ioachim Abbas
• Lābertu•• Act. 2.
• Marci. 16 Psalm. 18. Apoca. 4. Ezech. 1.
• Hiere. 1, Gene. 49, Psalm. 28. Acto. 2, Iohn. 1. Psalm. 33, Zachar. 6
• Zach. 10, Apoca. 1. Psalm. 50. Rom. 10. Act. 9. Gala. 1.
• Math. 2••. Act. 15. Lucke. 21. Amos. 9. Eccle. 10. Zach. 9. Psalm. 44 Iohn. 15,
• Phil. 2. Ephe. 4. Act. 2, Act. 5, Iohn, 16. 1. Iohn. 5.
• Iohn. 16. Math. 10. Acto. 4. Act. 5. Acto. 12. 1. Cor. 15. Sap. 5, Iohn. 9. Act. 5. 1. Cor. ••. Gala. 1. Iohn. 15 Iohn. 8.
• Franciscus Lābertus. Luke. 21, 1. Iohn. 2. Act. 20. 2. Pet. 2. Gala. 5,
• 2. Tim. 2. 1. Iohn. 4, 2. Iohn. 1. Gala. 4. 1. Timo. 4 Iude. 1. Gene. 9.
• Hebion Cerinthus, Basilides, Ex Eusebio cesari. ••••las••us Philastri. Guido et Lutzen∣burgus▪
• Apoca. 5 Ephe. 5. Eccli. 50 Act. 13.
• Histo. ecl. li. 3. ca. 30. Eusibus Ce¦sarien. Hioroni∣mus. Trite∣mius.
• Heb. 1••. Actu. 9 Iohn. 1 Iohn. 15▪
• Apoc. 4. Exo, 29 Rom, 12
• Iohn, 1▪ Psal. 44▪ Zacha. 1▪ Actu. 20, Mat. 16▪ 1, Iohn. 2, Iohn, 16 Math. 23 Act. 16▪ Mat. 10 Iohn. 16 2, Pet. •• 2, Cor. ••••, Iohn, 10▪ Au•••• 20,
• Iohn. 11. Math. 25. Apoca. 18 Acto. 13. 2. Tim. 4, 1. Tim. 1. Act. 19. Act. 23.
• Act. 24. 1. Iohn, 1,
• Ezech. 23 Sapi. 3. 3. Reg. 22, Eusebius ce••ar••en. Philip. 4.
• Ephe. 2. Ephe. 4. Rom. 12, 1. Iohn. 2. Iohn. 18, Rom. 13. 2. Pete. 2.
• Iosephus Platina. Baptista. Panecius
• Iob. 34. Exo. 14. Eusebius cesarien. Hermauns contract••••
• Albertus Magnus. Math. 10, Lucke. 6. Regino ••rumiensis. ••arolus ••ouillus
• Lambertus Shafnabur∣gensis. Carolus Bouillus.
• Sigebertus Gemblacen¦sis.
• Benno Cardinalis.
• VVerne∣rus Carthu∣siensis.
• A do vien nensis, et Beda. Cirillus Augustinus Ciprianus Hieroni∣mus. Sigebertus Gemblacē∣sis. Vincencius Antonius
• Platina. Nauclerus et alii.
• Abbas vrspergen sis. Iacobus bergomen∣sis. Hermannu•• s••edel.
• Apoc••. 4. Rom. 8. Ambrosius Ansbertus Zacha. 6. Math. 24. 2. Peter. 2,
• Iob. 41. Iohn. 8 Hiere. 29 Iohn. 18.
• Marsilius Patauinus Ioannes Hus in A∣poca.
• Iohn, 14 Osee. 12. Proue. 11, 1. Tim. 4. ••, Iohn. 4.
• Apoca. 4 Math. 28 Acto. 1
• 2, Pet. 2 1. Cor. 2.
• Eusebius Cesariensis Cassiodo∣rus. Hieronim{us} Benadius Isidorus Tritemius
• Psalm. 6•• Esaie. 53 1. Tim. 6
• Esaie. 52 Hiere. 2•• Ezech. 4 Eutherius Lugdunen∣sis VVest∣merus.
• Psalm. 18, 2. Tim. 3. Psalm. 118, Esa. 40. Gala. 3 Marci. 16 Rom. 3.
• Origines Hieronim{us} Rom. 1. 1. Iohn. 4. 1. Tim. 4. 1. Iohn, 5. 2. Tim. 2, Math. 4. 1. Tim. 4.
• Psalm. 118, Iohn. 8.
• Iohn. 5. Act. 2. Hebr. 9. Psalm. 4.
• Deut. 12 Eccle. 4•• Esa, 61, Luk, 10, Franciscus Lambertus in libro de prophecia Apoca. 22,
• Ioannes Hus in ali∣quot loca Apoca. VVerne∣sus carthu∣sian••s in fa∣••ciculo.
• Ioannes de molinis in speculo ca. 6.

  Carolus bouillus de septem eta∣tibus mūdi. ca. 67.
• Antonius sabellicus Raphael. Volatera. Paulus Di∣aconus Bibliande••▪
• Iohn. 18. 2 Iohn. 1. Ioannes Aunius Ioannes Nauclerus
• Martinus Lutherus Sigebertus, Platina. Gregorius Odiloclu∣niacensis Martinus Carsulanus
• Ranulphus Cestrensis Ioannes Stella. Odilo clun•• Paulus Diaconus.
• Robertus gaguinus.
