The ruine of Rome: or An exposition vpon the whole Reuelation Wherein is plainly shewed and proued, that the popish religion, together with all the power and authoritie of Rome, shall ebbe and decay still more and more throughout all the churches of Europe, and come to an vtter ouerthrow euen in this life before the end of the world. Written especially for the comfort of Protestants, and the daunting of papists, seminary priests, Iesuites, and all that cursed rabble. Published by Arthur Dent, preacher of the word of God at South-Shoobery in Essex.

CHAP. XIII.

WEe haue heard in the former chapter the description of the church, and of her arch∣enemie the diuel, and of the battell betwixt them, with the successe thereof. Now in this chapter wee are to heare of the dragons two great instruments, whereby he fighteth against the woman: that is, the Romane empire, and the Papacie. For by these two, as it were his two hands, he hath in all ages, from the Apostles time to this day, most cruelly assailed, and afflicted the church. Therefore the maine drift of this chapter is, to describe at large these two beasts, together with all their beastly proceedings. So that this chapter may fitly be deuided into two principal parts.

The first is a description of the Roman monarchy, when it was at the highest pitch, vntil the 11. verse.

The second, is a description of the Papacie, when it was in his pride, and exaltation; in all the verses follo∣wing vnto the end of this chapter.

In the first of these two maine branches, the Ro∣mane Empire is diuersly described.

First, of the petigree thereof.

Secondly, of her seuen seuerall gouernments.

[vers. 1] Thirdly, of her great and outstretched power.

Fourthly, of her victories.

Fiftly, of her blasphemies.

[vers. 2] [vers. 3] Sixtly, of her furie, rapine, and pride.

After this is set down the wound, which was made in the Empire, with the curing of the same.

[vers. 4.5.6.7.8 9.10.] Lastly, is set down the great and admirable power, and authority of the Roman empire, which ruled ouer

a great part of the world, and had many nations sub∣iect vnto it, especially, when the Popes were the heads thereof.

In the second maine part is the Papacie very liuely described.

First, frō the petigree thereof, which is of the earth. [vers. 11]

Secondly, from the ciuil and Ecclesiasticall power thereof, which is pretended to come from Christ, al∣though in truth it is of the diuell.

After this is set downe that the Papacie should be as mightie, [vers. 12.13.14.] and performe as much in the seruice of the Dragon against God, as euer the Empire of the heathen could do, both by authoritie and force, and especially, by lying wonders.

Then is shewed, that as the Papacie did in sub∣stance of matter set vp and restore againe the old Roman tyrannie, to be worshipped, and wondred at; [vers. 14] so hath it framed an Hierarchie or Ecclesiasticall gouernment, after the verie forme and president of the ancient Romane tyrannie; which is indeed so like it, that it is called the liuely image thereof: [vers. 15] and he hath by his Clergie and their iurisdiction, put such life and spirit into this image, that it spake with authoritie and power in all countries and king∣domes; [vers. 16.17.] in so much that whosoeuer would not sub∣mit himselfe thereunto, and both professe and practise poperie, and yeeld himselfe wholy to the papacie, he should die for it.

Last of all, [ver. 18] is descried and discouered from the nu∣meratiue letters of the name of the second beast, both who hee was, and from whence hee should spring.

Text.

[vers. 1] And I saw a beast rise out of the sea, hauing seuen heades, and tenne hornes, and vpon his hornes were tenne crownes, and vpon his heads the name of blas∣phemie.

First, we are to vnderstand that a beast in the Scrip∣ture doth signifie a kingdome, or monarchie; and that not in respect of the ciuil power therof, which is of God, as it is written, There is no power but of God: but in respect of the tyrannie, crueltie, ambition, pride, and other such like beastly qualities thereof, which are of the diuell: and therefore this beast is said to ascend out of the bottomlesse pit, chap. 17.8.

This word beast is thus taken in the seuenth of Daniel, where the three great Monarchies of the Ba∣bylonians, Medes and Persians, and of the Greci∣ans, are compared for their pride, rapine and cruelty, to a Lyon, a Beare, and a Leopard. The Angell in that chapter saith expresly, that these beasts were kings, that is, kingly gouernments or Dominions.

By the beast in this place is meant the Romane Monarchie, not in regard of the ciuill power thereof, but especially in respect of the tyranny of it, in op∣pressing the Church.

By the sea here is meant the troublesome state of the nations: as it is taken chap. 4. vers. 6. and chap. 21. vers. 1. For from the boyling, and broyling e∣state of the former kingdomes and heathen nations, which were as a raging sea, did the Roman Empire spring vp, as all stories do witnesse. And the Prophet

Daniel doth flatly teach that through the diuision of the Greeke Empire, which fell out in the posteritie of Alexander the Great, especially betwixt his two sonnes Ptolemeus and Seleucus, this Romane mo∣narchie by degrees made a head, till at last it came to this pitch, which now we shall heare of.

By the seuen heads of this beast, are meant the se∣uen seuerall gouernments of the Roman Empire. First, by Kings. Secondly, by Consuls. Thirdly, by De∣cemuiri. Fourthly, by Dictators. Fiftly, by Triumuiri. [chapter 17.9.] Sixtly, by Emperours. And lastly, by Popes, as heere∣after shal more plainly appeare.

By the tenne hornes of this beast, is meant the great power and large dominion of the Roman Em∣pire, or as the Angell himselfe doth expound it, [chapter 17.12.] thereby is meant tenne kings, that is, manie king∣domes, which should be subiect to the Roman Mo∣narchie, and wherein in verie deede the power and strength of the Empire did consist. For by these hornes the Roman Empire did not only push downe other nations: but especially dosse against the Church, and as it were, cruelly gore the sides thereof.

Nowe then we see that the Roman Emperours both in homes and heads, were like their Father the diuel or the dragon.

By the tenne crownes vpon his tenne hornes, are meant his great and manifolde victories ouer other countries and kingdomes.

The hornes of this beast are said to be crowned, & not his heads, because the Roman Empire hath al∣wayes more preuailed by power then by policie, by strength then by subtilty. But the Dragon hath his

heads crowned, and not his homes, because he hath alwayes done more hurt by policie, then pow∣er; by subtiltie, then strength. One thing in all this is greatly to bee heeded, that the holy Ghost in this chapter doth specially speake of the Roman monar∣chie, as the Popes were heads thereof; or as it was vnder the dominion of the Popes in their pride, when as the Emperours were almost troden vnder foote: and not simply and soly, as the Emperours were heads thereof.

Moreouer it is said, that vpon the seuen heads of this beast was written the name of blasphemie. For be∣sides the blasphemies of Caligula, Nero, Domitian, Dioclesian, Iulianus, and the other old heathenish, and persecuting Emperours, which haue arrogated vnto themselues diuine honour, wee shall anon heare of the surpassing blasphemies of the Popes against God, [ver. 5.6.] and all goodnesse.

[vers. 2] And the Beast which I saw was like a Leopard, and his feete like a Beares, and his mouth as the mouth of a Lyon, and the Dragon gaue him his power, & his throne, and great authoritie.

Here the Roman Empire is described of the like∣lihood of qualities, which it had with the other three Empires going before it. For first, it is compared to a Leopard, for swiftnesse to pray vpon others; and also for fircenesse, and subtiltie, as did the Greeke mo∣narchie. Secondly, it is compared to a Beare for rapine and rauening, as the monarchie of the Medes and Persians. Thirdly, it is compared to a Lyon for pride and insolencie, as the monarchie of the Chaldaeans. So then by this description it is

verie cleere, that this beast signifieth the Roman monarchie, because it containeth in it the whole power of the other three Empires: and is here de∣scribed as a compound of diuers beasts, yea as a verie monster of monsters, hauing the body of a Leopard, the feete of a Beare, and the mouth of a Lyon.

Moreouer it is said, that the Dragon gaue him his power, and his throne, and great authoritie. Which plainely sheweth, that the power and authoritie of the Roman Empire is of the diuell, in respect of the euill qualitie thereof, that is, fraud, rapine, [chapter 17. v. 8.] and op∣pression: In which respect it is said to ascend out of the bottomlesse pit, as was declared before. But the sub∣stance of it, and the gouernement it selfe, was of God. For the powers that be, are ordained of God, as saith the Apostle.

And I saw one of his heads, [vers. 3] as it were wounded vnto death: but his deadly wound was healed, and all the world wondred, and followed the beast.

Heere Iohn in a vision seeth one of the seuen heads of the beast, almost wounded vnto death. There bee diuers and differing opinions of the lear∣ned touching this wound of the Empire, both when it should bee, and howe, and by whom. Some vnderstand it of the death of Iulius Caesar: some of Nero: some of the oppression of the Gothes and Vandales: some of the great preuailing of Iohn Husse, and Ierome of Prage in the greatest part of Bohemia. But to let all these passe, if wee do wise∣ly consider and weigh with our selues, that by a beast in this place, is not meant anie lawfull ad∣ministration of gouernement: but a tyrannicall

power in persecuting the Church, wee shall find that a head of the beast was then wounded, when Con∣stantine the Great slew Maxentius and Licinius, the two last persecuting Emperours, set vp true religi∣on, and brought peace to the Churches. For here∣by the Roman Empire was greatly wounded, as tou∣ching the tyrannie of it. The holy Ghost doth not set downe which of the seuen heads were thus woun∣ded, but in generall saith, one of them. Nowe it is verie probable, that he meaneth the sixt head: For we doe not reade of anie such wound in the former fiue which were past. Neither can it be vnderstood of the seuenth head, which was the Papacie, because it receiued no such wounde as yet. It followeth then, that the wound was in the sixt head, that is, in the Empire. But we reade of no Emperour that did so wound the beast, as did Constantine the Great. And therefore it is verie probable, nay, an hun∣dred to one, that the holy Ghost here pointeth at him.