• Hector Boetius Martinus Lut••erus Gen. 1. Luke. 12▪
• Apoc••. ••. Daniel. 1••▪
• Albertus Magnus. Zach. 6. Math. 6. Esa. 1.
• Apoc. 4. Daniel. 7. Math. 4 Iohn, 1, Apoca. 1.
• Apoca. 6. Apoca. 2 Math. 6. 1. Iohn. 3.
• Rom, 8 Luke. 12. Math. 6 Math. 23.
• Esaie. 5. Proue. 1. Luke. 20 Apoca. 17. Roma. 3▪ Hebre. 10.
• Luke. 11 Proue. 1••.
• Psalm. ••••.
• Iohn Hus in sermoni∣bus de anti∣christo. Apoca. 9.
• Apoc. 13. Chrisosto∣mus Colos. 2. Amos. 8. Math. 15. Iohn. 6. Luke, 12. Math, 16, Luke, 3, Math, 23, Wicleus Psalm. 13. 2. Peter. 2, Math. 7 Psalm. 73,
• Zacha. 6. 1. Tim. 4. Iude. 1. Math. 15. 2. Tim. 6, Apoca. 8. Gen. 6, Esa. 1. Math, 23,
• Iohn. 18, Act. 5. 〈…〉〈…〉 19. Isa. 10. 〈…〉〈…〉 5, Act 20. Apoca. 18
• Bernardus•• Lurzenbur¦gensis.
• 2. Tim 3. 2. Pete. 3. Iohn, 12 Sopho. 3 Apoca. 11. Daniel. 11.
• Sebastianus meyer in a∣pocalipsi••••
• Iohn, ••, Math, 13, Iohn, 15, Psal. 50, Heb, 9,
• Iohn, 16, Math. 23, Sapi, 3, Psal. 118, Apoca. 1, Iohn. 14, 1. Thes. 4 Act, 7. Acto. 17 Psal. 5••. Matth. 23. 1. Cor. 1 Phil, 1,
• Math, 2••, Apoca. 19 Sapi. 3. Gen, 4, Leuit. 20. Psalm. 10, Prou. 6.
• 2. Peter. 2. Psalm. 25. Hiere. 17. Iohel. 2
• Math. 25. 4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 15. Psalm. 18, Math. 12, Apoca. 11.
• 1. Tim. 4. Luke. 11, •• Thes. 2. Apoca. 17 Phili. 3.
• Iohel. 3. Daniel. 1•• Deut 32 Psalm. 78, Ezech. 5 Rom. 2.
• Eccle. 45, Apoca. 4. Apoca. 22, Apoca. 1. Hebr. 1. Iohn. 12, Eccle. 5.
• Apoca. 7•• 1. Cor. 15. Rom. 8. Sap. 3. Psalm. 15. Isaie. 64.
• Rom. 8. Ephe. 3
• Act. 13 Psalm. 4. 1. Thes. 4,
• Titum. 2. Iohn, 17, Luke. 21. Apoca. 20
• Act. 13, Psalm. 15,
• Esa. 61 Iaco. 5 Apoca. 21 Roma. 8. ••, Iohn. 3
• Psalm. ••••. Iohn. 14, Ezech. 43, Iohn. 8. Phil. 3, 1. Iohn, 2 Apoca. 1. 1. Timo. 2, 1. Iohn. 2▪ Iohn. 15, 2. Mach. 1•• Rom. 8. Hebr. ••. Iohn. 5,
• Iohn Hus in aliqnot loca apoca∣lipseos.

  Wicleus de sermone domini in monte. li. •• Daniel. 8, ••▪ Thes. 2.
• VVicle••s in supple∣mento tria∣logi.

  Franciscus Lambertus in commēta rijs regul•• minori ca∣rum.
• Sebastianus Franctertia parte chro∣••icarum.
• ••. Cor. 6. Act. 2, Apoca. 4, 2. Cor. 4. Apoca. 18, Luke. 1. Psalm. 106
• Apoca. 5, Ephe. 4, Iohn. 1, Luke. 12, ••. Thes. 2
• VValde•• Polidor•••• lib. 20.
• Math. 24, 1. Thes. 2. Luke. 12, Act. 4. Iohn. 16. Apoca. 2,
• Aenas Silnius.
• An expery∣ment of our time in Englande. Aduersus has sunt scripta Morisoni
• Apoca. 17. 2, Cor. 1, Sebastianus meyer. VVicleu{us} Psalm. 2, Act. 4, Luke, 2. ••. Peter. 2,
• Mala. 4 Hebre. 1. ••. Iohn. 1. Eccle. 42 2. Cor. 4. Iohel. 2. ••. Mach. 1 Ephe. 4.
• Psal. 44. Canti. 5. 1. Cor. 1. Hiere. 44. Baruch. 6 Iohn. 4. 1. Iohn, 3. Mich. ••.
• Esa. ••. 1. Cor. 1. Iohel. 2. Cant, 6.
• Apoca. 1••. Math. 16 Iohn, 16. 2. Tim. 4.
• ••. Cor. 15.
• 2. Reg. ••••. Rom. 11, Gala. 4. Psal. 61. Polidorus Virgilius
• Ephe. 2. Rom. 8, Iohn. 18, Daniel, 3. Franciscus Lābertus, li. 2. in Apo¦calipsim.
• Math, 24, 1. Cor. 4. Matth. 5. Daniel, 12 1. Timo. 4 Rom. 1.
• 1. Timo. 6 2. Tim. 2,
• Ioannes Tritemi••s Arnoldus Bostius Iacobus Bergome•• Agrippa▪
• 1. Iohn, 2. Esa. 34. Ose. 2, Luke, 8. Primasius Ansbertus Haymo. 2▪ Tim. 4.
• Esa. 34, Amos. 8, Psalm. 49, Rom. 1. 2. Thes. 2. Psalm. 11,
• Franciscus Lambertus Sebastianus meyer. Iohn Hus.
• Abacuc. 3 3. Iohn. 1, Math. 12, Wicleus in lib. de ecclesia et membris.
• Martinus Lutherus de tradici∣onibus su∣giendis. Daniel. 8, Ioannes Gocchius▪
• Psalm. 2, Esa. 1, Ioannes VVicleu{us} in suotria logo Ioan. Hus.
• Haymo: VVesselus grouingēsis in opusculis
• Apoca. 81,
• Martinus Lutherus in annota∣tionibus. Mathei.
• Ioannes Paleonido∣rus in cro∣nicis.

  Erasmus in suis collo∣quijs.
• Esa. 1,
• Math, 25, Luke. 20, Raciōale diuinorum.
• Odilo clu∣niacensis
• Esa. 2, Osee. 10 2, Cor. 1, 2. Pete. 3. Ephe. 4.
• Iohel. 2, Esa. 13 Math. 25. Mala. 3, Gala. 5 Apoca. 17.
• Lutherus & Erasmus de confes∣sione.
• Esa. 58. Ezech. 18 Eccle. 7 Math. 5. Luke. 6 Act. 8. Iohn. 15, Math, 2, Apoca. 18. Luke. 21 Hebr. 10.
• Apoca. 6, 2. Peter. 2, Acto. 4. ••. Cor. 2.
• Luke. 22. Iude. 1. 1. Tim. 4, Colos. 2.
• Esa. 10▪
• Esaie. 1••, 1. Tim. 4. Exod. 1, 1. Para. 9. 1. Cor. 2,
• Marci. 16 Act. 4.
• Gene. •• Ihon. 16 Iaco. 1, Hebr. 13 Marke. 8, Luke. 6,
• Psalm. 134, Iacob. 1. Apoca. 12 Act. 5. Iohn. 16 Sebastianus Meyer.
• Act. 9. Prou. 27 Hiere. 12 Math, 23, Apoca. 6. Apoca. 20,
• Albertus Mala. 3, Math. 11. VVestme∣ri collecta∣nea. Iohn, 6
• Mar. 16 Luke, 6
• Ezech. 9 1. Cor. 1. Psalm. 4.
• Ephes. 1, Psal. 44. 2. Cor. 3.
• Gala. 4. Ephe. 2. Hiere. 1. Math, 10, Lutherus Erasmus Occolam∣padius. Zuinglius
• Daniel. 7, Sebastianus Meyer. Sapi, 3, Franciscus Lombertus
• Apoca. 9,
• Robertus tuitiensis, Math. 24, Hiere. 31 Canti. 4, Psalm. 38, Hiere. 22,
• Luke, 8 Math. 13, Luke. 19. Math. 9, Act. 9, Canti. 4 Roma. 8. Ezcch. 9, 2. Cor. 1. Hebr, 11▪
• 〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• Ezech. 9 Rom. 9. Math. 5. Luke. 23 Apoca. 5
• Strabus Haymo. Albertus Magnus Hier. 26. 1. Tim. 3. Actu. 4.
• Rom. 8. Math. 16 〈…〉〈…〉
• Actu. 70 Sap. 3,
• Apoca. 6 Iohn. 6. Rom. 8▪ Iohn, 17, Deut. 7, 14 &, 26 Exod. 4
• Esa. 60, Act, 10.
• Numerus signatorum
• Hebr. ••, Gene, 20 Hebr. 7.
• 1. Para. 5•• Gen. 19.
• Gen. 30, Nume. ••. Gene. 30, Iosue. 18,
• Gene. 30, Deu. 33.
• Gene. 4•• Num. 32 Iudie. 18, Gene. 2••,
• Deut. 10 Gene, 29
• Mala 3 Gen. 30, ••. Cor. 2, Gene. 30.
• 2 Thes. 1. Gene. 30 Hebr. 9,
• Gene. 35 1. Peter. 3, Collecta∣nea VVest meri. Otho brun¦fel••ius de tropis scrip¦turarum.
• Rom. 11. Amos. 9
• Math, 21, ••see. 3, Apoca. 17, Rom. 11, Math. 10, Psalm. 85▪
• Sapī, 5, Iohn. 16. 3. Reg. 19. Roma. 13 Iude. 1, Apoca. 13. Iohn, 19.
• Franciscus Lambertus in Apocal. li. 2. part. 3 Roma. 11 Apoca. 9.
• Marci. 7, 1. Tim. 4, 2. Pet. 2 Math. 8▪
• Gala 3, Rom. 10. 2 Peter. 2 Apoca. 18. Ioannes ••ecolam∣padius in Dani••lē.
• Eusebius Acto. 13 Rom. 11 Esa. 49 Franciscus Lambertus li 2. parte. 3 in apocalip¦sim.
• Gene. 41. Daniel. 2. Hester. ••. Tobie. 1. Math. 24▪ Luke. 19. Gala. 4. Apoca. ••••
• Act. 4▪ Iosephus Egesippus Mantuan{us} The sweet wyndes may not blow for these an∣gels of dark¦nesse.