But it followeth, that his deadly wound was hea∣led, to wit, by these wicked Emperours which suc∣ceeded Constantine, as Constantius, Iulianus, Valenti∣us, and others, which afresh did set vp Idolatrie, and persecuted the Church. Nowe vppon the healing of this wound, it is said, that all the world wondred, and followed the beast: that is, manie nations, or the greatest part of the world did submit themselues to the Roman tyrannie. For sure it is, some kingdomes were neuer subiect to the Empire of Rome, as some part of Asia, and some part of Africa.

[vers. 4] And they worshipped the Dragon which gaue power

vnto the beast, and they worshipped the beast, saying: Who is like vnto the beast, who is able to warre with him!

Now is shewed how all the subiects of the Ro∣man Empire, did worship the Dragon: that is, they maintained that worship, which he liked and loued, that is, the worship of idols, which the Apostle cal∣leth the worship of diuels. And it is said also, they wor∣shipped the beast: that is, they did all with one accord submit themselues both to the religion, and authori∣tie of the beast: that is, to the Popes, as they were the seuenth head of the Empire. For, as I said be∣fore, so I say againe, the holy Ghost heere speaketh of the Empire, when it was in the greatest glorie and exaltation; yea when all the worlde wondred and followed the beast; yea, when all admired the great and large dominion of the Roman empire; and said within themselues, who is like vnto the beast? who is able to warre with him? Now, the Empire of Rome was neuer so great and powerful, as when the Popes were heads thereof, I meane when they executed the whole ciuill iurisdiction of the empire, besides their Ecclesiasticall power, which now did both meete in one. For now the Papacie was aloft, and the Roman Empire ioyned with it: so that the eyes of the world were dazeled with the pompe and magnificence thereof, and they said, What is like vnto it? or who is comparable to the Pope, the se∣uenth head thereof? For then the blinde worlde thought that the power of the Popes, was not one∣ly aboue all things in this world, but also did reach euen vnto heauen and hell. For they imagined that

the Pope might carie to heauen whom hee would; and whom he would, he might cast downe to hell: and therefore who could warre with the beast? And thus wee see the reason of their wonderment, and of their speech. All stories and experience it selfe doe shew, that there was neuer anie power in the world so wondred at, as the vsurped power and maiestie of the Pope, after he came to bee the head of the Ro∣man monarchie. For then the world supposed that hee had power, euen as God: and that he might de∣pose, and set vp kings and Emperours at his plea∣sure. Then it is cleere, that vnder the dominion of the Popes, Rome hath beene in her highest exalta∣tion and glorie. For the Papacie was the seuenth head of the beast, whereby the whoore of Babylon was supported in her most magnificall pompe and pride.

[vers. 5] And there was giuen vnto him a mouth that spake great things, and blasphemies, and power was giuen vnto him to do 42. moneths.

[ver. 6] And he opened his mouth vnto blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwel in heauen.

Here are set down the proud and blasphemous speeches both of the old, and new Romane Empire; and of the old, and new Romane Emperours. For this beast (as I said before) comprehendeth al the Ro∣man Empire, both vnder the Heathen Emperours, and the Popes. Touching the great things, and blas∣phemies, which the old persecuting Emperours haue belched out against the God of heauē, it wold require

a volume to set them downe in particulars. I wil ther∣fore only mention two or three for exampels sake: As first that of Caius Caligula, which would haue his image set vp in temples to be worshipped as God, and that the people should sweare by his name. Nero also did openly blaspheme the name of Christ, and requi∣red diuine honour to be giuen vnto him. Domitian commanded that he should be called God and Lord. Many others required the like things: and so al the world woondred and worshipped this blasphemous beast. Now as the sixt head, which was the old em∣pire of Rome, was ful of the names of blasphemy; so the seuenth head, which is the new Empire vnder the dominion of the Popes, which he here chiefely spea∣keth of, did most of al blaspheme. For the Pope did challenge vnto himselfe al power both in heauen and earth: he would be worshipped as God: he vsurped authority ouer the worde of God: he did take vpon him to forgiue sinnes. He did most blasphemously in∣croach vpon all the offices of Christ, as king, priest, & prophet. He hath commāded the Angels. He hath erected blasphemous images, and caused pictures to be made of the Godhead. He boasteth and craketh great things of his Papal power, of Peters keies, of Pe∣ters chaire, of Peters succession, of his miracles, of his two swords, and of his manifold praerogatiues roial. One of the Popes poisoned his God: another cast his God into the fire: another would eate his peacocke in despite of God. Some of thē counted the religiō of Christ a tale or a fable: some drank to the diuel: some said, they could doe as much as God. It were infinit to set downe al their blasphemies: for it is saide of the

whoore of Babylon, that she was full of the names of blasphemy. Let this suffice for the vnderstanding of this text, that as the olde heathenish Emperours did blaspheme, so the Popes being heades of the Em∣pire, did most of al blaspheme. And as it is here said, they did not only blaspheme the name of God, but al∣so did open their black and blasphemous mouthes a∣gainst his tabernacle, that is, his church, calling it a cō∣pany of heretickes, schismatickes, apostataes and such like; and also against them that dwell in heauen, that is, the spirits of iust and perfect men, which are in heauē, as Luther, Caluin, Melancthon and such like.

Moreouer it is to be noted, that this mouth was gi∣uen vnto this monstrous beast, thus to blaspheme and speake great things. But this is to be vnderstood, that it was giuen in the wrath and iust iudgement of God vpō the world, to plague them withal, because they re∣garded not the knowledg of the truth. But it is added, that this power of the beast thus to worke his actions, was limited vnto 42. monethes; so that although he rule and rage for a time, yet shal he not long continue.

[ver. 7] And it was giuen vnto him to make war with the Saints, and to ouer come them; and power was giuen vnto him ouer euery kindred, and tongue and nation.

[ver. 8] Therefore all that dwell vpon the earth, shall worship him, whose names are not written in the booke of life of the Lambe, which was slaine from the beginning of the world.

These two verses do set forth the great power which was giuen vnto this beast, both in fighting against Gods people, and also ouercomming of them, and murdering of them by heapes. As we reade of thou∣sands

murdered in the first ten great persecutions, and ten thousands by the Popes, since they came to exer∣cise the ciuill authority and iurisdiction of the Ro∣mane Empire, and that in al countries and king∣domes of Europe; as it is here said, that power was gi∣uē vnto him ouer euery kindred▪ and tongue and nation. And it is added, that all that dwell vpon the earth, that is, al the subiects of the Roman monarchy, shal wor∣ship the beast, and make a God of him; as we read they haue don. And the chiefe motiue therof, was his blas∣phemous mouth, boasting & threatning great things if any did withstand him: and also his mighty power and authority, whereby he bare downe al before him. For if any did but mute against him, he was sure to smart for it. And thus through his tyrannicall power he subdued al nations vnder him, and made them stoupe and fal downe and worship him. But it follow∣eth, that for al this, none of Gods elect did worship him, or submit themselues to his religion, and autho∣rity, but only those that dwell vpon the earth, that is, earthly men: as papists, atheists, and reprobates, and al such, whose names are not written in the booke of life.

Christ is called the Lambe slaine from the begin∣ning of the world, because the sauing power of his death was from the beginning to all beleeuers, al∣though hee was not actually exhibited vntil the ful∣nesse of time.

Yf any man haue an eare, let him heare.

Yf any lead into captiuity, he shall goe into captiuity: [ver. 9] [ver. 10] yf any kill with a sword, he must be killed by a sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the Saints.

Here is shewed, that the things spoken of this great

beast, are very secret and mystical, and can be vnder∣stood of none but those onely, whose eares and eies God openeth to heare, & see, and vnderstand, that is, the very elect of God: as for al papists and worldlings, their eares & eies are sealed and shut vp, they cannot vnderstand them, but doe stil worship the beast, ascri∣bing vnto him diuine power and honor.

In the 10. verse the iudgement and vengeance of God is denounced against the Romane monarchie, both former and latter; which, as it hath long oppres∣sed the church with cruel bondage, and drawne thou∣sands into perpetual captiuity; so it selfe also should be cast downe, with al the adherents thereof, both in this life and that which is to come. For as the Romane Empire did tyrannise ouer the world, and led milli∣ons into spirituall captiuity and bondage: so here it is auouched, that according to the iust lawe of quit∣tance, it selfe should be brought to the same lore. And as this beast had murdered many by the sword; so he him selfe must be murdered by the sword also: As the Apostle saith, God is iust, and therefore will recom∣pense tribulation to them that trouble his Church. Now al this seemeth vnto me, to be a cleere prophecy of the fal and final destruction of the Romane Empire, which indeede considering the pitch that it was at, may seeme a thing strange and incredible: and there∣fore the Holy-ghost stirreth vs vp to attention in the ninth verse, as to a thing of great woonderment, and admiration: for if the Romane monarchie fall, the Papacy must of necessity fal with it. For the Romane Empire is that beast, [chapter 17. verse 3.] which beareth vp the whoore of Babylon, as appeareth in the 17. Chapter of this pro∣phecy,

where we shal (God willing) plainely, and at large heare of the ioint destruction of them both to∣gether.

It is added: Heere is the patience and faith of the Saints. That is, here is required great patience of al Gods children, to waite, and carry til the per∣formance and accomplishment of those things; and also faith and ful assurance to beleeue, that they shal in Gods appointed time come to passe. For few doo beleeue these things, and therfore wait not with pati¦ence for the accomplishment thereof.