• Psalm. 1••8 Marci. 16. Osee. 1. Gene. 18,
• Phil, 2 Rom, 14, Acto. 2,
• Psalm. 9. Lucke. 8▪ Math. 16 Iohn, 20▪ Esa. 5••
• Apoc. 6. Ephe. 1. Rom. 5, Psalm. 8••, Esa. 45. Iohn, 1, 1. Cor. ••
• Eucheriu•• 1. Iohn. 5. 1. Cor. 15, Hebre. 11. Psal. 113,
• Eph••. 2, ••. Cor. 4. Psalm. 3 Daniel. 7.
• Apoca. 5, Hiere. 11. Psalm. 3. Rom. 9. Isaie. 64 Apoca. 5,
• Daniel. 7. Esai. 9, Apoca. 4 Math, 1••
• Phili. 2 Apoca. 5
• Psal. ••0. Lambert{us} Luke. ••. Colos. 1. Daniel. 7 Apoca. 5
• 1. Timo. 6 Nehe. 8, 3. Esd. 9
• Haymo Ansbertus. Sebastianus meyer. Apoca. 6 Esa. 30 Math. 20, Luke. 9, ••cm. 8
• Iohn. 1••▪ 1. Cor. 14, Hebre. 11 Acto. 14▪ 1. Peter. 3. Iohn. 6.
• Acto▪ 10 Psalm. 3••
• Act. 19, Psalm. 113 Daniel. 12 1. Peter. 1. Apoca. 22, Acto. 10 Ephe. 2. Daniel. ••▪
• Apoca. 4 Exod. 29 Iohel. 2. Esa. 49,
• Iaco. 1, Esa. 49, Psalm. 120
• Deut. 4. Hiere. 17.
• Iohn. 15, Rom. 8. Apoca. 5.
• Math. 18. Iohn, 14, ••ggei. 2. Acto, 4. Esa. 60.
• Psalm. 5••, Iohn. 4 Eccle 1. Iohn. 14 Apoca. 2•• Iohn. 16, Acto, 5. 1. Iohn. 4 Rom. ••, Math. 5,
• Gene. 4•• Psalm. 21 Esaie. 63, Apoca. 1••.
• Marke this sixt seale opening.
• Rom. 8. Psalm. 31. Sapi. 17. Hebr. 9, Gala. 4, Iohn. 4. Math. 5, Luke. 6 Colo. 3. Hebre. 11. Psalm. 118 2. Corin. 1.
• Esa. 32, 1. Iohn. 2. Augustinus, Luke. 2, Iohn. 14 Hiere. 51, Apoca 17. 2. Thes. 2. Apoca. 20 Esa. 32, Mich. 4
• Psalm. 125 Bedas. Apoca. 20, 1. Iohn. 2, 2. ••ara. ••. Psalm. 89, Rom. 11, Hiere. 23 Luke. 15 Iohn. 10
• Apoca. 1. Mala. 2 Albertus Magnus Franciscus Lambert{us} Esa. 27, Ose. 8, Hiere. 16▪
• Daniel. 7, Hebr, 1, Esa. 58. Eucherius
• Hiere. 23 Iohel. 2. Apoc. 6. 1. Cor. 4
• Mala. 3. Esa. 64, Nume. 4 Phil. 2.
• Hebre. 9. Iohn. 4. 1. Tim. 2, 1. Iohn. 2. Psalm. 140, Gene. 15,
• Hebre. 11.
• Hebre. 13 Ephe. 1. Apoca. 12
• Hebr. 7 Iohh. 14, Acto. 7. 1. Iohn. 2 Act. 4,
• Psalm. 140, Proue. 11. Hebre. 1 Rom. 8. Hebre, 9 Iohn. 14
• Hiere, 31 Luke. ••2 Act, 2. Iohn. 1,
• Apoca. 4, Iohn▪ 16, Marci. 16 Iohn. 3, Esa▪ 1, Math. 15. 1. Tim. 6 Apoca 6, Nath. 2, Acto 4, Iohn. 11
• Math, 5 Iohn. 15 Psalm. 73
• Luke. 9 Esa. 58
• Iohn. 15, Marci. 16
• The first angel. Acto. 2. Rom. 10. Iohn. 12 Act. 13. Hebr. 3. Apoca. 22,
• Exo. 9. Eccle. 9 Rom. 1. Sapi. 2.
• Iohn, 16, Acto. 4 Iudie. 1, 2. Cor. 4. Act. 7, 8.12 14.19.
• Ezcch. 14, Math. 23, Osee. 4, Iude. 1. Luke. 13.
• Math. 7 Zacha. 13
• Psalm. 33, Luke. 12.
• Osee. 11, Rom. 9. Esa. 54, 1. Iohn. 2 Act. 1••, Hiere. 2, Iohn. 4, Math 21, Luke. 11 Primas. 1, Haymo. Franciscus Lambert{us}
• The second angell. Mala. 2, Apoca. 2, Eusebius cesariens••s
• Zacha. 4▪ 1. Iohn▪ 2 1. Tim. 3.
• 2. Tim. 3. Act. 20 2▪ Peter. 3, Esa. 17, Ezech. 6 Luke, 18
• Esa. 40 Luke. 3 2. Tim. 3, Hiere, 20 Iohn, 18. 3. Iohn. 1, Act. 19, Act. 13, 2. Tim. 4.
• Hebre. 12 Zacha. 4 Esa. 17 Rom, 16. Apoca. 20.
• Acto. 16 Lucke. 11.