And I beheld another beast comming out of the earth, [ver. 11,] which had two hornes like the Lamb, but he spake like the dragon.

Hauing described the first beast which is the Ro∣man Empire: now the Holy-ghost commeth to de∣scribe the second beast, which is the Papacy, or the kingdome of the great Antichrist: for although hee bee described before in regard of his monarchy, that is, the ciuill iurisdiction, which hee exercised as he was the seuenth head of the beast, and head of the Empire; yet here he is described after another sort, that is, according to his ecclesiastical authority: and therfore he is called another beast, or a beast diffe∣ring from the former, in that he exerciseth an other power, besides the power of the heathen Emperours of Rome, which is his spirituall iurisdiction, in which respect he is called the false prophet.

This second beast riseth out of the earth, as the for∣mer rose out of the sea: then it appeareth that Anti∣christ is, by his breed, a sonne of the earth; obscurely borne, & by little and little creeping vp out of his ab∣iect

estate; as did the Turke. It is here most truly said, that the kingdome of Antichrist ariseth out of the earth, & is the very breed of the earth: for assuredly it neuer came from heauen. It was first hatched out of couetuousnesse, ambition, pride, murders, treasons, poisonings, sorceries, enchantments, and such like. For al stories do shew, that from these roots the Pa∣pacy grew to his exceeding height and altitude.

This second beast hath two hornes, like the Lambe: Whereby is meant his ciuil and ecclesiastical power, or his kingdome, and Priesthood; which he falsly pretendeth to come from the Lamb: and therefore he giueth in his armes two keies, and hath two swords carried before him. So Boniface the eight shewed himselfe one day in apparrel as a Pope, and the next day in armour as the Emperour; and the two hornes in the Popes miter are signes hereof. But the Holy-ghost here telleth vs, that these two hornes are not the hornes of the Lambe, but only like the hornes of the Lamb: for he receiued not his power from the Lamb Christ; but from the diuel, that is, the dragon with ten hornes. Then thus it is, the Papacy is the seauenth head of the first beast, that is, the Empire; & yet a beast by it selfe, with two hornes like the Lamb, in respect of his ioint power and authority, both ec∣clesiastical and ciuil, in which respect he is called euen the eight: and one of the seuen, Chap. 17. ver. 11.

Although this second beast haue two hornes like the Lamb, yet he spake like the dragon, that is, al his words and workes, practises and proceedings, lawes and de∣crees, are for the dragon, of whom he hath his pow∣er and throne, and great authority. So that whatsoe∣uer

he pretendeth in religion, and matters of Gods worship, as though he would be like the Lamb; yet assuredly hee is altogether for the dragon and the di∣uel: he is assured vnto them, as al experience doth ma∣nifestly witnesse.

And he did all that the first beast could doe before him: & he caused the earth, & them that dwel therin, [vers. 12] to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Here is shewed, that this second beast was as migh∣ty and stronge as the first beast, and could doo as much as he, euen in his presence. Whereby is noted the great power, and authority of the Papacy, in per∣forming as much in the seruice of the dragon against God and his church, as euer the Empire of the hea∣then, and those wicked Emperours could doo: yea he did much more against Christ and his religion, then euer the persecuting Emperours could do, euen then when they were at their highest pitch. And al this he did in his presence, that is, in the sight and o∣pen view of the whole Empire, or whole world.

And he caused the earth, and them that dwell therin, that is, al Papists, and worldlings, to worship the first beast, that is, to receiue the worship and religion of the old Roman tyranny, which set vp and maintained Idolatry. So then, although the power in the Papa∣cy came vnder the name of Christ, yet in truth it was the same that the power of the persecuting Empire: for the heathen emperours condemned the true wor∣ship of God, and set vp false worship, euen the wor∣ship of diuels, which is Idolatry, and so do the Popes also. So then we see, that this second beast is al for the first beast, that is, he leuieth al his power and au∣thority,

to set vp the worship and religion of the old Romane tyrants; and to force al men by cruel lawes and decrees, to receiue and embrace the same. So this second beast is nothing better thē the first; nay in truth a great deale worse.

[vers. 13] And he did great woonders, so that hee made fire to come downe from heauen on the earth, in the sight of men.

[vers. 14] And deceiued them that dwell on the earth, by the signes which were permitted him to doo in the sight of the beast, saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make the Image of the beast, which had the wound of a sword, and did liue.

These two verses do containe two special things: The one is, the false & fained miracles of Antichrist. The other is, the cursed effect thereof.

Touching the first, which is the woonders and mi∣racles which Antichrist should worke, it is here said that he should make fire come downe from heauen, as Elias did. The meaning whereof is not, that the Popes could indeed cause fire to come downe from heauen, as Elias did: but in the opinion of the blind world, they seemed to haue as great power as euer had Elias. For partly by counterfeit miracles, and partly by some strange things done by the power of Sathan, the se∣duced world hath verily beleeued, that the Pope and his clergie had as great power to worke miracles, as euer had Elias.