• Exod. 7 Apoca. 17 Act. 6 Math. 10, Ioan▪ 16 Math. 5. 1. Ioan. 3
• Acto. 1••. Apoca. 3. 2. Tim. 3.
• Eusebius cesariensis Eucherius
• 1. Tim. 6.
• Luke. 8, Act. 5••
• The third angel. Daniel. 12 Iude. ••
• 2. Tim. 4 Philastrius Brixiensis Argustinus
• Luke. 16 Osee. ••, 2, Tim. 4▪ Iohn. 6. Apoca. 2▪ 1. Iohn. 2. 1. Tim, 4.
• 2. Corin. 4. Esa. 55 2. Tim. 2 Luke. 12, 1, Cor. 2, Amos. 5.
• Hiere. 9
• Gene. 26. Primasius Bedas, Here. 2, 1. Cor. 5 Psalm. 18, Math. 15, 2. Thes. 2.
• Hiere. 23. 2▪ ••or. 2 2. ••ete. 2. Tren. 3,
• Haymo. Ambrosius Ansber••u•• Hiere. 2. Psalm. 18. 1. Tim. ••.
• The fourth angel. ••ath. 20, Lucke. 20 Marci. 12 Math. 28 Hieroni∣mus▪ Rufinus. Cassianus Heraclides.
• Baptista Mantuanus Ioannes tritemius Franciscus. Lambertus
• Ioannes Oeclampa∣dius in Da••n elem. Ioannes VViclenus de anti¦christo ••t membres.
• Platina Nancleru•• Otho. Brunfelsi••us. Erasmus. Lutheru••. ••
• Ioannes Olneye C••rthusia∣nus. Vincencius
• 2. Timo. 3 3. Reg. 18, 2. Tim. 4,
• Iohn. 15, Luke. 21. Esa. 13, 2. Cor. 2. 1. Tim▪ 4 Treno. 4 Acto, 8.
• Iohn, 12, Osee. 4
• Mala. 4 Apoca. 2 Esa▪ 56. 2. Pet▪ 3. Rom. 1.
• Hiere. 6. Albertus Magnus, Ioannes VVicleus in suppli∣mento ••••i∣alogi▪
• VValden{us} in fasculo zizanio••ū, Bedas Haymo
• Sebastianus Meyer.
• Apoca. 7 Osee. 8, Mala. ••.
• Phil. ••. Bapt. •••• Mantuanus Ioannes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nauc••••rus
• Ioachim 〈◊〉〈◊〉. ••uper ora∣cu••o ciril. li. Baptista Mantuan{us}
• Zacha. 12 Ephe. 4 Apoc. 22. 2. Tim. 3, Iude. 1. 3. Reg. 10
• Franciscus Lambertus
• vvaldenses 1. Tim. 4. Acto. 20. 2. Tim. 3, VVicleus Math. 22 Apoca. 20.
• The fyft angell. Albertus Magnus Luke. 12 Math, 20, Act. 5.
• Esa. 14, Psalm. 13 Hiere. 6 Isaie. 24
• Ose. 4. Baruch. 6
• Hiere ••, 1. Cor. 2, 2. Peter. 3, Math. ••5. Gala 4, ••. Tim. 4.
• Agrippa. de vanitate ••cientiarum
• Erasmus sarcerius, de scolasti••ce theolo∣gie vanit••••te▪

  Oecolam∣padius in epistolis
• Franciscus Lambert{us} li. 3. in A∣pocalipsim Apoca. 6. Apoca. 20
• Ioannes Ca••ion in cronicis. Ranulphu{us} cestrensis.
• Fabianus Ioannes maior. Polidorus. Agrippa contra Lo∣uanienses. Zacha. 9, Prou. 1. Math. 16 Rom. 1,
• Luke. 22 Hebre. 13. Luke. 11 Rom. 8 Gala. 5 Apoca. 13. Daniel. 7 Iob. 1. Psalm. 106 Iaco. 5.
• Luke, 11. Apoca. 14▪ Apoca. 19. 1. Tim. 4 Gala. 5, Apoca. 18 Apoca. 20 Esa. 1,
• Math. 16. Luke. 11, Math. 23, Luke. 10 Iohn. 10 2, Pet. 2 Math. 15. 2, Tim. 3, I••on. 14▪ Apoca. ••. Esa. 63.
• Ab••cuc. 3. 8. Cor. 15.
• Apoc. 6. Sapi. 2. Gene. 3. 2 Cor. 11. Rom. 5. 2. ••essa. 2. Math. 24. 1. Tim. 4. Gala. 5. Luce. 12.
• 2. Cor. 2. Apoc. 19.
• Lutheras aduersus.
• Catherin••••▪ Esa. 3. 2. cor. 2 Iohannes. agricola super lucā▪
• Apoca. 19 Nahum. 3. Amos. 7. VVicleus in speculo militantis ecclesie.
• Sabellicus. Mantuanus Egid••us Father. Paleonid••∣rus.
• Polidorus Franciscus Lambert{us} in regulam minoritarū et alij. 2. Peter. 2, Math. 24 Acto. 20 2. Iohn, 1. Iude. 1. Esa 1, Rom. 2.
• Exod. 10. Ezech. 2, Haymo. Albertus. Iob. 34. Math. 7 Hebr. 2••
• Sebastianu•• meyer, in Apocal. Gregorius in li. e••alo∣gorum. Odilo clu∣niacensis abbas.
• 2. Pet. 2 Apoca. 18 Exod. 10. Deute. 28, Sebastianus ••ranck in 2. parte chronicorū
• Hiere. 5, Psalm. 2
• Apoca▪ 7▪ Prou. 11 Iohn. 6. Nume. 24. Acto. 20. Iohn. 17,
• Iob. 2. Collo. 1. Rom. 8. Gala. 5 Iohn. 18 Hiere. 15 Marci. 16
• Apoc. 7. Apoca. 19. Ephe. 5. Franciscus. Lambertus li. 3 in Apo¦calipsum.
• Ezech. 18 Ambrosius Ansbertus Math. 23, Gala. 4, Osee. 11 Iohn. 9, Ioannes Eskius,
• Apoca. 7 Ioan. 3, Act. 5, Franciscus Lambert{us} Eccle. 39,
• Ephe. 4 Sapi. 17. Sapi. 17 Sebastian{us} Meyer in Apocalip∣••••••.
• Sapi. 16, Osee. 10 2, Tim. 3, Osee. 4,
• Rom. 8 Gene. 19, Luke. 17
• Apoca. 6. Marci. 9, VVicleu{us} in libro de confessione Hiere. 2
• Hiere. 31. Ioannes Hus de an∣tichristo. 1▪ Pet. 1.
• Titum. 3. Gene. 5. Psal. 85.
• Sapi. 16▪ Ro•••• •••• VValdem•••• in 〈…〉〈…〉.
• Esa. 28. Math. 23. Iacob. 3. Luce. 22. 3. Iohn. 1. Math. 23. Luce. 20. Marci. 12. Luce. 18.
• 2. Tim. 3, 2. Thes. 2, Psalm. 36 Esa. 14, Abdie. 1 Esaie. 28 Phil. 3 Psalm. 1,
• Colo. 2, Apoca. 3. Iosephus Math. 6 Luke, 11. Math, 23 Marci. 12,
• Haymo ••span 3
• Iude. 1. 2. Peter. 2, Rom. 1▪ Ezech. 4 Eccle. 2••, 2. Timo. 3 Act. 20.
• Canti. 2, Psalm. 79 Math. 10. Hiere. 23. Haymo. Albertus Luke. 22 1. Tim. 1. Math. 12. Hebre. 6.
• Ioan Hus∣de Anato∣mia anti∣christi. VVicle••••s li. 2. de ser∣mone dōi in monte.
• Sebastianus meyer in Apocalip∣sim. Apoc. 18. Esa. 10. Miche 3. Rom. 16. Ioan. 16.
• Ezech. 17. Exod. 5. Daniell. 3 1. Macha. 1. Deut. 8. Hiere. 51. Esa. ••. VVicleuus li. 2. de ser∣mone do∣mini in monte.
• Primasius li. 3. in apo. Iob. 2. Math. 17. Ioan Hu•• de regno Antichristi. Luce. 12. Sapi. ••.
• Sapi. 1. Apoca. 20 Iob▪ 41. Iohn. 8. Luke. 11, 2. Thess. 2 1. Tim. 3. Psalm. 17, Math. 15, Hiere. 2.
• Hieronim{us} Erasmus. Math. 4. Gene 3 Luke. 11, Math. 12
• Franciscus Lambert{us}
• Bedas. Haymo. Albertus Magnus
• The sixt Angell. Bedas an∣glus in apo∣calips. Sebastianus meyer.
• 3. Reg. 7. Apoca. 8. Matth. 17. Iohan. 1 Hebr. 9. Iohan. 1.
• Colo. 2▪ Roma. 5. 2. Cor. 5.
• Hebre. 9▪ Rom. 12 Colo. 3. 1. Pet. 2, Math. 28.
• Marci. 16. Rom. 10 Math. 16 Gala. 4. Rom. 8.
• Ephe. 1, Iohn. 16 Rom. 1 1. Cor. 15. Ihon. 14
• Luke. 4, Esa. 61, Amos. 9, Hiere. 31, Iohn, 5, Psalm. 1•••• 2. Para. 7 Baruch. 6, Math. 2••
• Hebre, 9 Lutherus aduersus presendo episcopos. Franciscus Lambert{us} in Apoca▪
• Idē Lam∣bertus de caulis ex∣cecacionis multorum seculorum. Acto, 4. Iohn. 8.
• Acto. 10. Iohn, 7, 2. Cor. 2. Luke. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 6, 2▪ Thes. 2. Mala. 3, Apoca. 7.
• Ioannes vvicleu{us} in sua con∣fessione. et in libel∣lo ad parli∣amentum regis.
• Franciscus. Lambert{us} li. 3 in Apo¦calipsum. Otho brū∣felsius et alij.
• Daniel. 12 Iohn. 7.
• Ioachim Abbas in a∣pocalip. Eusebius cesarienfis
• Iohannes Nauclerus Iacobus bergomēsis
• Ioan Hus de Anato∣mia anti∣christi.
• Math. 23 Iohn. 16 Sebastianus meyer. Apoca. 8, Ticonius Apher. ex primasi•• & Ansber∣to.
• Ioannes brencius. Act. 8. 2. Peter. 2 Math. 10 Daniel. 12
• Ambrosius Ansbertus li. 4. super apocalip∣sim. Haymo Apoca. 9.
• Thomas Naogeorg{us} in pāma∣chio. Ioannes vvicleu{us} li. 2. de ser∣mone domi¦ni in monte
• Bēno car∣dinalis. Ioannes Carion. Thomas vvaldenus Fabianus Polidorus li. 22. Chro.