Touching the second thing, which is the effect of these woonders: It is here sayd that the inhabitants of the earth, that is, Papists and Worldlings, were grosselie deceiued and deluded by them, euen by

those lying woonders, which were permitted him to doo in the sight of the beast, that is, in the face and open view of the Empire: According as the Apostle foretolde, that the comming of Antichrist should be by the effectuall working of Sathan, with all power and signes, and lying woonders, and in all deceiueablenesse of vnrighteousnesse among them that perish, &c. But con∣cerning the Popishe counterfeit signes and woon∣ders, it is needelesse to write, beeing so wel knowne to al men, as they are, and so common and notorious in al stories.

[ver. 14] Saying to them that dwel on the earth, that they should make the image of the beast, which had the wound of a sword, and did liue.

Now Antichrist hauing gotten the world vnder him, by his counterfeit miracles, dooth lay his com∣mandement vpon thē, to make the Image of the beast. Now what is here meant by the image of the beast, is somewhat hard to discusse: some thinke, that by the image of the beast, which had the wound of a sword, and did liue, is meant the repairing, and the resto∣ring of the decaied estate of the empire, by the Popes, to his ful strength and vertue. We doe read that the state of the empire vnder Nero, Otho, Galba, and Vitel∣lius, was weak & feeble, in comparison of that which it was before, vnder Augustus, Tiberius, & Claudius. We doo reade also that the Gothes and Vandales made horrible rents and dissipations in the Romane em∣pire. We doe further reade, that the empire was deuided and rent in peeces; so that there was the em∣perour of the East, & the emperour of y^e West; yea at

last, the empire of the West fel quite downe: so that for the space of three hundred yeares and more, there was no Emperour of the West, vntill the Bishop of Rome Leo the third made Charles the Great, the king of France, Emperour: Then was the empire of the West againe erected, and in time grew to as great an height vnder the dominion of the Popes, as euer be∣fore; yea and farre greater. Now I say, some do take this restoring of the decayed estate of the Empire, by the Popes, to his former strength and power, to be the making of the image of the beast, which had the wound of a sword, and did liue. But for mine owne part I cannot be of that opinion; and my reason is, that the restoring of the decaied estate of the empire to his former condition, was the setting vp of the beast himselfe: for the empire is the beast, and not the I∣mage of the beast: for we must needes graunt, that the beast, and the image of the beast, are two seueral things. But the Popes in recouering the empire to his pristinate estate, set vp the beast againe: and ther∣fore not the image of the beast. Therefore the image of the beast, cannot be vnderstood of the restauration of the decaied estate of the empire. Besides this, it is here said, that the inhabitants of the earth had a great hād in making of this image. But the inhabitāts of the earth bare smal sway in the recouering and e∣rectiō of the empire. (For therein the Popes were al in al, after it came into their hands) Therfore this cannot be vnderstood of y^e Empire, but of some other thing: let vs then diligently search out what may be the true meaning of this place. It must needes be graunted, that by the beast, which had the wound of a sworde,

and did liue, is meant the recouered estate of the em∣pire, as before vers. 12. and by the image thereof, I vnderstande the forme of gouerment: for an image doth signifie a likenes, a similitude, a figure or forme of a thing. And as in all ciuil and ecclesiasticall regi∣ments, there is both a substance and a forme; a mat∣ter and a manner: so here, [vers. 12] hauing before set downe that Antichrist had erected the substance and mat∣ter of the old Romane tyranny; now he sheweth, that he should also set vp the image and forme of the same. For before ver. 12. it is said, that Antichrist this se∣cōd beast, caused the world to worship the first beast, that is, to receiue and imbrace the lawes, worship, and religion of the olde heathenish Romane tyrants, as before hath bin shewed: and now here is added, that hee did not content himselfe with causing the inhabitants of the earth to worship the old beast, in the substance of his religion; but also he laieth com∣maundements vpon them, to make his Image, that is, to erect an externall forme of Ecclesiasticall go∣uernment, after the verie patterne and forme of the gouernement of the old Empire; yea so like it, that it is called the verie image of the same. For as the forme of gouernement vnder the old Emperours, was cruell and tyrannicall, and altogether bent a∣gainst the Church: so the forme of Ecclesiasticall gouernement vnder the Popes, was cruell and ty∣rannicall, and altogether bent against the Church; and therefore heere it is called the Image of it▪ for it is as like it as it can looke. Then it followeth, that Antichrist hath set vp that externall forme of worship, which the Idolatrous Romans of old vsed;

and that he hath renewed the persecuting Empire, not onely in substance of matter, but also in forme of gouernement: and therefore I conclude, that the Popish Church-policie, and externall regiment, is the verie Image of the beast.

Heere the inhabitants of the earth are said to make the Image of the beast, because they gaue their consent to the making of it: for indeede the Popes themselues were the chiefe agents and do∣ers in it.

[ver. 15] And it was permitted vnto him, to giue a spirit vnto the Image of the beast; so that the Image of the beast should speake, and should cause that as many as would not worship the Image of the beast, should bee killed.

Heere is shewed, that this image of the beast was not a dead image, but a liuing image: for An∣tichrist put a spirit into it; that is, life and power, and great authoritie; insomuch that this Image could speake; and not onely speake, but speake with great authoritie and terrour: so as whosoeuer would not worship this Image, that is, submit himselfe to the Popish Hierarchie, should bee put to death. But may some man say, How did this image speake? I answer, by the Popes Clergie. For the Romish rab∣ble of Cardinals, Abbots, Monks, Priests, Friers, and all that cursed corporation, were the verie breath, life, and spirit of this image: I meane, that the life∣bloud of their externall regiment, did lie in the exe∣cution thereof by the Clergie, as it were in certaine arteries and veines. For what was their outwarde

forme of gouernement, without this cruell execu∣tion of their stinging Clergie men, but as a dead I∣mage without life? But when Antichrist had once consecrated and erected his Romish priesthood, then did hee put life into his Image, which before he had caused to bee made and erected. Then wee doe plainely see, that the popish Hierarchie is not a bare resemblance of the old Roman policie, to stand as a picture on a wall, but hath a spirit put into it by the false Prophet, and speaketh with such power and terrour in all kingdomes, that it causeth all to bee put to death that will not submit themselues vnto it, and fall downe and worship the beast. Who knoweth not this, that as manie in all countries, as would not embrace poperie, and the old Roman ty∣rannie; the Popish Clergie, their inquisitors, and other Officers, did condemne them in their Courts, as heretikes, schismatikes, and deliuered them o∣uer, being condemned, to the secular power to bee put to death.

And he made all both small and great, [vers. 16] rich and poore, bond and free, to receiue a marke in their right hand, or in their foreheads.

And that no man might buy or sell, [vers. 17] saue he that had the marke, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Antichrist is not content to murder and massa∣cre all in all countries, which will not worship the I∣mage of the beast; that is, stoupe to his gouerne∣ment and authoritie: but hee will goe yet a steppe further, and will haue all sorts of people brought in

bondage vnto him, as his marked seruants. For as men vse to set a brand vpon their sheepe and other cattell, and to eare-marke them, that it may openly and manifestly appeare to whom they appertaine: so doth Antichrist this Romish beast, cause all men in all kingdoms to carie in open viewe his marke or brand, whereby all may see that they do appertaine vnto him.

It is heere said, that all the vassals of Antichrist, of what degree, estate, or condition soeuer, must re∣ceiue his marke in their right hand, or in their fore∣head: that is, they must openly professe and practise the worship and religion of the beast. For the fore∣head is put for the profession; and the right hand, for the action: so that in one of them at the least, euery man must openly declare, that hee acknowledgeth the Pope of Rome to be Lord of his faith.

Moreouer it is added, That no man might buy or sell, saue hee that had the marke, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name: the meaning is, that no man might traffique in the world, or haue anie doings amongst men; nay, hee might not be suffered to liue, except hee had the marke of the beast in his forehead, or in his right hand; that is, vnlesse he did professe and practise the worship, the religion, the lawes, and decrees of the Pope. For the marke of the beast is put for his worship, religion, lawes, decrees, regiments, and policie.

Moreouer the Popes vassals haue not onely his marke vpon them, whereby they may be knowne, but also the name of the beast; for they must bee named after him, euen as children beare the name of their

Fathers, and must bee called of the Pope, or Papa, Papists. And not onely so, but also they haue ano∣ther priuie marke vpon them, and that is the num∣ber of his name, which is Latinos, or professours of the Latine religion, Latine kingdome, and Italian Church, as shall by and by appeare.

Now then to grow to a conclusion, and to make a briefe recapitulation of all thinges heere spoken concerning the second beast, which is Antichrist: Let vs consider what increasings and proceedings hee hath made, as it were by degrees.

First, although he haue two hornes like the Lamb, that is, ciuill and ecclesiasticall power; yet he speaketh like the Dragon, that is, he bendeth all his power and authoritie, words and works for the diuell.

Secondly, he doth as much as the first beast could do in the seruice of the Dragon.

Thirdly, he causeth the first beast to be worship∣ped, that is, establisheth the substance of his re∣ligion.

Fourthly, he maketh the image of the beast, that is, addeth a forme to the substance.

Fiftly, hee putteth life into his Image by his Clergie.

Sixtly, he will haue this Image worshipped, and yeelded vnto, on paine of death.

Lastly, he will haue all men of all conditions to weare his liuerie, and to receiue his marke, as it were his hired and couenant seruants.