• Math. 23. Luke. 1•• Sapi. ••, Psal. 115 Apoca. 6 Ephe. 2.
• Exod. 7, 3. Reg. 22, Psalm. 2 2. Tim. 3 Colo. 2. vvaldenus in fasciculo Zizaniorū
• Sebastianus meyer, in Apoca. Sabellicus Platina. Blondus Carsulanus
• vvernerus. Cornelius Agripda
• Haymo. li. 2. in apo∣calipsi.
• Ioan Hus de regno antichristi.
• vvicleu{us} li. 2. de ser∣mone do∣mini in monte.
• Lambert{us} Shafnabur∣gensis

  Sigebertus gemblacen∣sis.

  Otho phri∣singensis.
• Isaie. 56, Math. 24 2. Peter. 2, 12. Peter. 5▪ Ephe. 6,
• Iohn. 16 Acto 9, Lucke. 21 2. Tim. 3. 1, Tim. 4,
• Ioannes Hussius de regno, vita, et mo∣ribus anti∣christi.
• Collo. 3. 1. Cor. 1. Baruca. 6
• Sebastianus meyer in Apoca.
• Iohans VVicleus de confessi∣one Lati∣norum.
• Franciscus Lambert{us} li. 3. in opo∣calipsim. Otho brū∣felsius in loc••s com∣munibus.
• Math. 25. 2. Tim. 3 Marci. ••
• Ioannes Hus in quedā loca Apocalip∣seos.
• Sebastianus Meyer in Apoca.
• 1, Tim. 4. Psal. 18 Math. 5, 1. Iohn. 2. Hiere, 13 Apoca. 16 Luke. 21
• Primasi{us} ••pher. li. 3. in apocal. Franciscus Lambert{us} li. 3. in opo∣calipsim.
• Let open experience be herein an able wit¦nesse. Bedas. Albertus Magnus visione. 3.
• Eccli. 16 Daniell. 6 Cornelius Agripda in querela super ca∣lumpnia.
• Esa. 55, 3. Reg. 4, 2 Para. 4. Eccli. 4•• Gene. 4
• Apoca. 6. Esa. 11 2. Thes. 2. Math, 22 Luc••. 12.
• Franciscus Lambert{us} li. 2. in Apo¦calipsim
• Psalm. 141 Daniell. 12 VVicleu{us} & Ioannes Hussius. Gala. 6. Apoca. 7 Act. 1, Iaco. 5.
• Sebastian{us} Meyer in commenta∣rio super Apocalip∣sim.
• 1. Peter. ••, Roma. 1. Heb. 2 2. Tim. 4,
• Apoca. 2, Hebr. 12 Franciscus Lambert{us} in Apoca. Rom. 14. 1. Cor. ••▪
• Theodor{us} bibliander in consual∣tatione▪
• Baru••••.
• Psalm. 95 Sapi. 15. Psalm. 113. Math. 5, Rom. 15 1. Ioan. 3, Luke. 10
• Math. 13. Gene. 19, Luke. 17. Apoc. 18. Chrisosto∣mus. Cirillus.
• Rom. 1. Apoca. 22,
• Hiere ••••. Apoca. 1. 1 Tim. 5. Iohn. 12 Luke. 8, Act. 5, 2. Thess. •• Math. 13.
• Apoca. 3, 1. Iohn. 3. Iacob. 2, 1. T••m. 5. Daniel. 14▪ Bar••••a. 6 Apoca. 17 Sebastianus Meyer
• Psalm. 4▪
• Hebr. 6. Math. 2•• Luke. 19 2. Peter. 2. 2. Cor. 1. Rom. 1. 2 Thes. 2. Luke. 12, Iaco. 4. Math. 12
• Ioan Hu•• de regno antichristi. Apoca. 9. Bedas. Franciscus Lambert{us} in apocal.
• Cobanus Hessus▪ Ioannes Hilten.
• Melanchtō VValden{us}, Hiere. 1. Acto 9. 3. Esdre. 3,
• Math. 10. Luke. 21 Franciscus Lambert{us} Iohn 20 Apoca. 8. Esa. 14. Math. 15▪
• Petru•• Berthori▪ Iohn. 15.
• Math. 5▪ Luke. 6▪ Mala. 2. Phil. 2, Acto. 20. Iohn. 9. Iohn. 12. Iohn. 19
• Mala. 2, Acto, 4. Esa. 60. Augustin{us} et Bedas. Eccli. 39 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 3. Iohn. 15
• Eccli. 4•• Psalm. 102 Esa. ••3, Gene. 9.
• Act. 4. Heb 7. Roma. 8. Gala. 4.
• Titu••. 3. Esa. 1. vvicleu{us} Ephe. 2. Collo. 1. Ioannes Oecolam padius in Esaiā. Rom. 4▪ Luce. 18.
• Phil 2. Mala, 3, Iohn, 12, Rom. 2. Henricus Bullinger{us}
• Apoca. 9 ••. Iohn. 4
• Martinus Lutherus de tradici∣onibus hu∣manis. Math. 5. Esa. 1. VVicleu{us} in trialogo 1. Thes. 4. 1, Tim. 5,
• Apoca. •• Gala. 2. 1. Tim. 3 Hiere. 1.
• Luke. 2•• 3. Esd. 3. Psalm. 2•• Esa. 52 Nahum. 8 Rom. 10
• 1. Cor. 12 Apoca. 4. Luke, 24. Esa. 35. Math. 11. Psalm. 118 Iaco. 1. Math. 7 Iohn. 14▪
• Act. •••• Apoca. 4.