Heere is wisdome: Let him that hath wit, count the the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man,

and his number is sixe hundred theescore and sixe.

Now last of all the holy Ghost telleth vs that it is a verie high point of wisedome and vnderstan∣ding, to count the number of the beast, and requi∣reth a sharpe and pregnant wit; and withall telleth vs, that it is the number of a man; that is, such as a man endued with Gods Spirite may finde out. Then wee are encouraged to search into it, sith it is within the compasse of mans reach. It is no im∣possible thing. If therefore wee could find out his name, wee would desire no more; then the field were wonne: for his name would discouer him, and descrie him to all the world, and quite stoppe the mouthes of the Papists, so as they should neuer haue anie thing more to say. For if Saint Iohn had said expresly and in plaine tearmes, that the Popes of Rome are this second beast, and the verie Antichrist himselfe, then the Papists had beene put to per∣petuall silence, all matters quasht, and all contro∣uersies ended betwixt them and vs for euer. But heere the holy Ghost doth not tell vs his name plainely, but mystically, as manie other things in this booke, that the worldlings which should ful∣fill them might be blinded, whilest the eyes of Gods elect are opened to see into the truth of all these mat∣ters. Well, to come to the point: Saint Iohn doth onely heere set downe the numeratiue letters of the beasts name. Hee wrote in Greeke, and he one∣ly setteth downe three Greeke letters or characters, which in Greeke numeration make sixe hundred sixtie sixe. Now further wee are to note, that the

numeratiue letters of the Greeke word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 doe make iust this number. And yet further we are to ob∣serue as a verie speciall thing, that Irenaeus, an an∣cient Father of the Church, who liued verie neere vnto the Apostles times, mentioneth this worde Lateinos, as the name of the beast. And moreouer af∣firmeth, that it was a common receiued opinion in his time, and before, that the Beast should be so cal∣led. Now then let vs consider how this fitteth. First, we know that the numeratiue letters of Lateinos doe iustly fit Saint Iohns Greeke numeratiue letters. Se∣condly, we know that Antichrist is the head of the La∣tine Church, or Latine Empire: and therefore this verie Lateinos. For here we doe not enquire after the name of anie particular man, but about the name of a kingdome; for the beast is a kingdome, and a suc∣cession of men. Now Italy in old time was called Latinum, & the Italians Latini: which noteth of what countrey the beast should come. Moreouer, the beasts name, or name of the Romane Empire is La∣teinos, because the Empire both vnder the heathen tyrants, and the Popes especially, had all their religi∣on, seruice, prayers, lawes, decrees, writings, and translations in Latine: all was in Latine, Latine. The Pope preferred his Latine translation of the Bible, before the Hebrue and Greeke originals.

Thus then it is. Saint Iohn telleth vs flatly, that the number of the beast is sixe hundred sixtie sixe: Ire∣naeus saith, that Lateinos is his name, which contai∣neth iust that number. Therefore heere wee haue his name, heere hee is found. For if his name bee Lateinos, wee neede search no further, wee

know who it is, we know who is meant: for is not the Pope Lateinos? are not the succession of them La∣tini? are they not the heads of the Latine Church, and Latine Empire? Haue they not all their wor∣ship and seruice in Latine? Are they not Latines? for what is the name of the Romane Empire but Latei∣nos? And what is the name of the Popish Hierar∣chie but Lateinos? True it is indeed which the papists say, that manie names may bee inuented, whose let∣ters make this number: but the Spirit of God spea∣keth not of fained names, for thereof can come no∣thing but vncertaintie: but he willeth vs to count the number of his name, which then the beast had, that is, Lateinos. I doe thus then conclude. The beast is a kingdome, and the Papacie is the king∣dome of the Latines: Therefore the Papacie is the beast. The papacie is Lateinos, and containeth the number of the beast. For what other monarchie can bee shewed since this Reuelation was giuen, whose numeratiue letters containe this foresaid number? Assuredly none. And therefore out of all doubt Saint Iohn pointeth at the Roman Empire, and monar∣chie of the Popes. For Lateinos doth both containe the number of the beast, according to Saint Iohns computation, and also his name, which is the Latine Empire, or Romane Empire. And thus haue wee heard the description of these two huge and mon∣strous beasts, the sea beast, and the land beast; which both from the Apostles times hitherto haue indeede played the beasts against Christ and his Church, and still doe play the beasts, and will neuer cease playing the beasts, till their hornes, and hoofes, heads, and

bodies be cleane cut off, which will be shortly, as we shall heare anon.

Notes

• Rom. 13.
• Dan. 7.4.5.6.
• Dan. 7.17.
• Dan. 10.
• Dan. 11.
• Rom. 13.2.
• 1. Cor. 10.20.21.
• 2. Thes. 1.6
• Chap. 16 Ver. 13. Chap. 19. Ver. 20.
• 2. Thes. 2.
• 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• Iren. lib. 5. con∣tra haeres.