• Math 24 Apoca. 7 Math. 15 Eusebius cesarien. Franciscus. Lambert{us} in Apoca.
• Martinus Lutherus. Br••̄felsius. Luke. 11 Math. 20 Hiere. 31 Aggei. 2
• Ambrosius Ansbertus Hiere. 31 Esai. 61. Marci. 16▪ Ihon. 6,
• 1. Cor. ••
• Franciscus Lambert{us} in Apoca. Math. 24 Hiere. 31 Sebastianus meyer. in Apoca. 6▪
• Psalm. 9••▪ Ioannes 〈…〉〈…〉.
• Otho brū∣felsius in annotacio∣••ibus ••nā∣geliorum.
• Ioa••him Abbas in Hieremi. Lutherus aduersus pseudo Episcopos.
• Apoca. 19. Herb 4▪ Apoca. 5 Gene. 1. Math. 16. Hebr. 4. Ephe. 6 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 21. 1. Cor. ••.
• Hiymo. lib, 3. in Apoca. Franciscus Lambert{us} P••alm. 9 Rom. 1. Apoca. 7
• Hebr. 10 2. Para. 32 Esai. 36.
• Iohel. 2. Soph. 2. Sebastian{us} Meyer in Apocalip. Math. 23. Lucke. 11 Franciscus Lambertus
• Math. 24. Luce. 21. Otho brū∣felsius
• Psal. 109 Albertus Magnus in Apoca. 7
• Robar•••••• Tuitiensis in apoca, Bedas Haymo. Franciscus Lutherus
• Acts. 1. Math. 24. 2. Cor. 12. Chrisosto∣mus. Augustinus▪ Iohn. 16. Math. 13. Luke. ••.
• Rom. 1•• Psalm. 35. Esa. 6.
• Haymo in Apoca. Psal. 67. Luke. 24. Otho Brū∣felsius in Euangelia
• Iohn Hus in quedam loca Apoc. Franciscus Lambert{us} Mala. 2.
• Ioachim Abbas in Apoca. Sebastianus meyer. in Apoca▪
• Luke, 24. Actes ••
• Martinus Lutherus in postilla. 1. Tessa. 5. 1. Iohn. 4 Psalm. 115 Psalm. 13 Hebr. 1. Gene. 1.
• Esai. 45. Amos. 4 Eccli. 18. Psal. 135
• Franciscus Lambertus in Apoca.
• Ioachim ab¦bas.
• Sebastian{us} Meyer Marci. 16. Math. 13. Luke. 21. 2. Pet. 2 Apoca. 2.
• Daniel. 12 Apoca. 12. Iohannes bacōthorp in Daniel.
• Math. 24 Apoca. 8. Apoca. 12
• Iohn. 4▪ 1. Cor. 13. Daniell. 11. Hiere. 31
• Franciscus Lambert{us} in Apoca. Psalm. 32. Act..
• Marci. 13, Daniel. 12 Luce. 17. Gene▪ 7. Gene. 19.
• 1. Thes 5. Math. 25. Iohn. 5. Apoca. 12▪ Daniel. 12.
• Mala▪ 2 Iohn. 16 Rom. 8. Apoca. 1. Bedas et Haymo in apocal.
• Ioannes 5 Acto▪ 17 Math. 13
• Franciscus Lambertus in Apocal· Luc. 10▪ Apoca. 9 Otho brū∣felsius.
• Henricu•• Bulling••∣ru••.
• Luc. ••. Esa. 40. Ioel. 2 Psal. 118 Franciscus Lambart{us}▪ Ioannes. 5. 1. Ioan. 4 Math. 15.
• Ioannes Chrisosto. Augustinus
• Cyrillus. Albertus Magnus Esa. 61. Math. 11 2. Tim. 4▪ Gala. 6.
• Iosue. 1••. Rom▪ 6, Psalm. 118
• Eucherius Iugduneas. Ioannes Hus in ali∣quot loca Apocalip. Franciscus. Lambert{us}
• Hiere. 35. Ephe. 4. Sapi. 1.
• Hiere. 4 Math. ••▪ 4. Esdr. Ezech. 3▪ Haymo.
• Iaco. •• Iohn, 8, Psal. 118. Ephe. 4 2. Peter. 1▪ VVicleu{us} de ecclesia Rom. 16 Math. 6. Hebr. 11▪ Iohn. 6. Psalm. 118
• Luke. 8. Apoca. ••▪
• 3. Reg▪ 1•• Hire. 9. Ezch. 34. Exod. 32 Psal. ••3. Treno. 1 Luc. 19.
• Act. 9.
• Psal. 18▪ 1, Tim. 1, Gala▪ 4. Math. 12, Hiere. 7 2. Cor. 11 Rom. 1. Act. 9, Gala. 2.
• Phili. •• Ezech, 3. 4. Esd. 14 Acto▪ 1•• Psal. 18 Psal. 11•• Canti ••
• VVestme∣rus de tro∣pis scriptu. Luc. 6 Roma. 9▪ Dani. 1••
• 2. Cor. •• Iohn. 2••
• Math, 25 ••. Tim. 4.
• Math. 2••. Marci. 1•• Acto. 9. Sapi. 6. Esa. 38
• Lucke. 14 Math. 5. Luke. 11 Rom. 10. Esa. 5••. Apoca. 7 Hebr. 1. ••. Thessa. 2.